Choosing Your Data Center

Choosing Your Data Center: What to Expect from Your Hosting Provider :PART I

By: Paul Froutan VP of Data Center Operations ,from ; developersnetwork.com

In this article, we’ll discuss the basic considerations in evaluating a hosting provider’s data center, which is a key element in the equation when measuring a provider’s performance and reliability. These requirements are very similar whether selecting a data center for colocation or managed hosting. However, as there are some differences, especially in the area of security, the main focus of this article will be data centers for managed hosting. While many differing opinions exist on the definition of managed hosting, most parties will agree that, in a managed hosting solution, the provider provides hardware, infrastructure, Internet transit, and customer support. Customers are not typically involved in the maintenance of the hardware.

The location of the data center is important when colocating equipment, as customers are required to visit the facility frequently to perform maintenance or repairs. On the other hand, when using a managed hosting provider, the location is not critical since the provider performs all tasks that are needed at the location of the server. It is important that a managed hosting data center be located in a geographically stable area near a major Internet hub such as San Jose, Atlanta or Dallas in order to have superior network performance. In a data center designed for managed hosting, the provider knows the type of hardware that will be used and can design the data center accordingly. This allows significantly higher server densities (servers per square feet), thus saving the provider and ultimately the customer money. However, higher server density also translates to higher power requirements and higher HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) requirements.

POWER

First, let’s consider the power system. The power infrastructure usually consists of a Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) that conditions the power and can maintain the load for a short period of time, a generator that can replace utility power for extended periods of time, and the distribution system that provides power to the individual servers. Typically, the UPS uses batteries to maintain the load while the generator comes online. That process usually takes between 15 seconds and one minute. However, there are systems that use flywheels instead of batteries to perform the same function. While batteries have to be replaced every 3 to-5 years, flywheel systems can function indefinitely. Despite the flywheels' lower ongoing cost, battery systems continue to be more prevalent due to their lower capital cost and longer history. While today’s UPS are very reliable, redundant UPS should still be used to ensure the uptime of the power system. The redundant system is not only used if the primary system fails, it is also used to allow maintenance to be performed on the primary system without taking the load down.

The generator consists of an engine to produce power and a generator coil to convert the power to electricity. Currently, the most popular engine type is a diesel engine. These are large engines with 6 to 12 cylinders and 2 to 6 turbochargers. Companies such as Caterpillar, Onan, and Stuart and Stevenson manufacture large diesel engines. The other option is a turbine engine, which is very similar to that used on an airplane and manufactured by companies such as GE and Rolls Royce. These jet engines usually run on natural gas and/or diesel and produce significantly more power than diesel engines of the same size. However, these engines cost significantly more and are designed to run continuously, so they are not always the best option for emergency power. A provider should carry 12 to-24 hours of fuel at full load on-site with refueling contracts for extended outages.

Even the best generator system does not replace a reliable power company. Most power companies must make information on major outages available to their customers. Also, power production differs from state to state. Some states produce excess power that they sell to neighboring states, while others have to purchase power to meet their needs. During power shortages, the states with excess power will obviously fare better as they can reduce their power exports to meet internal demand. The hosting provider should be familiar with the power structure in the state where the data center is located and should provide its customers with that information.

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