SSAE SOC2 – What is it and why should you care?

When you outsource parts of your IT support or infrastructure, how do you know your partner is doing things right? Are they secure, efficient, and reliable? Or are they leaving your data exposed to unnecessary risk?

Think of it like going on a road trip. Would you rather ride with someone who:

  • Has a valid driver’s license and a proven track record
  • Or just claims they’re “a good driver” without proof

Most of us would feel safer with the first option, and the same logic applies to IT partners.

What Is SSAE SOC 2?

To help businesses verify that their IT partners are operating safely and effectively, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) created SSAE SOC 2 (Statement on Standards for Attestation Engagements, Service Organization Control 2).

SOC 2 allows companies like Datotel to demonstrate, through independent CPA audits, that they have:

  • The necessary processes and controls in place
  • That these controls are sound and actively followed

The result? An annual report you can request as a client that provides assurance your IT systems are in safe hands.

Why SOC 2 Matters for You

Choosing a SOC 2-compliant partner shows a high level of discipline in IT operations. The benefits for your organization include:

  • Stronger security and reliability
  • Lower risk of outages, data loss, or performance issues
  • Improved operational quality overall

Put simply, if a partner hasn’t gone through this process, you’re taking on unnecessary risk.

Type 1 vs. Type 2 Audits: What’s the Difference?

Not all SOC 2 audits are created equal. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Type 1 Audit: Verifies that controls exist at a specific point in time
  • Type 2 Audit: Examines both what controls exist and whether they are consistently followed over time

Type 2 audits are far more thorough and give you real confidence in your IT partner.

Also, make sure the audit covers all areas of the business, not just one service like colocation.

Datotel’s SOC 2 Commitment

Datotel’s SSAE SOC 2 Type 2 certification shows that our processes, procedures, and controls have been formally evaluated and tested by an independent CPA firm.

Some highlights:

  • Certified since 2007 (SAS 70)
  • SSAE16 certified since 2012
  • Coverage spans all lines of business: Colocation, Managed Services, Cloud Services, and Service Desk

With Datotel, you can rest assured that your IT systems are secure, reliable, and well-managed, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your business.