Re: DATACENTER: Mixed Use Facility

[Sean Donelan <SEAN@SDG.DRA.COM>]

>We're talking about a relatively local facility and the building is about
>90 years old and quite solid (though obviously I'm going to get a
>professional to confirm that).  Because we are in Connecticut, the weather
>and earthquake situation is relatively tame.  Snow is more likely to be a
>problem, which does make the roof important.  The roof is slate, and
>changing that is not an option though repairing it is.  Does anyone here
>have suggestions about what, aside from the obvious water damage, to look
>for in the roof?

A good architect should be your best resource.  They should be licensed
in your state, and will know all the quirks about your area (e.g. ice storms,
wind, etc).  Other resources include Factory Mutual (www.factorymutual.com)
for lots of information on construction and property loss prevention.  If
you want to know how to build military grade facilities, the National
Institute of Building Sciences sells the Construction Criteria Base on
CD-ROM for $250 (www.ccb.org).

However, don't go overboard in any one area.  The most likely threat areas
for datacenters are power, electrical protection, environmental control,
and fire prevention. Disgruntled employees driving cars through the front
door are still relatively rare.  And yes, you can buy insurance even for
acts by disgruntled (ex-)employees.  I've seen people waste a lot of
money protecting against extreme, but unlikely threats; while neglecting
more common problems.
-- 
Sean Donelan, Data Research Associates, Inc, St. Louis, MO
  Affiliation given for identification not representation