Managing Cost and Power Services for Data Centers
Costs associated with electric and power is an issue every business owner struggles with on a constant basis. As more and more businesses have their own data centers on site, those power costs will continue to increase, ultimately turning into a major cost center in any business’ budget. By taking the time to understand the intricacies of power services for data centers, however, business owners can do a better, more informed job at controlling power costs.
Working with Power Professionals and Selecting the Right Power Services for Data Centers
Many believe that the best trait a business owner can possess may have nothing to do with the specific type of business. It is to knowingly admit what is outside a business owner’s knowledge base and build a team around those knowledge gaps. By not pretending they are “experts in everything,” they are able to keep an open mind when pondering different business decisions and ultimately those decisions will be the best ones possible.
Power services for data centers is a perfect example of a potential knowledge gap. Unless a business deals directly with power management or electricity, the chances are great that the business owner does not have a solid understanding of the different power services for data centers that are available. Therefore, it makes sense to consult with several different power professionals before making a final selection on a power consultant to provide guidance on electricity and power decisions.
A power professional should be able to come in to a business and its data center and perform a complete audit of everything in use and what the power requirements should include. They should also be able to identify potential power gaps and inefficiencies as a way to identify potential cost savings. Ultimately, the power professional should be able to make very specific recommendations on how to manage power costs and power services for data centers.
Once an inclusive audit has been completed, the power professional should be able to work with other power professionals, including building management (if required), IT staff, and any others that should be included in the discussion, to build a highly power-efficient and cost effective plan that includes power services for data centers. It is also important that any planned data center power changes follow all safety requirements, industry standards and laws related to electrical and power installations.
In today’s business, having a holistic business plan is critical. This goes far beyond documenting line items in a budget to really understanding what each line item means and how it affects the entire business and its employees. Each decision should meet not just business laws, but ethical guidelines, including providing a safe location for employees to work. This needs to include the best and most efficient power services for data centers so the server room is safe for IT professionals to work in and can provide all the data and file necessary for employees to effectively to their job.
