Data Centre Checklist

Data centre checklist: how to choose the right data centre   

Data centre reliability is a growing concern for IT and business leaders. The Uptime Institute’s Annual Outage Analysis 2024 report, found that half of major data centre outages in recent years cost businesses more than US$100,000. For around one in six, the impact exceeded US$1 million. As global demand for data centre capacity could more than triple by 2030, according to McKinsey & Company organisations should see data centre reliability as a key priority. Without it, they will struggle to reap the full business benefits of cloud transformation. 

Selecting a data centre or colocation provider is a critical decision that can make or break your operations. Learn what questions to ask with our data centre checklist and ensure you’ve chosen the right provider for your business. 

What is a data centre checklist?

Where and how you store your data plays a crucial role in your organisation’s ability to service customers and maximise productivity.  

However, many organisations haven’t got the right data centre setup in place. It might be because they’re underestimating their requirements, or paying too much for space and facilities that they don’t need. 

Whether you’re reviewing your current data centre facility and infrastructure components, planning a data centre relocation, or preparing for a data centre migration, it’s crucial to understand what the perfect solution looks like. This checklist will help you evaluate your potential data centre or co-location provider against key criteria, so you can make an informed decision.  

Make it or break it – why choosing the right data centre provider is critical for success

When it comes to managing data centre operations, maximising availability is a top priority.

But with IT budgets shrinking by the second, organisations are under pressure to deliver maximum output for every dollar invested in their data centre. 

To make matters worse, 51% of businesses are lacking the staff and resources to successfully deliver their IT initiatives. 

Choosing the right data centre service provider is essential for any business and could be critical to its success. 

Why location matters when choosing a data centre

Your data centre’s location can significantly impact your operational efficiency, costs, and service quality. That’s why choosing the right location is crucial. For businesses in Australia, cities like Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane offer distinct advantages. 

Melbourne: Known for its robust infrastructure and reliable power supply, Melbourne is an excellent choice for data centres. The city’s relatively cool climate helps reduce cooling costs, and its status as a tech hub ensures a steady supply of skilled IT professionals. 

Sydney: As the largest city in Australia, Sydney offers unparalleled connectivity and access to a vast network of fibre optic cables. Its status as a business and financial hub makes it an attractive location for data centres, despite the higher real estate and energy consumption costs. 

Brisbane: Brisbane provides a cost-effective alternative to Australia’s largest cities, with lower real estate and operational costs. Its strategic location also offers a degree of geographical diversity for disaster recovery planning, minimising risks associated with natural disasters. 

Interactive has been running data centres across these key Australian cities for over 20 years. Our data centre maturity and expertise ensure a superior experience for our customers. All our data centres are staffed by highly skilled engineers during the day, with 24×7 support available through our on-call team.

Whether you need technical advice, project management, remote hands or other assistance, we’re here to help around the clock.

Looking to migrate data centres? Here are some considerations: 

Data Centre Capacity 

When evaluating a potential data centre, it’s vital to consider your current and future needs. Assess scalability and power capacity to ensure the facility can support your evolving business demands. With options like Azure and AWS, hybrid cloud solutions can offer additional flexibility and scalability. 

Physical Security 

Both physical and cyber security are paramount. Ensure the data centre has on-site security personnel, comprehensive surveillance systems, and certifications that comply with Australian regulatory standards. Consider facilities equipped with edge racks for enhanced security and performance. 

Compliance & Certifications 

Certifications like ISO and PCI-DSS are crucial. They ensure that the data centre meets stringent industry standards for data integrity and safety. Compliance with national regulations is non-negotiable for protecting sensitive information. 

Business Resilience & Disaster Recovery Time 

Redundancy, backup options, and disaster recovery plans are essential for protecting critical data against disruptions. Interactive’s data centres feature robust redundancy and disaster recovery capabilities, ensuring business continuity. 

Environmental Sustainability 

Opt for data centres that offer energy-efficient solutions, such as renewable energy usage and eco-friendly cooling methods. This is especially relevant in the Australian climate, where sustainability can also lead to cost savings. 

On-Site Amenities and Security Accessibility 

On-site amenities and 24/7 technical and engineering support are crucial for operational ease. Efficiency and security are supported by 24/7 site management, with dedicated security personnel ensuring safety after hours. Our facilities provide essential amenities such as meeting rooms, break rooms, kitchens, on-site bathrooms, and coffee stations, fostering both productivity and staff well-being in a secure environment. 

Choose a Reliable Partner 

Look for providers with extensive industry experience, positive client testimonials, and tailored support services. Interactive stands out in the Australian market with its comprehensive operations and dedicated customer support. 

Interactive offers comprehensive data centre operations services, including design, operation, testing, monitoring and support. Our end-to-end offering ensures seamless performance and maximum uptime for your critical infrastructure.  

Understand the key questions to ask your data centre or colocation provider with our free checklist

Effective data centre migrations require planning, efficiency and seamless collaboration. If you’re considering migrating your data centre, here are some important questions to ask potential data centre and co-location providers:

• Is the facility managed and operated by the co-location provider?
• How secure is the data centre?
• What level of backup/restore does the facility have?
• What certifications and security accrediations does the centre have?
• Are staff onsite 24/7/365?
• Are technical staff available for support, including engineers?
• Does the facility offer amenities such as break rooms, kitchen area, on-site bathroom, coffee stations etc?
• Does the facility have disaster recovery options available?
• Is there secure parking and/or access to public transit options?

Understand the key questions to ask your data centre or co-location provider by accessing the checklist for free.

Find out everything you need to know before selecting a data centre or colocation provider. Download the checklist and have an expert evaluation at your fingertips, wherever your search takes you. 

Click the ‘Download Now’ button and gain expert advice in:

•  100+  key questions to ask your data centre and colocation provider
• A clear checklist to help you know you have chosen the right provider