6 Vital Considerations for Your Upcoming Data Centre Construction Project
6 Vital Considerations for Your Upcoming Data Centre Construction Project
Data centres, also known as server rooms have become fundamental to modern business operations, this importance is driven by the increasing reliance on digital technologies. Data centres provide the physical infrastructure necessary to store, process, and manage the vast amounts of data that businesses generate. This is crucial for everything from customer information and financial records to operational data and intellectual property.
Because data centres are more than the digital backbone of a business, their creation and subsequent upkeep should be at the forefront of operations. When considering a new data centre construction or renovation project here are 7 key points to contemplate:
Available Space
Firstly, having sufficient space and the option to grow are key factors in data centre design. Considering future expansion affects how electrical and cooling systems are set up. It also influences the arrangement of server racks, ensuring they are easy to access and support efficient workflow.
Data Centre Layout
Determining the right amount of space for your current and future needs can be challenging. Consider if you might need more space later. If so, a modular layout is a smart choice. Modular designs offer flexibility and adapt well to new developments each year. When planning your layout, make sure to include enough room for pathways and cable management.
Electrical Needs
Ensuring your environment has the infrastructure to meet the power requirements of systems in the data centre, especially during peak times is critical. There should also be sufficient capacity to power backup and redundancy systems, manage heating and cooling needs, and accommodate any extra power demands from new equipment added during upgrades or expansions.
Temperature Control
Efficient heating and cooling rely on good airflow management to remove heat and spread cool air. These systems can be complicated and need careful placement of vents for best performance. It’s vital to keep cool air intakes separate from hot air exhausts to avoid mixing. Arranging server racks and using filler panels can also help improve airflow.
Backup Provisions
Ensuring reliable backup measures are in place is critical for data centre functionality. Backup provisions for data centres typically include but are not limited to:
- Offsite data backup and storage.
- DRP – A disaster recovery plan, a documented, structured approach outlining how organisations can quickly resume operations after an unplanned incident, focusing on restoring data access and IT infrastructure.
- A comprehensive backup procedure.
If implemented successfully, these backup provisions should ensure minimal (if any) downtime should disaster or system failure occur.
Physical Security Systems
Physical security is vital for data centres and server rooms owing to their importance to business operations. Any physical security measures must restrict access using doors and windows. Other measures that could be implemented include high fences and the use of motion-activated lights and cameras for extra security. Moreover, where budgets allow, biometric scanners can also control entry.
Choose FSC To Deliver Your Upcoming Data Centre Construction Project
FSC has extensive experience creating data centre/server room environments as part of extensive office refurbishment services. Our team will work with you to deliver facilities to meet your operational needs.
If your business is ready to embark on a new construction project, we’d love to hear from you. Call us today at 01472 355454, or fill out our enquiry form, and one of our friendly and experienced team members will be in touch. Moreover, you can view a selection of our completed construction & maintenance projects.
