BC/DR ICT Data centre choices


So how do you choose the correct data centre and date centre connectivity options for your contingency planning?


Firstly, it’s important to note that not all data centres are the same, and with the increasing demand for greater power and data storage reserves, even relatively new data centres are struggling to keep up. This is a result of the rapid development of cloud and web-based applications, whilst trying to accommodate the requirements of traditional storage.


The sheer scale of the secure physical space required, let alone the growing power and energy implications, are presenting data centre users and professionals with unprecedented challenges. So when choosing a data centre, either for contingency planning or for more general business use, there are several important factors to consider before selecting the most appropriate independent data centre facility. Let’s look at these factors in detail.


Power, cooling, and energy management Power, cooling, and energy are crucial contributors to overall resilience and uptime, and the demand for these will continue to increase with growing processor power. Faster processing and more intensive apps have led to an increase in energy consumption per square foot of data centre space.


As energy costs continue to rise, consider all available options before making a final decision, and ensure you take particular notice of each centre’s energy credentials. Data centres use a variety of cooling techniques, including water, liquid and nano-cooling technologies, with 40-45% of data centre costs accounting for cooling alone.


New alternative cooling methods are on the horizon, and centres are actively seeking out these alternatives as energy costs continue to rise. Older facilities may not be compatible with new technologies and may require extensive rewiring if an upgrade is to take place. So choose a facility that has state-of-the-art cooling.


Location, location, location (and security) Many first generation data centres were constructed close to metropolitan centres, as people believed this would promote low latency due to the close proximity of the servers to the workplace. After the 9/11 attacks, many US businesses decided to move their servers away from their place of work, to help mitigate risks.


By distancing your servers from your place of work, you are also limiting the likelihood of an attack or data breach. Choosing to store your data in a rural location minimises the chance of security problems, which can be associated with large populations, urban locations and even airports.


If you feel it is necessary to opt for an urban location, ensure you consider all the possibilities and potential hazards before you commit to your decision.


The ideal location will be a site that is safe from flooding, with no ground contamination or flight paths close by. Good road access is also important, a large plot of land will allow for the implementation of high-security measures, and it must have good fibre connectivity and most importantly access to large power reserves.


Buildings should be surrounded by prison-grade security fencing and CCTV cameras that cover all parts of the building and surroundings. Visitors should be required to enter through air-locked gates, where


security staff should verify their identity before allowing them access. They should then park in designated car parks away from the main building.


Ingress points should be limited to a single point of entrance and a loading bay, and windows should be kept to an absolute minimum, reinforced with bombproof glass. Anti-ram devices should also be used at various strategic locations around the building, most importantly at entrances and areas of vulnerability. Reinforced concrete walls and earthquake-proof foundations are also recommended.


Communications links and latency Due to the decreasing costs of fibre combined with remote diagnostics, users are now offered more choice and greater savings when they outsource to facilities further afield. Companies will even relocate to foreign data centres in a bid to reduce expenditure on rising energy costs.


Check that the data centre is carrier neutral to ensure as much choice and flexibility as possible for regional, national and international communications. You should also know that modern facilities with direct on-site fibre interconnects will offer superior latency. For example, Next Connex can offer guaranteed sub-2 millisecond latency from the City of London to the main data centres on its 780km 40/100GB fibre network.


Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery If choosing a facility for your contingency plan, it’s important to ensure that the data centre operator has its own plan, and enquire about their strategy if a disaster or disruption occurs. You should also ask about their ability to orchestrate remote communications if the need arises.


All data centre equipment should be able to withstand multiple simultaneous failures, proving the facility can continue to function. You should also ensure that data halls and plant rooms are fitted with VESDA, (Very Early Smoke Detection Apparatus) and appropriate fire suppressants, and all systems must be monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.


Systems incorporating fire detection and suppression that use an IG55 suppressant are recommended. Inert gas systems are effective at combating fires and, unlike fluids or foam, there is no clean up. Power need not be interrupted so equipment within the centre remains unaffected.


Space and scalability


Again, it is essential that you plan for the future and consider the possible changes or expansion that your business will require. A survey completed by data centre managers worldwide states that almost 50% of centres are now occupying three times as much floor space as they were just three years ago, and 50% are currently involved in an expansion plan.


Consider the potential for accommodating future expansion and the flexibility required to meet and house all computing requirements, such as grid, container, and cloud.


To summarise, business continuity is the lifeblood of your company and it deserves careful consideration and forward thinking. With assistance, you can make an informed decision about the safest and most beneficial method of storing your company’s data, knowing meanwhile that your reputation and profitability are safe from harm.


February 2012 I www.dcsuk.info 45


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