Michael Bullock: Evaluating Data Center Colocation Options: Expert Tips

If you’re in the market for new or additional data center space, I have some advice that can help you make better decisions, save money, and avoid some pitfalls.

For example, a company found what at first seemed like the one of the most affordable spaces around, but after I asked the colocation provider a few pointed questions (actually, it was more like 70), it turned out to be one of the most expensive. Once the provider was pinned down and the customer’s true requirements were taken into account, it turned out that all the power charges were vastly underestimated and the simple, 1,000 square foot / 120KW facility would have cost the customer about 250 percent more than he originally thought, amounting to an extra $1.6 million over the first five years of tenancy.

That’s a lot of money.

So my advice has two parts:

1. Try to keep more than one target space in the mix until the deal is done.  Even if you are actively negotiating with your first choice, it pays to have a backup option.  At minimum, this will allow you to negotiate without feeling trapped and provides a solid plan ‘B’ plan should the preferred space become unavailable — or too costly upon full discovery.

more of the CIO Magazine article from Michael Bullock

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.