The Design and Organization of Data Centers/Location

Three Options: Own, Lease, or Co-locate Own Lease Co-locate telephone company central offices carrier hotels Considerations Cost Shop around to compare prices. Many co-location centers give initially inflated prices. Taxes Suitability Proximity to multiple major network backbones. Proximity to customers if that is a consideration. Distance to central office Expandability Convenience Transportation Proximity to public transportation Proximity to highways Capability Loading Dock availability Safety Availability of emergency services fire insurance category Safety from water damage HVAC can fail in such a way that water comes out. Look out for pipes, vents, and ducts above your equipment. Air conditioners can freeze up and then thaw, water heaters can fail, ventilation ducts can pack with snow, toilets can overflow, etc. The building may be in a flood zone - does the insurance cover the damage? How long will it take to file the claim? Document who you must contact before the disaster happens. Natural and manmade hazards Natural hazards Wildfires Hurricanes Tornados Earthquake Mudslide Tsunami etc. Manmade hazards Proximity of pollution sources Transportation-related risks Risk of crime, violence, terrorism, etc. Legal environment