Resource Library

Data Center Site Selection

Data Center Site Selection is among the most important initial decisions for data center companies, laying the groundwork for resilience, security and business continuity even during a natural disaster or other crisis event.

Making a strong data center site selection is dependent upon several factors, such as:

  • Location: Assessing the potential for and frequency of natural disasters (tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, fire, earthquakes, etc.) or potential manmade hazards (proximity to high-traffic areas such as major highways or airports). Moderate climates that allow the ability to cool the facility from outside are also advantageous.
  • Power: One of the largest operating costs for a data center and its customers is electricity, so the site’s proximity to a grid, the grid’s age and comparative costs per kilowatt-hour may need to be weighed. Companies may also want to explore green power sources, such as wind or solar.
  • Telecommunications infrastructure: What fiber sources are available to and from the site, and at what speed is their transmission? What service and support will local carriers provide? These are questions worth considering.
  • Additional factors: As with any other company, other considerations may include: land value; property, corporate and sales tax rates, including municipal incentives; local construction costs; transportation and cost of living for employees; and more.