There are many things to consider when choosing a datacenter that are often overlooked because one places priority on a single facet rather than looking at all of the crucial aspects of a given facility. Here are some things to consider when selecting a datacenter host:
- Redundant Power
A minimum of N+1 power on critical systems (UPS and Generators) should be an absolute requirement for your business; however this doesn’t mean there aren’t points of failure. Not all power distribution is the same so demand a copy of your provider’s power map. Using a 2N or greater system is the only practical way to prevent failure. Definitions of redundant power can vary, so demand to see a map that shows what it is truly redundant to. True B power should be redundant to the street. - Redundant Cooling
Redundant means more than just N+1 CRAH (computer room air handler) or CRAC (computer room air chiller) units. If the facility has chilled water, demand either a loop feed bi-directional system or a completely redundant pipe. This allows for maintenance on the pipe without taking the system down. Other considerations include redundant chillers, pumps, valves, controls, and electrical. - Network Carriers
At a minimum you should require a carrier neutral datacenter. Competition drives pricing. Therefore, by being in a carrier neutral facility with access to multiple providers, you increase your bottom line and decrease risk. - Location
The risk of system outage is significantly reduced by placing your servers in a datacenter that is located in a disaster free area. The threat of natural disaster such as tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires can be easily thwarted by choosing a datacenter that does not reside in a coastal or storm centered region. Nevada, Utah, and Arizona are deemed to be safest areas from such disasters in the U.S. - Security
It is important to demand accountability from your datacenter operator. While two-factor authentication is good, the most secure datacenters enforce three-factor authentication: something you have, something you are, and something you know. Man traps to avoid pass-back and tailgating at all points of ingress and egress should also be high on your list of requirements. Your datacenter operator should be able to tell you every person who is in the datacenter at a given time and when they entered and exited. - Support
Do not risk your business to an unmanned facility. Require a minimum of two remote hands engineers at all times. You should also demand that onsite personnel be certified at a minimum with CCNP, CISSP, and MCSE. Don’t be fooled by datacenters who hire “button pushers”. Remember that your infrastructure lies in their hands during critical moments. - Flexibility to meet your business needs
Don’t pay for a datacenter that is everything to everyone; in other words, avoid paying for services you don’t require. And do plan for growth. As your business grows, you want a datacenter that grows with you. - Vendors and Partners of the Datacenter
Often times the datacenter operator has relationships established with vendors. Leveraging these relationships can save you time and money compared to working with solution providers. - Service
Be sure to consider any other services the datacenter may offer you with regard to office space, engineering services, consulting services, customer accessibility, remote hands, etc. - Cost
Look beyond monthly fees and consider the cost implications downtime would have on your business. The right colocation facility reduces downtime associated with mission critical facilities problems. Some colocation providers offer carrier neutral datacenters (you choose from multiple carriers to find your best price/value on your circuits). Carrier neutral datacenters give you more choices and better pricing, and if the datacenter charges no cross-connect fees, you can save even more in monthly costs. Carrier neutral datacenter facilities can be the ideal place for your network hub.
Tags: data center, datacenter
^ This post was written by: Darin
