Understanding the intricacies of the data center life cycle is crucial for stakeholders involved in building a data center, from initial planning and data center design to ongoing operations.  

This article will explore the various phases of the data center life cycle, emphasizing the importance of meticulous planning, design, construction, and continuous assessment to optimize performance and meet the dynamic demands of modern enterprises.  

1. Data Center Planning 

Phase length: a few weeks to a few months, depending on the scale of the project 

Phase output: a validated system concept (high level description of the system) 

Despite usually being the shortest and least expensive stage of the data center life cycle, the planning phase is critical because of the impact it has on the overall cost and capabilities of the data center. Failure to plan a data center project properly can result in rework and costly delays as a result. 

“This planning phase should determine the key project parameters of the physical system to be created (system concept), site selection, and the project process that will determine them.” Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center 

To avoid problems later on in the process, it is recommended to use a formal, standardized process.

Data center site selection 

Once a system concept has been established, site evaluation can begin. If a site is selected too early, it may end up not meeting the design requirements. There are many factors that go into site selection for a data center, including climate, connectivity, and capacity for expansion.

2. Data Center Design 

Phase length: between four and ten weeks depending on whether there’s a bidding element included 

Phase output: site-specific schematics, detailed construction documents, and a project plan 

The design phase of data center project transforms the system concept from the planning phase into site-specific schematics, detailed drawings, and specifications. During this phase, these documents are reviewed and approved by engineers and relevant authorities before construction contractors are appointed.  
 
Parties involved in this detailed design phase include the project owner, the data center architect, MEP engineers, structural and civil engineers, IT consultants, energy consultants, commissioning agents and facility operators. 

“Unfortunately, it is common to go through multiple design iterations as requirements, preferences, and constraints change or surprises occur. If the early planning phase is managed properly as described above, these costly, time-consuming iterations will be minimized.” Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center 

Before starting the build phase, the construction team will create a detailed project plan, identifying critical path items and developing a commissioning plan, budget, billing plan, and schedule. At this stage, close collaboration with the design team is really important to ensure that the finalized design and construction documents align with the project’s plans, schedules, and budgets. 

3. Data Center Building 

Phase length: 6 months to 3 years 

Phase output: Completed building with certification of completion 

During the building phase, construction begins in accordance with the detailed documents produced in the planning and design phases. Team members focus on their respective disciplines such as civil construction, QA/QC, mechanical, electrical, equipment integration and so on.  

The building phase can be considered complete when quality assurance has confirmed and a final certification of completion is issued. The commissioning test results must have been received and the owner should issue a formal letter of acceptance of project.  

Data Center Commissioning 

“Commissioning (Cx) is defined as a reliability science that documents and validates the result of a data center’s design and build processes. This is very different from typical “start-up” services where equipment vendors simply install, configure, power-up devices, and then provide the contractor with a certificate of completion for each individual device.” Schneider Electric – Data Center Science Center 

Not only is commissioning recommended for new data center projects, but also retrofit projects where there have been significant changes made to the overall system. Commissioning agents should be involved in the project from an early stage so that any points of failure can be identified early on in the process. 

After commissioning tests have been passed, the project can be handed over to the facilities operations team.

4. Data Center Operations 

Phase length: 10 to 20 years 

Phase output: Continuously house, power, cool, and secure IT servers, storage, and networking gear 

The longest phase of a data center project is the operations phase. During this phase, the physical infrastructure must continuously function despite the equipment aging and fluctuations in IT and business demands. 

5. Data Center Assessment 

Phase length: monthly measurements throughout the operations phase 

Phase output: knowledge of whether the data center is operating well and opportunity to address any issues 

Regularly assessing the performance of a data center is an important element of an effective operations and maintenance program. 

According to Schneider Electric, an effective regular assessment should include assessing the: 

• Degree to which the design intent and facility objectives are being met by the current infrastructure in operation  
• Energy efficiency of physical infrastructure in supporting IT  
• General health and current risk profile of the physical infrastructure  
• Current power, cooling, and space capacities and use trends  
• Effectiveness and experience levels of personnel  
• Facility operations and maintenance program maturity and effectiveness 

A number of metrics should be measured and tracked against a target value and ‘acceptable’ levels. Any deviations from the accepted values should be addressed. 

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