Exploring the Future of Data Centers, AI, and Energy in Montana

Vision Net was proud to partner with the Montana High Tech Business Alliance to host The Future of Data Centers, AI, & Energy in Montana event in Billings. This engaging discussion brought together technology leaders, innovators, and policymakers to explore how Montana can position itself at the forefront of digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and sustainable energy.

The event featured an impressive panel that included Ann Leuprecht (NorthWestern Energy), Kala Radovich (KLJ Engineering), Scott Menhart (Vision Net), Representative Katie Zolnikov (House District 44). Their insights highlighted the opportunities and challenges that come with advancing high-tech industries in our state.

From powering next-generation AI to supporting data growth with renewable energy solutions, the discussion underscored the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government, and communities. Vision Net’s Scott Menhart, Chief Technology & Information Officer, shared valuable perspectives on how Vision Net’s infrastructure and innovation are driving connectivity and enabling the technologies shaping tomorrow.

We’re incredibly grateful to the panelists, attendees, and partners who joined us for this meaningful conversation about Montana’s technological future. Events like this continue to strengthen our state’s role as a growing hub for innovation and digital transformation.

Together, we’re building a smarter, more connected Montana.

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Top 5 Data Center Security Risks: How Vision Net Protects Your Data

In the fast-paced world of data management, security is paramount. As a Montana-based telecom company with state-of-the-art data centers, Vision Net understands the critical importance of data center security. In this blog post, we will discuss five data center security risks that every business should be aware of and how Vision Net's cutting-edge facilities can help mitigate these risks.

1. Physical Intrusions

Risk: While cyber-attacks grab most of the headlines, physical breaches of data centers remain a real threat. Data centers hold sensitive data and equipment that is attractive to thieves. Ensure strong physical security measures like multiple access controls, video surveillance, and on-site security guards.

Mitigation: Vision Net's data centers feature multiple layers of security, including burglar and motion intrusion detection alarm systems, CCTV cameras, and vehicle intrusion bollards. Biometric access controls with Two-Factor and Three-Factor Authentication ensure that only authorized personnel can enter the facility and specific customer areas.

2. Power Interruptions

Risk: Power outages or fluctuations can disrupt data center operations, potentially causing data loss or downtime.

Mitigation: Vision Net's facilities boast highly reliable commercial power with redundant generators and UPS backup systems. A and B uninterruptible power circuits ensure continuous operation, even in the face of power disruptions.

3. Environmental Threats

Risk: Environmental factors like fires, floods, storms, and earthquakes can pose serious threats to data center equipment and data integrity.

Mitigation: Vision Net's data centers offer an extremely low geolocation risk, reducing the chances of natural disasters. Furthermore, our facilities are equipped with dry pipe fire suppression and zoned heat/smoke detection systems, including Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus (VESDA) detection. Redundant HVAC systems with hot/cold aisle configurations maintain ideal environmental conditions for data center equipment.

4. Network Vulnerabilities

Risk: Weak network security can expose data to cyber threats and unauthorized access.

Mitigation: Vision Net offers ultra-low network latency and implements robust security measures like Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) and Three-Factor Authentication (3FA) to safeguard against network vulnerabilities.

5. Compliance and Regulatory Risks

Risk: Failure to comply with industry-specific regulations (e.g., SOC 1 Type 2 and PCI DSS SAQ) can result in legal and financial consequences.

Guarantee concept Certification and Manufacturing iso standards audit checklist. High quality photo

Mitigation: Vision Net's data centers are fully compliant with industry standards, ensuring that your critical data operations meet regulatory requirements. Maintaining SOC 1, Type 2 compliance involves a periodic, rigorous, independent audit of Vision Nets policies and procedures related to physical security, facility, and environmental protection, customer account management, logical security, and operations. The audits are conducted to help assure our partners that the Data Center is operated appropriately to ensure maximum security, reliability, and customer uptime.

Plus, with zero sales tax and low business property tax in Montana, you can save on operational costs.

At Vision Net, we provide the ideal solution for maintaining your critical data operations while freeing up premium resources that can be dedicated to your core business. Our state-of-the-art facilities, carrier neutrality, and commitment to security make us the trusted choice for data center services across all industries.

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Vision Net hosted Data Center Ribbon Cutting in Billings, Montana

On Sept 9th, Vision Net celebrated the acquisition of its new data center! We had a blast at our ribbon cutting and open house with Billings Chamber members, ambassadors, guests, and clients. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us.

After our interim CEO, Gary Evan's speech, our data center manager, Shawn Helmbrecht, led the facility tours for guests. The facility features Multi-factor Security, 24-hour customer access, diverse network connectivity, and reliable commercial power among other security measures.

Vision Net Opens the Doors on its Newest Data Center

Customers and community invited to an open house and tour in Billings on Friday, September 9

Billings, MT–Vision Net, Inc., a Montana-based telecommunications solution provider, is hosting an open house with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new data center at 1030 Central Avenue in Billings on Friday, September 9, from 11 am to 1 pm. The event will include door prizes, a facility tour, and lunch provided by the La Taqueria Food Truck. Because this is a highly secure facility, tour reservations are requested at www.vision.net/openhouse.

Data centers are facilities that centralize a company's IT operations and equipment at an offsite location. With the advent of edge computing—which brings computation and data storage closer to the customer to save bandwidth, increase response times, and bolster security—the demand for these centers has grown exponentially. At its most basic level, a data center provides valuable "real estate" for a company's most critical IT components, including routers, storage systems, firewalls, and servers.

