Choosing between ‘apples and pears’

Location is probably the most straightforward criterion on which to make the decision – businesses generally know which geographical location they need to be in. And, whilst essential, the security provided by different facilities is often seen as a relatively uncomplicated issue and therefore not the key deciding factor.

So how do you judge one operator and solution over another when there seems to be little difference on the surface?

Here are the key issues that we think that businesses should keep top of mind when comparing ‘apples and pears’.

Take a good look at the infrastructure

From a mechanical and electrical engineering point of view, it’s a good idea to find out which systems are already in place but more importantly the degree of flexibility offered by the core infrastructure.

Functionality and reliability are both essential but the aim here is not to be limited by existing systems. Can the infrastructure be tailored to meet the differing and exact requirements of each of the facility’s tenants?

The ability to be flexible is a critical component in a no-compromise approach to data hall design and maintenance. Flexibility is needed over the life of the hall if there is a longer lease period and to accommodate any potential change in use.

Does the Total Cost of Operation work for you?

An ‘over designed’ facility is more likely to feature what could be regarded as unnecessary infrastructure which could result in a large gap between what you want and what you get, including a hike in operational cost.

In our experience, data halls that are built around an organisation’s exact needs, not kilowatt per square foot or rack, are more likely to achieve the operational efficiency - in relation to the cost of maintenance – desired by the business.

Seeking a ‘best fit’ solution and not ‘making do’ with what is close to what you asked for is the best way to bring operational and maintenance costs in line.

Can you control your energy/risk profile?

High tier designs may seem desirable but they typically have higher operational, maintenance and energy costs. Working with your operator to ensure that you have the right design criteria and performance characteristics is more likely to help you control energy costs in the long term.

Take control of your energy/risk profile by making sure that the system dedicated to your hall really is dedicated to your needs. Can you set the operating temperatures, humidity and pressures so that you can ensure that energy efficiency in your data hall is maintained at the levels you have specified? Not just the lowest denominator that suits ‘most tenants’ in a shared facility.

Does your agreement allow you to alter the operating conditions within your space? Does the operator understand the implications of these changes and will they have the appetite to work with you throughout the life of the hall?  These are important questions and SLA’s can restrict this if the operator feels under pressure.  The goal should be a win-win for both parties.

Experience counts

It’s widely known that 75% of all data center failures occur as a result of human error. It’s something that we all work hard to keep to a minimum but as systems and performance criteria become more sophisticated, it’s now even more important that you know who is maintaining your mission critical systems.

Is it a dedicated in-house team employed and trained by the data center operator or a third party facility management company? Are specialist suppliers of equipment brought into maintain specific equipment or are lower cost general maintenance staff contracted in?

Find out who will be maintaining and operating your equipment on a day-to-day basis and be sure that they have the skills and experience to ensure maximum performance and uptime of your data hall. Data center operators should take the lead in selecting and retaining highly skilled staff but checking who is operating your equipment should also be top of your selection criteria.

A safe pair of hands?

The ability of a data center operator to present the right solution, first time, is reliant not only on its engineering expertise but on its ability to listen, interpret and read between the lines. In other words, its ability to immerse itself in its client’s business and to understand their data center requirements now and in the future.

It is essential that initial discussions are frank and open – especially if there are language issues – so that the data center operator can harness its knowledge to the full and make sound recommendations that meet real business objectives.

Experience shows that organisations often find that after talking with experts in data center design, operation and maintenance, what they originally thought they needed is not actually best suited to their immediate and long term requirements. Be prepared to listen to alternative solutions that could be a much better fit for your business.

Above all, remember that comparing ‘like with like’ might seem to be the most logical way to approach the selection of a data center partner but not all data center operators are created equal. Especially when it transpires that what you were looking for after all was not an apple but a pear.