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SSAE 16 Professionals Unveils Specialty Service Line Focusing on SSAE 16 Audit Reports for Data CentersIrvine, CA, Dec 18, 2012 (PRWeb.com via COMTEX) -- SSAE 16 Professionals has unveiled a specialty service line focusing on SSAE 16 reports for Data Centers. With the cost of maintaining an in-house data center so high, and the criticality of access to information 24/7/365, many companies choose to outsource their physical and environmental security needs to a data center. The data center houses critical computer systems, hardware components, telecommunications equipment, and storage systems. Most data centers provide redundant power supplies, redundant data communication connections, electrical power, environmental controls (e.g., air conditioning, fire suppression) and internet connections. Often times, companies will only choose to contract with SSAE 16 audited data centers to ensure they maintain appropriate internal controls around security, privacy, and availability. "Many data centers are choosing SSAE 16 Professionals to perform their SSAE 16 audit because of our personalized approach," says Jim Jimenez, Managing Partner at SSAE 16 Professionals. "We have a unique blend of expertise coupled with good old fashioned client service." Industry Need SSAE 16 audit reports, also known as SOC 1 Reports, which have effectively replaced SAS 70 reports, will be prepared in accordance with Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements (SSAE) No. 16, Reporting on Controls at a Service Organization. SOC 1 audit reports retain the original purpose of SAS 70 by providing a means of reporting on the system of internal control for purposes of complying with internal control over financial reporting. In the past, SAS 70 reports encompassed financial reporting controls, operational controls, and compliance controls. SSAE 16 SOC 1 reports can no longer be used for any other purpose except for reporting on the system of internal control for purposes of complying with internal control over financial reporting. For reports that are not specifically focused on internal controls over financial reporting, the AICPA has issued an interpretation under AT Section 101 permitting service auditors to issue reports. These reports will now be considered SOC 2 audit reports. SOC 2 reports will focus on controls at a service organization relevant to one or more of the following Trust Services principles: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy. SSAE 16 (SOC 1) & SOC 2 Type I and Type II Audit Reports SSAE 16 Professionals completes both SSAE 16 (SOC 1) and SOC 2 Type I Audit Reports and SSAE 16 (SOC 1) and SOC 2 Type II Audit Reports. SSAE 16 and SOC 2 Type I Reports - A report on policies and procedures placed in operation as of a specified point in time. SSAE 16 and SOC 2 Type I Reports evaluate the design effectiveness of a service provider's controls and then confirms that these controls have been placed in operation as of a specific date. SSAE 16 and SOC 2 Type II Reports - A report on policies and procedures placed in operation and tests of operating effectiveness for a period of time. SSAE 16 and SOC 2 Type II Reports include the examination and confirmation steps involved in a Type I examination plus include an evaluation of the effectiveness of the controls for a period of at least six calendar months. Most user organizations require their service provider to undergo the Type II level examination for the greater level of assurance it provides. About SSAE 16 Professionals SSAE 16 Professionals, LLP is a leading PCAOB registered accounting firm that specializes in SSAE 16 (SOC 1) and SOC 2 audits, SSAE 16 (SOC 1) and SOC 2 readiness reviews, and other IT audit and compliance reports. Each of our professionals has over 10 years of relevant experience at "Big 4" and other large international or regional accounting firms. Each professional is certified as a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor), CIA (Certified Internal Auditor), CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional), CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) and/or MBA (Master of Business Administration). For more information, please visit http://www.SSAE16Professionals.com. ### Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/ssae16/soc2/prweb10198364.htm PRWeb.com |