Full Disclosure: I work for a (Great!) data center provider (ViaWest ).
Infrastructure: - What is the UPS run-time? - What is the generator startup time? - What is the genset capacity in relation to UPS demand? (i.e. is the UPS demand larger than the genset capacity - you'd be supprised!) - Does the provider have multiple refueling contracts? - Are the refueling contracts high priority? - Can the provider detail out green initiatives to improve PUE? - Does the provider have sufficient capital resources to expand the data center? - How much investment has the company made - this year - into the data center? - Is the data center in a flood plain? Check http://msc.fema.gov/
Compliance: - Is the data center SAS-70 type II audited? Type II means they're serious about it. - Are the results of the audit available for review? - Are a list of control objectives available? - How does the provider assist with customer audits? (i.e. PCI auditor requests for info) - Can the provider demonstrate servicing other companies where compliance is a requirement? - Will there be additional charges for audit related work or requests?
Network Remote Hands - Does the provider offer managed hosting / hybrid hosting options - What is the expertise level of the NOC staff? - How are remote hands charged? - What is the response time for a remote hands event? - What monitoring options are available?
Corporate - Does the company have a business continuity plan documented? - Are the company financials available for review?
Commander: "We have a hopeless situation... We're all going to die!!!! Engineer, HELP!"
Engineer: "We can make it work, but it won't be pretty!"
E: (to other engineers) "What if we crossconnect the plasma conduit directly into the warp drive, then tie it to the transporter via the deflector dish?"
C: "Will that work?"
E2: [With Sarcasm]"Once... maybe"
C: "Good enough. Make it so"
E: "Alright, but if anyone asks, this was your idea"
E: "I can't believe I'm doing this"
C: "What's that?"
E: "Oh, nothing..., just checking my dignity at the space dock"
E2: "I can't believe you suggested that. I'm embarassed to be on your team."
Slashdot Mirror
Full Disclosure: I work for a (Great!) data center provider (ViaWest ).
Infrastructure:
- What is the UPS run-time?
- What is the generator startup time?
- What is the genset capacity in relation to UPS demand? (i.e. is the UPS demand larger than the genset capacity - you'd be supprised!)
- Does the provider have multiple refueling contracts?
- Are the refueling contracts high priority?
- Can the provider detail out green initiatives to improve PUE?
- Does the provider have sufficient capital resources to expand the data center?
- How much investment has the company made - this year - into the data center?
- Is the data center in a flood plain? Check http://msc.fema.gov/
Compliance:
- Is the data center SAS-70 type II audited? Type II means they're serious about it.
- Are the results of the audit available for review?
- Are a list of control objectives available?
- How does the provider assist with customer audits? (i.e. PCI auditor requests for info)
- Can the provider demonstrate servicing other companies where compliance is a requirement?
- Will there be additional charges for audit related work or requests?
Network Remote Hands
- Does the provider offer managed hosting / hybrid hosting options
- What is the expertise level of the NOC staff?
- How are remote hands charged?
- What is the response time for a remote hands event?
- What monitoring options are available?
Corporate
- Does the company have a business continuity plan documented?
- Are the company financials available for review?
Commander: "We have a hopeless situation... We're all going to die!!!! Engineer, HELP!"
Engineer: "We can make it work, but it won't be pretty!"
E: (to other engineers) "What if we crossconnect the plasma conduit directly into the warp drive, then tie it to the transporter via the deflector dish?"
C: "Will that work?"
E2: [With Sarcasm]"Once... maybe"
C: "Good enough. Make it so"
E: "Alright, but if anyone asks, this was your idea"
E: "I can't believe I'm doing this"
C: "What's that?"
E: "Oh, nothing..., just checking my dignity at the space dock"
E2: "I can't believe you suggested that. I'm embarassed to be on your team."
E: "At least we'll still have a team to be on..."