Vision Net's 1030 Central Data Center boasts 24,000 square feet with dry pipe fire suppression and zoned heat/smoke detection, a floor loading capacity of 200+ pounds per square foot, a redundant HVAC system with hot/cold isle configuration, and a shipping and receiving area with two loading docks. Other vital features include:

- Multi-factor Security with (2FA - 3FA) Two-Factor -Three Factor Authentication, Burglar Alarm, motion intrusion detection alarm systems, and CCTV cameras
- 24-hour Customer Access and around-the-clock "remote hands" assistance and (NOC) Network Operation Center support.
- Diverse Network Connectivity to multiple carriers, and carrier neutrality
- Highly reliable commercial power with redundant ups and generator back-up
- Compliances include System Organizational Controls (SOC 1 Type 2) and PCI DSS SAQ Compliant.

Vision Net Interim CEO Gary Evans is pleased to welcome the community to 1030 Central. "Vision Net's new data center expands our suite of solutions to deliver a more comprehensive, end-to-end customer experience for clients across the country and around the world," he said. "As a Montana-based firm, part of our mission is to fuel growth throughout our state. 1030 Central delivers on this promise, ensuring area businesses have access to the most innovative solutions available today.

The new data center was acquired as part of Vision Net's recent acquisition of iConnect Montana.

About Vision Net

For 27 years, Vision Net has provided a full suite of B2B telecommunications solutions to financial services, healthcare, government, professional and educational clients, allowing them to innovate and expand in Montana and beyond. With offices in Great Falls, Billings, Missoula, and Helena, Vision Net gives its clients the peace of mind to concentrate on their business by providing a secure, agile, and adaptable network built for their needs and budget. Vision Net is proud to be Montana's largest independent network and proud to call Montana home.

Vision Net Acquires iConnect Montana, Bringing Together Two of the State’s Leading Telecom Solutions Providers

The acquisition bolsters Vision Net’s data center offerings and expertise

Vision Net has acquired iConnect Montana. The move positions Vision Net to meet increased customer demand in the rapidly-evolving telecommunications industry—notably the increasing demand for edge computing. The company now will offer its clients data center services in addition to its already-robust suite of technology solutions.

(May 2, 2022) Billings, Mont. — Vision Net, Inc., a Montana-based telecommunications solution provider, today announced the acquisition of iConnect Montana. iConnect Montana provides network connectivity and data center services to customers across the Big Sky state. Both firms will now operate under the Vision Net name and brand. Existing iConnect customers can expect the same level of excellence they’ve long enjoyed and with no disruption to their service.

Of the acquisition, Vision Net CEO Corey Jensen said that the two businesses, which enjoy a working relationship, have long been committed to delivering solutions that ensure Montana can compete regionally and nationally for businesses requiring these services to operate.

“The iConnect acquisition bolsters Vision Net’s suite of services, enabling us to deliver a more comprehensive, end-to-end customer experience,” he said. “Increasingly, firms seek data center solutions to reduce cost and latency and bolster security. Bringing iConnect’s data center services and its team of experts under the Vision Net banner positions us to fully address this growing need."

iConnect Chairman and CEO Craig Gates agrees, noting that the demand for edge computing—running fewer processes in the cloud and bringing them and data storage closer to the customer—will drive growth in the data center space. "Bringing the two companies together at this time is a perfect mix of services. VisionNet has built a great reputation serving the customers of Montana through its network that reaches across the state. iConnect has been the premier data center in Montana and this allows both companies to join as a platform for all the next-gen applications that demand low latency and faster processing speeds to be delivered by edge computing,” he said. “The acquisition is a highly strategic move that fortifies the position of both companies as industry leaders in the region.”

iConnect Montana was founded in 1999 by three Montana telephone cooperatives to provide neutral network connectivity and data center services for telecommunications, e-commerce, and Internet-based businesses. Data centers—also known as fiber hotels—allow businesses to enjoy the benefits of a carrier-grade central office-type facility without bearing the upfront costs of building and maintaining the associated infrastructure. iConnect Montana operates facilities in Billings, Helena and Missoula.

Incorporated in 1995 by five Montana telephone cooperatives, Vision Net has a 27-year history of serving the needs of the Montana business community. Its telecommunications solutions include broadband network wholesale, internet services, design, and management of customized wide-area network (WAN) solutions, including SD-WAN, end-point, and network security products. Its connectivity expertise can be found across healthcare, education, banking and finance, engineering, and government.

The move is the latest in a string of strategic endeavors undertaken by Vision Net to remain at the forefront of the telecom industry and ensure area businesses have access to the most innovative solutions available. For example, in recent years, it funded critical broadband fiber infrastructure in Helena and Billings. Likewise, it has focused heavily on its corporate culture, building a Montana-friendly workplace that inspires creativity, passion, and accountability. Jensen noted that iConnect Montana boasts this same Big Sky sensibility, an attribute his team found appealing.

"Vision Net’s culture is central to who we are so it was critical that we share core values with iConnect Montana," he said. "I have no doubt that this will make for a more seamless transition as we welcome the iConnect Montana team to our company."

Vision Net remains headquartered in Great Falls with offices in Billings, Missoula, and Helena.

About Vision Net

For over 25 years, Vision Net has provided a full suite of B2B telecommunications solutions to financial services, healthcare, government, professional and educational clients, allowing them to innovate and expand in Montana and beyond. With offices in Great Falls, Billings, Missoula, and Helena, Vision Nets gives its clients the peace of mind to concentrate on their business by providing a secure, agile, and adaptable network built for their needs and budget. Vision Net is proud to be Montana's largest independent network and proud to call Montana home.