2.1 Chapter Objectives

• Determine site configuration required to meet service-level objectives

• Explore physical, electrical, environmental, and other factors that characterize site configuration

• Suggest management policies and operational procedures necessary to maintain a functioning site

• Briefly discuss disaster planning issues

2.2 Introduction

Within the context of this chapter, site configuration refers to the physical, environmental, electrical, safety, and operational characteristics of the space immediately surrounding your computer systems.

• Physical characterizes the size, shape, and location of the room or rooms that contain your systems (e.g., the computer room)

• Environmental describes computer-room attributes, such as temperature, humidity, airflow, and the existence of airborne contaminants

• Electrical addresses the quality and availability of electrical power from the local utility company, as well as in-house equipment used to enhance power

• Safety focuses on the equipment necessary to ensure safety of personnel, equipment, and building structures

• Operational refers to the procedures and policies used to manage, maintain, and operate site components

These site-configuration features represent the foundation that supports the systems and the applications built upon that foundation. Computer equipment is generally more reliable than mechanical equipment, but only when precise temperature, humidity, airflow, air-quality, and power-level tolerances are maintained. When site support systems fail, any system contained within the site is vulnerable to failure or, at best, will operate less reliably.

Not many system managers have the opportunity to be involved in the initial design and construction of the data centers they manage. As a system manager, you more...