What is DC2
DC2 is the modern hosting infrastructure on which Rio Evo runs. It is built on the Access Datacentre: a fully managed, enterprise-grade hosting environment owned, operated, and supported by Access. It replaces the previous hosting infrastructure with a platform built for the performance, security, and resilience that NHS clinical systems require.
Why Access Health made this investment
Access Health's commitment to DC2 is a reflection of our responsibility as a provider. The services your organisation depends on should run on infrastructure that meets the highest standards for security, clinical safety, and continuity of service. DC2 is that infrastructure.
Moving to DC2 is about ensuring your organisation is running on a platform that meets the quality and security standards the NHS expects, reduces operational risk, and positions you to take full advantage of Rio Evo and the capabilities that come with it.
What the Access Datacentre delivers
The Access Datacentre, which underpins DC2, provides:
Fully managed hosting for Access software, with no on-premise infrastructure required
Full backup and disaster recovery, ensuring continuity of service in the event of an incident
All data encrypted at rest using AES-256 encryption, meeting NHS data security requirements
24/7/365 systems monitoring through Access's Global Network Operations Centre (NOC)
DDoS protection and next-generation security, protecting systems from external threats
Active/passive and active/active design, providing resilience at infrastructure level
ISO 27001 and ISO 9001 certification (ISOQAR), independently verified
N+1 hardware, owned, managed, and supported by Access
What DC2 means for your compliance position
For NHS organisations managing Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation and the Data Security and Protection Toolkit, DC2 provides a significantly stronger foundation than the previous hosting infrastructure. The independently certified security controls and 24/7 monitoring give your information governance leads concrete, auditable evidence of the security standards your system operates under.
What DC2 enables beyond security
DC2 is also the technical prerequisite for Rio Evo. The modern database architecture within DC2 is what connects your data to the Rio Evo front end and enables the platform capabilities including Feeds, Copilot, Spaces, and Single Sign-On. More detail on this is covered in the following Knowledge Base article: What DC2 unlocks: Rio Evo capabilities and what they mean for your organisation.
Where your organisation is on DC2
Many Rio customers are already on DC2 or actively in a DC2 programme. If your organisation is not yet engaged, contact your Account Manager to understand your current position and what starting the programme involves.
Further information
For questions about your DC2 programme status or timeline, contact your Account Manager. For technical questions about the Access Datacentre infrastructure, your Account Manager can arrange a more detailed briefing.