How to Evaluate a Potential Data Center Location

Data center facilities are a critical when your computer systems play a part in your everyday operations. But you cannot simply set up a data center facility anywhere – there are a lot of things you need to keep in mind. This is especially true for data centers that are engaged in handling mission critical business applications. So, how do facility managers evaluate a potential location for setting up a data center facility?

The following location parameters are often considered when choosing a data center location:

Proximity to IT support
For better control, especially in the event of a disaster recovery procedure, it is wise to have the data center facility somewhat close to the base operations site of your business. Distance can increase telecom costs and the costs of visiting the data center.

Geographical diversity
The data center location should not be in potential natural hazard zones such as highly seismic areas prone to frequent earthquakes or in areas that are prone to hurricanes, blizzards, or tornadoes. That would make it impossible for the facility to be up continuously throughout the year. If avoiding these areas is impossible, used hardened data center facilities, built to withstand such disasters.

Other industrial interferences
Presence of large electromagnetic wave generators, such as communication towers and airports, could affect data center operations in close proximity. Exposure to these waves can cause some electronic components to become faulty.

Political instability
A region that is often faced with severe political conflicts is never feasible for setting up a data center facility. This is because of the possible risks and vulnerabilities in utility supply to the facility such as power, as well as the risk to employees working in your facility.

If the location you found out complies favorably with the above parameters, then you may have what it takes to go ahead with that location. With so much to think about before setting up a data center, it may be wise to outsource these infrastructure requirements to a reliable wholesale colocation partner like Lifeline Data Centers. Our long list of satisfied customers is a guarantee of peace of mind, high uptime (99.995), and speedy service delivery. Visit our website to learn more.

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.