Selecting A Data Center Location


As technological advances have transformed the technical demands of data centers, the site selection process has also undergone dramatic change.  

Traditional site selection and geographic allocation of mission critical operation centers have transitioned from tactical considerations, driven by cost alone, to strategic concerns, driven by multiple factors including both cost and risk mitigation.  

The following are a few considerations companies should take into consideration during the site selection process:
  1. How prone is the location to Natural Disasters, namely Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Landslides, Hurricanes, Tornados, and Flooding?

  2. Does the location fall within the nuclear risk zone of highly targeted cities?

  3. Does the surrounding community have a critical mass of technology companies, technical colleges and jobs?  What is the difficulty in finding qualified help?

  4. How convenient is the location in terms of transportation?  What is the proximity of airports and if air transportation is unavailable, how convenient is the location with regard to ground transportation?  Are their multiple routes to the site and is there easy interstate access?

  5. Does the location provide sufficient temporary housing and primary medical care to meet temporary relocation requirements for key personnel?

  6. What is the availability of power?  What kind of track record does the power company have and how does the power company’s rates compare with other areas?  Is the power company on an independent grid from the primary data center?  How is this power grid managed?

  7. What does the regional telecommunications infrastructure look like and what is the competitiveness of its fiber access?