The Science and Art of The Science and Art of Datacenter Site SelectionDatacenter Site Selection

“Don’t Let One Function Trump Another,It’s a Business Decision”

The Science and Art of Datacenter Selection

“Don’t Let One Function Trump Another,It’s a Business Decision”

• Chris Crosby

• Senior Vice President

• Digital Realty Trust

• ccrosby@digitalrealtytrust.com

• www.digitalrealtytrust.com

• Selecting the right site for a datacenter is a

complex undertaking that requires specific skill

sets, expertise and guidelines. This session will

present and examine all of the elements

involved in datacenter site selection to aid

attendees in determining the correct way to

proceed in their own selection process.

Abstract

About Digital Realty Trust: NYSE

We know datacenters: flexible, reliable, cost-effective solutions

• Acquire, develop, operate and own datacenters

• 27 markets across North America and Europe with 13

million square feet

• Support over 2 million square feet of datacenter space

• Over 99.999% uptime

• Large scale, high-volume datacenter development expert

• Over 100 MW of 2 N UPS delivered in previous 24 months

• Over 300 MW of Utility delivered in previous 24 months

• Over 100 MW in current development pipeline

• Industry leader in green datacenter building and operations

About Digital Realty Trust: NYSE (continued)

• It’s not a selection process. It’s an

elimination process.

• Requires multiple skill sets

• Specific components of the process

• Elements can vary based on corporate

criteria

The “Trade Secret”

• Proper site selection incorporates a variety of defined skill sets

• “Kids don’t try this at home”

• They are:

• Real estate

• Hazard and risk

• Power and fiber assessment

• Design and construction

The Skill Sets

• The more experience the better

• Understanding requirements can narrow the field

quickly

• Example: In California generator emissions

requirements can vary by county and municipality

• Reduce the cost of due diligence

• “Soft dollars” add up quickly

across multiple buildings

Skill Sets: Real Estate

• More than just don’t build next to a munitions factory

• You must understand the implications of location

• Understand how to deal with underwriters and insurance firms to protect your investment

Skill Sets: Hazard And Risk

• You must be able to understand what you need

• Ability to determine if the site has access to

both and how difficult will it be to get what you

need

Skill Sets: Power And Fiber Assessment

• Building a datacenter is not the same as a

commercial building

• The only way to maximize efficiency is through

experience and process

• Process must be documented and followed

Skill Sets: Design And Construction

• No two sites are the

same

• Attributes must

match your

requirements

• Different firms will

have different needs

Attributes Of A Quality Site

• You have to understand your business requirements

and priorities

• Your priorities eliminate “unsuitable” sites• Taxes

• Location of personnel

• Availability of support personnel

• Power pricing

• Telecom costs

Attributes Of A Quality Site

• Avoidance of natural hazard risks

• Specific: Next to a chemical plant

• Area: Hurricanes, earthquakes• Even if the building survives you can’t get to it

• National Guard, FEMA

Attributes Of A Quality Site: Essentials

• Power

• Essential that you can quantify your power

requirements

• kW of IT load

• Can the power you need be delivered?

• Will it support current and future requirements?

• At your price point?

• Volatility

Attributes Of A Quality Site: Essentials

• Fiber

• Facility should be supported in advance or you

may face delays

• What are your options?

Attributes Of A Quality Site: Essentials

• Fiber (continued)

• Is conduit or manhole access available?

• How long will it take for a provider to gain

access?

• Who will pay if additional conduit, etc.

required?

Attributes Of A Quality Site: Essentials

• Have to be able to answer the question of what

is required to place the equipment I need

• Varies by municipality

• Need someone local who understands the

variances

• Example: One town in New Jersey can put

generators anywhere, another requires special

permits

Attributes Of A Quality Site: Entitlement Rights

• Yes

• Financial firms: Often focus on synchronous

communications distances

• Internet companies: Cost of Power

Do Attributes Of A Quality Site Vary By Industry?

• Yes

• Seismic risk

• Weather related risk

• Security issues

Are There “Red Flags?”

• Function of expertise, skill sets and

understanding of requirements

• Typical Corporate Range: 12-18 months• Very often longer (years)

• Presence of required skill sets can reduce

dramatically• Six months

How Long Should Site Selection Take?

• Requires cross-functional expertise with business oversight

• Sites aren’t selected as much as eliminated

• Very specific set of skills required to accelerate the process

• Business considerations will dictate many site requirements

• Access to sufficient power and fiber are absolute essentials

Summary