February 2008 Archives

I've gone over this in my head and been involved in discussions about what happens when and "IF", we decide that we need a new data center. There are several approaches that seem very efficient, effective and will produce huge results. And, then there is the "Glitz", factor that I think has as much impact as the best engineered, green, sustainable data center design.

Let's look at a couple of scenarios:

As many know I'm deeply involved with the RFP that will ultimately produce a master plan that will suggest what we need to do with data centers at Penn State. Presuming we are told that we need at least one data center, what are we to do? Should we be engineering geeks and squeeze the nickel till the buffalo (you know the rest). By this I mean take the approach of say a less expensive piece of real estate (if that exists) that's not in the middle of campus. Say USB3 and build another steel building that has the best power, cooling, backup etc, etc...... What do we have? We have a great data center? Right?

Well, yes, BUT, who will want to bring there project here or who will want to put their NAME on it? I don't see any names coming up to replace USB 1 and 2?

The point of it all then becomes how "pretty", do we have to make it so it sells!??

I think we'll have to take a $40 million dollar building and make it a $50+ million dollar building so it will bring the research and the development monies to the University. I'm not saying by any means this is a bad thing but I'm betting that researchers would rather say that they are doing their research in the "John and Jane Doe" Research and Engineering Data Center at Penn State! The beautiful facility that it is overlooking the duck pond and arboretum. Rather than saying I'm doing my research at USB 3 behind OPP at PSU. You get the picture.

Of course we're a long way from any of this becoming reality but It's been on my mind so let me know what you think?

By the way, I do think option 2 is the right thing to do in the long run!

As you can see, it's been a while since something has struck me in a big enough way to take my Saturday evening (yes it's Saturday at 20:02)

I'm going to stick my neck out yet again and comment on the ITS Climate Survey. I'm going to be general at first and offer help at the end!

I think I hate surveys as much as anyone but in this case and with the size of our organization it's difficult for a person or persons to personally contact each one of us to get the job done. I saw Kevin's note regarding reluctance of some folks in wanting to fill it out. From my point of view, I don't understand why? From Mairead, to Jeff to Kevin I truly believe they are trying to do what's right!! Not just for them but for ITS and The University. This survey is important to see where the pain points exist and there's no other way to get the answers and take corrective action unless you ask, is there?

So, for those folks that have pushed it aside, Please fill it out. Here's the link: https://online.survey.psu.edu/itsclimate? You have to put your survey number after the question mark!!

Now for the helping and sticking my neck out part!
If anyone feels that there may suffer untoward consequences for filling out the survey truthfully, please contact me and I'll do everything possible to get your comments to the proper place anonymously! Yes, I'll know who you are, but you got to trust someone if you want to be heard!

I know only a handful of folks read this but if you think it's important pass it along to those that may be hesitating to send the survey and I'll do all I can to help!