In today's data-driven world, the demand for data storage and processing capabilities is greater than ever. Businesses of all sizes are relying on data centers to meet their expanding computational and storage needs, and hyperscale data centers have emerged as a popular solution. Whether for government, commercial, artificial intelligence (AI),or machine learning, these immense facilities are designed to provide vast computing and storage resources, making them an attractive choice for enterprises and rapidly growing applications. However, not all hyperscale data center providers are created equal. Choosing the right partner is a critical decision, and there are six essential factors to consider when making this choice.
1. Geographical Location and Connectivity
The location of a hyperscale data center can significantly impact the performance of your applications and services. Proximity to your target audience and end-users is crucial for low latency and quick response times. When choosing a provider, consider their data center's geographical location and how well it aligns with your operational needs.
Connectivity is also a key consideration. A reliable hyperscale data center provider should offer a wide range of network options, including multiple internet service providers (ISPs),direct cloud connections, and peering with major internet exchange points. High-speed, low-latency connections are essential for optimal performance, redundancy, and scalability.
2. Scalability and Flexibility
One of the primary advantages of hyperscale data centers is their ability to scale to meet your growing needs. Your provider should offer flexibility and scalability in terms of space, power, and network resources. Look for providers with a track record of adapting to their clients' changing requirements without compromising performance or service quality.
Consider how easy it is to expand or contract your infrastructure within the data center. Does the provider offer on-demand resources, or do you need to commit to long-term contracts? A good provider should give you the freedom to adjust your resources as your business evolves.
3. Cooling Technologies
With the increased computing power and density of hyperscale data centers, particularly for AI, the cooling requirements grow exponentially. Ensuring the facility has modern cooling technologies not only provides for the needed performance but supports ESG goals and zero water consumption. Cooling strategies such as closed loop chillers, as well as air, liquid chip, hybrid cooling, and immersion help to cost-effectively cool equipment and the physical environment. It is imperative that your data center operator utilizes efficient cooling technologies that protect operations from equipment breakdown and also protect from future climate change threats or restrictions.
4. Security and Compliance
Security is paramount when it comes to hyperscale data centers. These facilities house vast amounts of sensitive and critical data. Assess the security measures and certifications of your prospective provider. Look for features such as physical security, biometric access control, surveillance systems, and advanced fire suppression systems.
Moreover, compliance with industry regulations and standards is non-negotiable, especially if you're dealing with sensitive data or industries with strict requirements. Ensure that your provider adheres to data security standards like ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA, or GDPR, depending on your needs.
5. Reliability and Uptime
Downtime can be costly, not just in terms of lost revenue but also in terms of reputation. Hyperscale data center providers should guarantee a high level of availability and uptime. Seek providers with a proven track record of reliability and redundant infrastructure.
A Tier III or Tier IV data center classification from the Uptime Institute is a strong indicator of a provider's commitment to reliability. These classifications signify that the data center has redundant systems and multiple paths for power and cooling, reducing the risk of downtime due to equipment failures or maintenance.
6. Data Visibility
Near real-time data collection of environmental, electrical, and mechanical data to respond quickly to incidents related to equipment failures efficiently, and insight into the health of critical infrastructure systems is another key area of consideration.
An example would be the CyrusOne OpsInsight™ offering, providing near real-time visibility and transparency into data center performance with raw telemetry data streamed securely and directly to your system. With data visibility solutions customers can observe and monitor alarm set points, operational metrics, kW consumption, ambient temperature, humidity, alerts, BMS metrics, and more.
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