Data Center Check List

RESOURCES

What to Look for in a Data Center

Not all data centers are created equal. You need to know what to look for. Does the data center have highly trained and capable professionals on staff. Is there room for you to grow? Do they have enough power to ensure your information is never down? Is their location secure and do they have proper certification? Are they equipped with up-to-date technology. Do you have confidence their staff will be helpful in a crisis?

SKILLED IT PROFESSIONALS

The physical features of a data center are half the story. You need to have confidence in the staff monitoring your information. Security and networking teams need to be well trained, skilled, and experienced. Network technicians need to be trained to the highest industry standards and the management should be experienced in operating a commercial data center.

FACILITY MUST HAVES

Space

  • A data center needs to have room available for your future growth
  • The data center should be orderly with neatly maintained cables, clean floors and minimal combustible materials (boxes, paper, etc.)
  • The space must meet industry standards best practices

Redundant Power Infrastructure

  • Well-maintained and tested (check documentation) backup generator(s) - the more the better
  • Multiple Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems designed to condition commercial power as well as maintain uninterrupted power to computer systems during a commercial outage

Cooling

  • Redundant precision computer room air conditioners to manage room temperature and humidity as well as to filter impurities

Fire Suppression System

  • Even with redundancy, you need to be sure the data center has a gas-based and/or dry-pipe fire suppression system No water pipes should be above the data room

NETWORK SPECIFICATIONS

Network infrastructure is one of the most important aspects of data center planning. Multiple fiber and Internet providers means you have fewer worries about downtime or interruptions. Routers, switches and firewalls should be "carrier-class" and redundant to minimize the opportunity for failure.

HIGH LEVEL OF SECURITY

Your data needs to be protected and the first level of defense is the physical security of the building. There should be controlled access, video surveillance, and extensive employee background checks. 24x7 on-site personnel should also be present to provide quick action in the event of a security breach or other issue.

STRICT ADHERENCE TO STANDARDS

Industry standards are around for a reason. They help make sure data centers provide high quality service, maximum availability, and top-shelf security measures. SSAE 16 compliance is the best way to gauge a data center’s adherence to best industry practices.

Contact us today. We would be happy to answer your data center questions.