Secrets and best practice of secure data centre management 

The partnership between Keysource and Datum is allowing the client to adapt its services and deliver bespoke solutions, supporting its continuing expansion. 

One of the most notable developments affecting all areas of business and personal life in the first quarter of the 21st century has been the considerable rise in the creation and use of data. 

It seems that the majority of daily actions now generate data – from the moment mobile phones or computers are used, to movements recorded by security cameras and results from the monitoring of buildings and equipment will generate data that has to be processed and stored, including all that generated by business operations. This has understandably resulted in the storing and processing of data becoming one of the fastest areas of growth around the world. 

Although a relatively new industry, the data centre sector is continuing to increase its presence in all countries around the world. With some businesses managing their own data centre facilities, the majority prefer to outsource these activities to the specialist providers who are able to guarantee the necessary levels of security, while guaranteeing 24-hour service to maximise the effectiveness of its clients’ activities. 

This is particularly relevant in the case of Datum Datacentres, which has established a reputation for the assured delivery of standard and bespoke services to its growing number of clients. FM Director was invited to visit the company’s main data centre facility at Cody Business Park in Farnborough, Hampshire to view its operations and hear about the long-running partnership established with Keysource, the specialist provider of a wide range of data centre services, which first began in 2013. 

Those visiting the site are immediately struck by the high levels of security when arriving at the visitor centre, presenting photographic identification and then waiting to be collected and guided to their destination. Further to site security, Datum has additionally established its own high levels of secure access to its facility that includes both manned and 120 CCTV cameras. 

Within the data centre itself, clients can choose the levels of security around their areas, ranging from the basic and open racking system to those enclosed by electronically controlled cage systems.  

Datum datacentre manager Ian Mace provided a detailed tour of the extensive facility that, in addition to the main areas of data collection and storage, includes a highly efficient plant room, energy centre, fuel storage and a variety of sophisticated plant and equipment. In addition to high levels of security, considerable assurance is provided by the site’s ability to maintain power supplies in any event. 

Data centre interiors are another example of components that can benefit highly from the value of FM services. With each rack consuming high levels of electricity, the efficient delivery of cooling and air distribution is essential to maintain constant service. 

Even a temporary interruption to service can prove extremely costly to data centre clients and Mr Mace explains how Datum has invested heavily to ensure that the centre operates at peak efficiency at all times. “We’ve managed to achieve a very good power usage effectiveness rating (PUE) of around 1.3. by maintaining a lower air pressure within the building than outside, which helps the air to flow up through the racks and keep them cool without too much mechanical intervention,” he begins. 

Building management systems (BMS) have become increasingly important throughout the FM sector and in addition to the more usual elements utilised throughout the Datum facility, it is also used to ensure that clients receive accurate bills based on their usage.  

The company also appreciates the potential damage that could result from fire, which is an ever-present consideration given the high levels of electricity used and has installed a sophisticated sprinkler system that will only operate in affected areas. This will keep any disruption to a minimum while also reducing potential issues caused by water ingress. 

Our tour includes all areas of the facilities, including a recently created area that is waiting for contracts to be finalised with new clients. “This space is currently empty but that also means we can easily adapt it to any customer needs,” says Mr Mace. 

“We could see a single client taking this space but it could equally be taken by several different customers. The room is kept at a comfortable temperature in line with our focus on energy efficiency, but that will obviously change when the racking is installed and becomes operational.” 

As the tour continues through the large, on-site plant room, Mr Mace explains that the 250kW air handlers produce 2MW of cooling capacity. With resilience included throughout the facility, he further states that the cooling system can maintain its output and is designed to cope with equipment failure. 

“The system will continue to work and can deal with situations such as losing two of the air handlers at the same time. Of course, it doesn’t need to work at full capacity all the time and we control the output to maintain the best balance at all times,” he continues. 

“We also look at air humidification levels and have installed humidifiers to manage this. We usually find that the air needs to be dehumidified during the summer months. 

“Our three main SLAs are humidity, power and cooling, all of which are strictly managed to ensure they remain within the correct limits,” says Mr Mace. 

Another important part of the Datum facility is its energy centre, which includes six generators of 2MW output capacity, which are divided into two sections. Each generator is tested on a weekly basis to ensure it remains operable and efficient. 

“If we were to lose mains power then the three generators in the A group would fire up. In the event that any of these failed, we would then see the generators in the B group come online, which provides us with a lot of resilience. 

“Each generator can go from standby mode to full power production in around 12 seconds and are designed to provide 1m hours of output, which means they will never wear out. 

“With each generator costing around £1m you could say that they’re a very expensive insurance policy, but essential to support our statement to customers that our services are as resilient as possible. In total, we have around 12MW of power generation capacity on site,” he says. 

The energy centre also includes the site’s uninterruptable power system (UPS) that consists of racks, or strings, of lithium-ion batteries. The system is designed to allow any string to be isolated to allow individual batteries to be changed or maintained without adversely affecting performance levels. 

“We find that batteries last for around seven to eight years and work best when the temperature is kept at 20 degrees Centigrade,” he continues. “The way that the facility has been designed means that we’re much more likely to run out of space before we run out of power, which again supports our claims of high levels of resilience.” 

He further states that the company has also secured planning permission for the construction of another facility on site. Having been acquired by UBS Asset Management Real Estate & Private Markets (REPM) in September 2021, Datum is in the enviable position of having guaranteed access to investment that is continuing to support its growth. 

This has additionally supported the company’s acquisition of another site in the Manchester area on which it is currently underway with construction of a major data centre. “That will mean that the new buildings are much more sustainable and will include modern materials, along with the latest plant and equipment, so that will make sure that everything is as efficient as possible. 

“We’ll be designing and building them from scratch and we’re also looking at a district heating capability for the Manchester site. That will deliver another boost to its sustainability levels by sharing all the waste heat to help local residents and businesses,” Mr Mace concludes. 

Although the company appears to be treading a fine line between the offering of exemplary levels of service and resilience in its data centre activities and maintaining energy efficiency and sustainability, its partnership with Keysource is keeping both aims on clearly defined tracks.