The Science and Art of Datacenter Site Selection “Don’t Let One Function Trump Another, It’s a Business Decision”

The Science and Art of Datacenter Selection “Don’t Let One Function Trump Another, It’s a Business Decision” Chris Crosby Senior Vice President Digital Realty Trust

Selecting the right site for a datacenter is a complex undertaking that requires specific skill sets, expertise and guidelines. This session will present and examine all of the elements involved in datacenter site selection to aid attendees in determining the correct way to proceed in their own selection process. Abstract

About Digital Realty Trust: NYSE We know datacenters: flexible, reliable, cost-effective solutions Acquire, develop, operate and own datacenters 27 markets across North America and Europe with 13 million square feet Support over 2 million square feet of datacenter space Over % uptime

Large scale, high-volume datacenter development expert Over 100 MW of 2 N UPS delivered in previous 24 months Over 300 MW of Utility delivered in previous 24 months Over 100 MW in current development pipeline Industry leader in green datacenter building and operations About Digital Realty Trust: NYSE (continued)

It’s not a selection process. It’s an elimination process. Requires multiple skill sets Specific components of the process Elements can vary based on corporate criteria The “Trade Secret”

Proper site selection incorporates a variety of defined skill sets “Kids don’t try this at home” They are: Real estate Hazard and risk Power and fiber assessment Design and construction The Skill Sets

The more experience the better Understanding requirements can narrow the field quickly Example: In California generator emissions requirements can vary by county and municipality Reduce the cost of due diligence “Soft dollars” add up quickly across multiple buildings Skill Sets: Real Estate

More than just don’t build next to a munitions factory You must understand the implications of location Understand how to deal with underwriters and insurance firms to protect your investment Skill Sets: Hazard And Risk

You must be able to understand what you need Ability to determine if the site has access to both and how difficult will it be to get what you need Skill Sets: Power And Fiber Assessment

Building a datacenter is not the same as a commercial building The only way to maximize efficiency is through experience and process Process must be documented and followed Skill Sets: Design And Construction

No two sites are the same Attributes must match your requirements Different firms will have different needs Attributes Of A Quality Site

You have to understand your business requirements and priorities Your priorities eliminate “unsuitable” sites Taxes Location of personnel Availability of support personnel Power pricing Telecom costs Attributes Of A Quality Site

Avoidance of natural hazard risks Specific: Next to a chemical plant Area: Hurricanes, earthquakes Even if the building survives you can’t get to it National Guard, FEMA Attributes Of A Quality Site: Essentials

Power Essential that you can quantify your power requirements kW of IT load Can the power you need be delivered? Will it support current and future requirements? At your price point? Volatility Attributes Of A Quality Site: Essentials

Fiber Facility should be supported in advance or you may face delays What are your options? Attributes Of A Quality Site: Essentials

Fiber (continued) Is conduit or manhole access available? How long will it take for a provider to gain access? Who will pay if additional conduit, etc. required? Attributes Of A Quality Site: Essentials

Have to be able to answer the question of what is required to place the equipment I need Varies by municipality Need someone local who understands the variances Example: One town in New Jersey can put generators anywhere, another requires special permits Attributes Of A Quality Site: Entitlement Rights

Yes Financial firms: Often focus on synchronous communications distances Internet companies: Cost of Power Do Attributes Of A Quality Site Vary By Industry?

Yes Seismic risk Weather related risk Security issues Are There “Red Flags?”

Function of expertise, skill sets and understanding of requirements Typical Corporate Range: months Very often longer (years) Presence of required skill sets can reduce dramatically Six months How Long Should Site Selection Take?

Requires cross-functional expertise with business oversight Sites aren’t selected as much as eliminated Very specific set of skills required to accelerate the process Business considerations will dictate many site requirements Access to sufficient power and fiber are absolute essentials Summary