Criteria for Datacenter Location Selection on Micro-level

When it comes to choosing a micro-location for a data center, assessing the risk factors is crucial to ensure the data center's safety, resilience, and efficiency. There are several factors that need to be considered when evaluating the risk of a data center's micro-location. Let's take a closer look at each of them:

1.    Flooding risk: Flooding can cause significant damage to a data center's equipment and infrastructure, leading to financial losses and downtime. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid areas that are prone to flooding or near bodies of water that are at risk of overflowing.

2.    Risk of wildfires: Wildfires can have a devastating impact on a data center's micro-location, causing significant damage to the data center's infrastructure and equipment.

3.    Seismic activities: Seismic activities, such as earthquakes, can cause structural damage or failure, leading to data center downtime and significant financial losses. Therefore, it is crucial to construct the facility in accordance to the seismic zone build-out regulations.

4.    Power supply adequacy: Data centers require a reliable and robust power supply to ensure uninterrupted operations. It is crucial to assess the power supply infrastructure in the area to determine whether it can support the power demands of a data center.

5.    Optical cable adequacy: Reliable optical cables are essential for fast and efficient data transfer between the data center and other locations. Therefore, it is important to consider the availability of high-speed and reliable optical cables in the area when assessing the micro-location of a data center.

6.    Water supply: Data centers require a constant supply of water for cooling purposes, and the availability of a reliable water supply is necessary for the proper functioning of a data center. The water supply infrastructure in the area must be assessed to ensure its reliability.

7.    Atmospheric conditions (heat, humidity): The atmospheric conditions in the area can have a significant impact on the efficiency of cooling systems in a data center. Higher temperatures and humidity levels can lead to higher energy consumption and potential equipment failure, which can result in data loss and downtime.

8.    Lightning strikes: Lightning strikes can cause severe damage to a data center's infrastructure and equipment, leading to data loss and downtime. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the risk of lightning strikes in the area when assessing the micro-location of a data center.

9.    Road access: Road access is critical when assessing the micro-location of a data center. The data center should be located near major roads and highways, making it easier for technicians to access the data center in case of emergencies. This can help reduce downtime and ensure that the data center remains operational at all times.

10. Land plot size and ability to place additional energy sources to increase self-sufficiency and security: The land plot size is crucial in determining the ability of the data center to expand and accommodate additional infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, it is important to assess the potential to add additional energy sources, such as solar or wind power, to increase the data center's self-sufficiency and security. The availability of renewable energy sources can help reduce the data center's reliance on the power grid, making it more resilient and secure against power outages or disruptions.

11. Act of terrorism: Terrorist attacks or other forms of malicious activities can pose a significant risk to data centers, especially those that are located in high-profile areas or near critical infrastructure. When assessing the micro-location of a data center, it is important to evaluate the risk of terrorist attacks in the area and take appropriate measures to ensure the data center's security.

12. Chemical and biological hazards: Data centers located in areas that might be subjected to chemical or biological hazards are at risk of contamination, equipment damage, and personnel safety issues. It is important to evaluate the potential for chemical or biological hazards in the area and implement appropriate measures to protect the facility and personnel.

By taking into account each of these factors, data centers can be made more resilient and better equipped to withstand natural disasters and other potential risks. When assessing the risk of a data center's micro-location, it is crucial to carefully evaluate each of these factors to ensure the data center's safety, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.