The Science and Art of Datacenter Site Selection

The Science and Art of Datacenter 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

Abstract • 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.

About Digital Realty Trust: NYSE • 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 We know datacenters: flexible, reliable, cost-effective solutions

About Digital Realty Trust: NYSE (continued) • 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

The “Trade Secret” • 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 Skill Sets • 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

Skill Sets: Real Estate • 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: Hazard And Risk • 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: Power And Fiber Assessment • 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: Design And Construction • 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

Attributes Of A Quality Site • 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: Essentials • 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 • k. W 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: Entitlement Rights • 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

Do Attributes Of A Quality Site Vary By Industry? • Yes • Financial firms: Often focus on synchronous communications distances • Internet companies: Cost of Power

Are There “Red Flags? ” • Yes • Seismic risk • Weather related risk • Security issues

How Long Should Site Selection Take? • 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

Summary • 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