R&M Data Center Handbook

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2.5. Aspects of the Planning of a Data Center
What does the perfect data center look like Planning a data center involves a good deal of communication
because there is no such thing as the perfect data center.
Construction costs as well as operational costs of a data center are closely linked to the requirements placed on
the data center. It is therefore advisable to pay particular attention to the analysis phase and the definition of
requirements and concepts. Corporate strategy, requirements arising from IT governance and IT risk management
must also be integrated.
Whether it is the construction of a new data center, the extension of an existing one, the outsourcing of services
(housing, hosting, managed services, cloud services) or yet another data center concept – the basic principle is
always the same: there is no universal solution. A succinct analysis of the actual situation and the determination of
requirements are indispensable prerequisites. A factor that cannot be underestimated is the definition of realistic
performance parameters.
Selection of the site for a data center is becoming increasingly subject to economic considerations and available
resources. Two crucial factors are the power supply and IP integration. Then there are the corporate challenges of
physical safety, i.e. potential hazards in the vicinity, risks due to natural disasters (flooding, storms, lightning,
earthquakes) and also sabotage.
2.5.1. External Planning Support
We must emphasize that planners and consultants are often only referred to when the damage has already been
done. Server parks, phone networks and complex information systems are realized without the help of specialized
planners or professional consultants, and then when the facility is commissioned, deficiencies are often revealed
that could have been avoided if professionals with comprehensive expertise had been consulted.
Another important aspect is a consultant's or planner's experience in data center issues.
Management members, IT and infrastructure managers (electrical and air-conditioning engineers, utilities
engineers, architects, security experts, network specialists, etc.) quite often do not speak the same language –
even within the same company. One essential prerequisite of a successful data center project, however, is a
perfect flow of communication and the integration of all the areas concerned – one of the most important tasks of
the project leader.
Companies often hire external consultants for analysis, definition of requirements and location research. It is
essential that these external consultants maintain very close communication with management, the IT department
and infrastructure managers to allow them to establish company-specific requirements that are economically
feasible.
The tasks of a data center planner are:
• Initial assessment of the facts
• Planning (iterative process) – define system specifications
• Call for tender
• Tender evaluation
• Supervision, quality assurance
• Inspection and approval
• Warranty points
• Project management
Analysis
Supervision
Initial
assessment
Inspection and
acceptance
Planning
Warranty
Call for tender
Tender
evaluation
Project management
In Switzerland, planning work is usually carried out in compliance with SIA guidelines (Swiss Engineer and
Architects Association) and in Germany with the HOAI (Fees Regulations for Architects and Engineers).
Page 44 of 156 © 08/2011 Reichle & De-Massari AG R&M Data Center Handbook V2.0