Montijo Town Council: biometric access control to the data centre

Câmara do Montijo: biometric control of the data center:

2 min read · DataRoad

Our Montijo Town Council chose DataRoad to install a biometric access control system at the entrance to the local authority’s data centre, thereby enhancing the physical security of one of the organisation’s most critical pieces of infrastructure.

What has been installed

The solution implemented enables all access to the data centre to be monitored and logged via biometric authentication, replacing less secure access control methods (such as shared physical keys) with a system that logs each entry individually. The project included:

• Installation of a door-opening device with a biometric sensor;
• Connecting the device to the local authority’s computer network;
• Installation and configuration of access control software, with event logging;
• Configuration of the solution and training of the team responsible for its day-to-day use.

Why is biometric access control important in a data centre?

A Data Centre concentrates servers, network equipment and an organisation's critical data — in the case of a municipality, this includes local government management systems, citizen data and public service support infrastructure.

A biometric control system eliminates the risk of lost, copied or uncontrollably shared keys, and guarantees an auditable record of who accessed the space and when — an increasingly relevant requirement in compliance and information security contexts in the public sector.

Unlike cards or codes, biometric data cannot be lent to others or forgotten, which significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access to one of the most sensitive parts of any organisation’s technological infrastructure.

Security and infrastructure services for the public sector

DataRoad has experience in supporting public bodies on projects that combine network infrastructure and physical security, including:

• Biometric and card-based access control systems;
• Installation and certification of structured cabling in data centres and behind the scenes;
• Configuration of access management and logging software;
• Training of in-house teams to enable them to use the installed solutions independently.

Benefits for the customer

• Enhanced physical security at the data centre, with restricted and controlled access;
• An individual, auditable record of each entry, essential for compliance;
• Elimination of the risk associated with shared or lost physical keys;
• A team that is fully trained and able to manage the system independently following installation.

DataRoad would like to thank Montijo Town Council for choosing our IT consultancy, IT support, and IT network management and maintenance services.

Other DataRoad projects

• Lambert Clinic: IT Unlimited at the new Corroios branch
• IT Unlimited IT support for businesses
• ReStream: the network of the new office in Portugal and IT Unlimited
• Lambert Clinic: IT Unlimited and comprehensive network maintenance

See all Success stories from DataRoad and is News and projects.

Would you like to simplify your company’s IT management? DataRoad offers a full range of IT services, tailored to the needs of each business. Find out about our IT services for businesses.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

What access control solution did DataRoad install at Montijo City Council?
DataRoad installed a biometric reader system to control and log all access to the municipality Datacenter, connected to the computer network, with access control software, event logging and training for the team.

Why is biometric control important in a Datacenter?
A Datacenter concentrates servers, network equipment and critical data. Biometric access replaces less secure methods, such as shared physical keys, with a system that logs each entry individually.

What is the advantage of individually logging each entry?
Individual logging shows who entered, when and into which room, which makes auditing and accountability easier. It replaces shared keys, where it is not possible to identify who opened the door.

Does DataRoad train the team that uses the system?
Yes. The project included configuration of the solution and training of the team responsible for its daily use, so that the municipality can run the access control system with autonomy.

DataRoad — IT services for businesses

Our DataRoad it is a premium managed IT services company (MSP), Based in Alfragide and with support nationwide, for 11 years it has provided the IT infrastructure for organizations that cannot stop — public agencies, embassies, hotels, clinics and demanding companies — with a certified technical team, ongoing monitoring and an unlimited support model, the IT Unlimited. There are 232 customers with a contract and the Top 5% SME certification, awarded by scoring.pt.

No IT support, DataRoad takes full charge of the company's IT infrastructure: a helpdesk with a ticketing system, remote and on-site assistance, server management and Microsoft 365, backup copies, cybersecurity, and proactive monitoring.

DataRoad Services

• IT Unlimited — unlimited IT support: unlimited assistance with a fixed monthly fee, with permanent monitoring and alarm system.
• IT support for businesses: helpdesk with a ticketing system and defined response times.
• Computer networks and structured cablingDesign, installation and certification.
• Enterprise wireless networksCoverage study, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7, centralized management.
• Cybersecurity and firewalls: Perimeter protection and secure remote access.
• Information Technology for the Public SectorExperience with eight public entities and with the rules of public procurement.