What are the key features included in unified platforms for data center security? What are some factors to consider when selecting such platforms? This article seeks to address these questions.
In the
previous article we mentioned data centers can benefit greatly from unified management platforms that unify disparate security systems into an integrated whole. So what are the key features included in unified platforms? What are some factors to consider when selecting such platforms? This article seeks to address these questions.
Key features
A good unified security platform for data centers should have certain key features. It should have a centralized dashboard enabling real-time overview of all security systems (video surveillance and access control, for example), and customizable layouts for different user roles. The platform should also have strong audit trails and logging features, providing detailed logs of user activity, access events and configuration changes. It should also have strong integrative capabilities, integrating not just security systems but also environmental control systems.
“Crucially, the platform should support integrating environmental monitoring such as temperature, humidity, smoke, water, and power events into the access control system. When physical and environmental events are unified under the same platform, operators gain faster situational awareness and can respond more decisively to threats or anomalies,” said Joe Fan, Regional Marketing Manager for Asia at Gallagher.
Hybrid architecture
When considering which architecture to choose when deploying a unified platform – on-premises or cloud – it is recommended the user employ a hybrid model, which offers the best of both worlds.
“Deployment flexibility is critical when it comes to unified security platforms in data centers. Some operators prefer on-premises systems for tighter control and lower latency, especially in high-security environments. Others lean toward cloud-based solutions for easier scalability, remote access, and simplified maintenance. But many data centers tend to opt for a hybrid approach that offers the best of both worlds. It allows teams to centralize security across multiple sites while keeping sensitive operations local. The key is having the choice to deploy the platform in a way that aligns with your infrastructure, compliance needs, and growth strategy,” said Alex Reichard, Key Account Manager at Genetec.
“In a hybrid architecture, the core platform remains on premises while selected services – such as mobile credential enrollment, visitor registration, and service request handling - are securely delivered via the cloud,” Fan said. “A unified platform that supports this hybrid approach provides the flexibility needed to meet evolving operational and compliance requirements without compromising security posture.”
What to consider when selecting a unified platform
When choosing a unified platform for data center security, there are several factors to consider. These are summarized as follows.
Integration capabilities
As aforementioned, a unified security platform for data centers should have strong integration capabilities unifying various security and non-security systems central to data center operations. “The platform should natively support interoperability with identity providers, visitor management systems, video surveillance platforms, alarm monitoring, and key cabinet management, enabling seamless data flow without duplicative configuration or administrative overhead,” Fan said. “A unified interface for monitoring, alerting, and audit logging across these systems streamlines operations and strengthens incident response.”
Open architecture
Open architecture is also important, enabling users to integrate third-party devices and systems into the platform. “A good platform should grow with your needs and adapt as the threat landscape evolves. This growth should be more than just supporting video streams and doors; these security platforms should be able to ingest all sorts of data sources and be able to export data to other third party platforms for manipulation and visualization is key. Using an OpenAPI model is crucial to provide communication between many different systems and ensure you future-proof your investment,” Reichard said.
Cybersecurity
Data centers are places where important and sensitive information owned by client companies is kept. As such, a single cyber breach can have disastrous consequences. That said, unified security platforms at data centers must be robust and hardened enough in the face of cyber-risks such as advanced persistent threats and malware/ransomware. “Cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought; the platform must offer strong encryption, regular updates, and tools for managing vulnerabilities,” Reichard said.
Compliance
The platform should meet certain security- or region-specific standards. “Compliance is a foundational requirement. Support for standards such as ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI-DSS and other region-specific certifications is increasingly expected by tenants, auditors, and regulatory bodies,” Fan said.
Scalability and reliability
Finally, scalability and reliability are critical. “The platform should be capable of supporting multi-site deployments, hybrid architectures, and high-availability configurations without compromising performance. Vendors with a proven track record in high-security environments – such as government, critical infrastructure, or enterprise-grade colocation – can offer valuable assurance around product maturity, support quality, and long-term viability,” Fan said.