New challenges call for new solutions, and when it comes to data centers in Maryland, you need a provider that's willing to push the envelope.
For enterprises big or small, the increased dependency on secure network connectivity and cloud infrastructure has significantly boosted data center demand. According to commercial real estate firm CBRE’s National Data Center Update last year, deliveries of new data center construction was able to keep pace with large amounts of demand absorbing 94.8 MW of critical power in the first two quarters alone—a rate that matches absorption levels for the entire year of 2014.
If you’re currently looking for a Maryland data center space or colocation facility to help you effectively manage mission-critical data and similar assets, nothing beats doing your homework beforehand.
Choosing a Data Center in Maryland
Whether you’re only planning for half a cabinet or carefully laying down a cross-continental leasing plan, a well-defined selection process in choosing your data center location is a must.
If you play a role in the data center site selection and acquisition process within or near Maryland and want to find flexible, reliable, and cost-competitive solutions, take the following key selection points into consideration.
1. Availability, Cost, and Redundancy of Electric Power
Full access to commercial power and redundancy is the backbone of a reliable colocation space. While an area may have access to a reliable power grid, pay special attention to the location of the main generation power station, substations, and feeds. Having multiple power feeds ensures greater redundancy and reliability.
Investigating research outages and average response times in the area will also clue you in on the availability of electric power.
2. Backup Power
Power outages will eventually happen. For this reason, ask about a facility’s backup plan. Beyond multiple power feeds, it’s critical for a data center to have online battery and diesel generator backups. Inquire about how long these energy storage options can run when the main power sources go down.
3. High-Speed, Reliable Connectivity
Your organization cannot afford even a few seconds of connectivity shutdown. Look for data centers with fiber optic connectivity to handle high-speed, high-volume data transmission.
Do they have a large ecosystem of users that are already interconnecting with each other? Do they offer low-latency peering options within the facility? How is your connectivity delivered?
In addition, scan your Service Level Agreement (SLA) for bandwidth limits and whether or not bandwidth bursts will incur extra costs. This will help you plan and manage loads better between your colocation facilities.
4. Security Standards
Review the data center’s accessibility procedures and overall security measures. For physical security standards, take note of the gates, barriers,and buffer zones in the facility. Also, pay attention to fingerprint scanners and CCTV cameras installed in strategic locations.
Additionally, the data center of your choice should be far enough from high-risk targets such as major highways and airports, yet still easily accessible to your IT support team.
Keep in mind that some facilities do not allow third-party vendors accompanied by a representative from the company that rented the space. This may be a challenge if it takes a lot of time for someone from your team to arrive at the facility to verify a third-party vendor.
5. Natural Disaster Risks
Check for a data center’s risk in terms of natural disasters. The last thing you want to happen is an interruption in your business operations due to an earthquake, flood, or hurricane. If possible, ask about out-of-band (OOB) management so you can remotely control your assets when natural disasters strike.
Key Requirements to Consider When Evaluating Data Center Location
- Cost of utilities
- Economic development incentives
- Tax and regulatory climate
- Proximity to your suppliers and customers
- Labor costs, quality, and availability
- Availability and reliability of telecommunications infrastructure
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Access to major highways, railroads, and airports
Data Centers in Maryland: Atlantech
Our data centers in Rockville and Silver Spring, MD are designed to provide your business with sophisticated levels of security, resilience, and operational sufficiency with extensive connectivity. Not only are our Maryland data centers strategically located in terms of commerce and business, our location is also adjacent to the ultra-reliable connectivity of all the major east coast fiber routes up I-95 and MD-295.
By choosing our data centers in Maryland, you can run your business and your Internet presence the way you want to. Plus, you'll enjoy the convenience of being nearby and 24/7 accessiblity.
