Complexity

Data centers are incredibly complex, with interactions between servers, rack and power systems, data storage, meet-me rooms for cross connects, cooling systems, monitors, alarms and alerts, and much more.

Power Density

As technology advances with higher performance hard drives, quad core processors and such, power density has become a critical link for maximum performance and cost-effectiveness. For example, dual core processor technology operates in the same power envelope as single core, delivering increased performance per watt.

Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

In order to effectively manage Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in managing a data center, look to high performance and low power consumption solutions. Lowering power consumption relates to greater realized density – without being forced to retrofit / upgrade existing cooling systems. As most data centers are designed with a 20 year life span, and given the expense to build out new centers, heat loads of 40 to 70 watts per square foot of yesteryear do NOT begin to address today’s power consumption of 200 watts per square foot.

As a Client

What does all of this mean to the data center client? As competition in the industry “heats up,” prices are driven down, lowering net profits. For your business to successfully colocate servers in a data center, that data center has to turn a net profit. It’s a partnership shared to leverage investments on both sides of the rack. I read hundreds of threads started by Ops in forums with questions similar to, “What’s the cheapest offer in data center colocation?” Their question should be, “What is the most secure and cost-effective data center colocation solution offered.” You need to balance the value of your data to the services of your colocation provider – their infrastructure, forethought, perception of value, reliability, flexibility and professionalism. Do they run a tight ship? Ask to take a tour. Ask questions related to your specific requirements. Do your homework. It’s a very competitive market, and as we’ve seen in years past, not everyone survives the test of time. Is your data center growing?

Good post Steve, especially considering the volume of posts lately asking about running servers from home.

Like the old saying goes, You get what you pay for. If your Business is valuable to you. You should pay to price for premium services.

Nice Article Steven.