| | April 20179CIOReviewClimate and Risk Factors to ConsiderCooling costs can account for a significant portion of a data center's operating costs. Being in a relatively cooler climate allows for more days of "free" cooling, when naturally cool air can be used to lower the temperature in a data center. Minnesota's moderate climate, for instance, allows for more than 300 days of free cooling annually. A location's average temperatures and historic humidity data are relevant for your long-term cost analysis. While cool climates are a positive, the humidity of the air (in cool climates) can be a positive factor as well. Natural hazard/climate risk continues to play an important role in geographic decisions. Given increasingly extreme weather patterns, it is critical to select a location that is less likely to be impacted by severe weather events like tornados, floods or hurricanes or by other natural disasters such as earthquakes or wildfires. Power Resources Merit a Deeper DiveCoupled with a mild climate, paying competitive electricity rates can save millions of dollars in energy costs over time. Examine the commercial and industrial power rates in any states you are considering, but do so by working directly with the utilities. Third party sources are not reliable in capturing the potential savings available for power loads of this nature. Many utilities offer special tariff rates--as well as backup power programs--to data center customers. That is certainly the case in Minnesota, where the negotiated rates data centers pay can run significantly lower than the state's average electricity rates.Power outages are costly and reliable power is vital. While no single national source exists, J.D. Power conducts an annual Electric Utility Business Customer Satisfaction StudySM which can assist in comparing larger electric providers. But those electricity providers depend on their regional power grid. Check out the regional transmission operator in any location you are considering. Minnesota is served by MISO Energy, which delivers power across all or parts of 15 states and Manitoba.Driving Operational Performance Water-based cooling remains a critical aspect of operational performance. As data center managers employ newer models to minimize water use, the reality is these facilities still require significant amounts of water, both to serve peak demand times and to support fire suppression.The industry is working to reduce this need through other heat transfer processes and to cycle water as much as possible. In some situations, non-contact grey water can be used. But each location will have different water capacity and quality options, and data center operators should evaluate the potential to partner with other water users to maximize water use prior to discharge or evaporation.Fiber Infrastructure is KeyClearly, digital infrastructure and connectivity is important. To this end, look for locations that have access to large national and global backbone providers.Minnesota, for example, has more than a dozen national/international providers as well as over 100 local and regional carriers to provide a full range of connectivity options. Major content distribution networks recognize this and have a presence in the state.Also look for states that are committed to upgrade their digital infrastructure. Since 2014, Minnesota has stimulated $147 million in robust network development beyond the normal federal and private investments. This includes $65.5 million in state funds and another $81 million in private and local match funds. The state has a goal of being a top five state for broadband speed and access by no later than 2022.Talent Makes Everything WorkWhile data centers do not necessarily employ large numbers of people, they need a dependable supply of high-level expertise from cybersecurity to computer systems analysts.What is often overlooked is the large pool of other skilled workers needed for data center projects. A single data center may need a tech team of just 50 people to operate day-to-day, but require hundreds of contractors and skilled laborers--including electricians, pipefitters and plumbers--to build and maintain the facility.A key reason Minnesota has been able to attract data centers is our people. We have a relatively large labor pool of 3 million people, a highly productive workforce and a top-ranked education system. Among all the factors highlighted, talent merits the greatest emphasis. It is what binds an operation together and makes it work. Given increasingly extreme weather patterns, it is critical to select a location that is less likely to be impacted by severe weather events
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