Understanding the Data Center Site Selection Process at Dropbox
Introduction:
For over a decade, Dropbox has developed its own top-notch storage system, spanning the globe with a hybrid-cloud architecture. Choosing the right data center site has been a crucial process for us, involving industry relationships, real estate brokers, and an in-house selection process. Sustainability has also become a vital aspect of our decision-making, aligning with our environmental goals. In this article, we will discuss our approach to data center site selection, where we balance cost and reliability with our company values. We hope this insight will be valuable for those evaluating data center facilities or going through the selection process for the first time.
Full Article: Understanding the Data Center Site Selection Process at Dropbox
Dropbox, the popular cloud storage company, has revealed its approach to selecting data center locations. With over a decade of experience, Dropbox has developed a comprehensive process that ensures their data centers meet their requirements for capacity, power, space, and time. The company prioritizes sustainability and environmental goals in their decision-making process.
Defining Resource Requirements
Before selecting a new data center location, Dropbox’s capacity engineering team evaluates their resource requirements. This team assesses the types of services they need to support and determines the cabinet counts required. They also consider power and space requirements, as well as the target date by which capacity should be available.
Search and Identification
Once the capacity requirements are established, Dropbox’s data center engineering team begins their search for suitable locations and facilities. They leverage existing industry relationships and networks to identify providers active in the desired market. Providers are then evaluated based on their power capacity, space availability, and timeline requirements. Depending on the responses received, Dropbox decides which providers to include in the next stage of the process.
RFP Document and Physical Parameters
After the initial responses, Dropbox issues a full Request for Proposal (RFP) document that outlines their facility-level requirements. The company looks for supporting infrastructure design that follows industry guidelines for facility standards. They also consider the expected cabinet weight, dimensions, and quantity, ensuring that the facilities’ flooring systems can support the equipment. Additionally, Dropbox evaluates the network design, assessing traffic ingress and egress and checking for preferred carriers and redundancy levels.
Sustainability and Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)
In recent years, Dropbox has placed a stronger emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency. The company considers the power usage effectiveness (PUE) of data centers during negotiations. They encourage the use of renewable energy sources, eco-friendly cooling units, proper airflow containment methods, and other energy-efficient practices. Dropbox includes a lower PUE requirement in their contracts to drive action and promote environmentally friendly practices.
Bid Leveling and Technical Questionnaire
Once all responses to the RFP have been received, Dropbox conducts a bid leveling process to assess the cost of each proposal. In addition, a technical questionnaire is sent out to gather in-depth information about space, power design, cooling design, network design, site risks, security, and operational specifics. The answers to this questionnaire are critical in understanding and analyzing each facility and identifying any potential gaps or unique design features.
In-Person Evaluation
After the bid leveling and questionnaire process, Dropbox selects 4-6 providers who are deemed commercially and technically viable. These providers then undergo an in-person site walk evaluation. This evaluation allows Dropbox’s team to verify the information provided in the questionnaire and assess any ongoing construction. It also provides an opportunity to probe into equipment order, shipment, delivery, and installation timelines.
Ensuring Reliability and Efficiency
Dropbox’s data center site selection process focuses on achieving the right balance between cost, reliability, and company values. By considering capacity requirements, physical parameters, sustainability, and technical aspects, Dropbox aims to select data center locations that meet their needs while aligning with their environmental goals and efficiency objectives.
In conclusion, Dropbox’s data center site selection process involves defining resource requirements, conducting a thorough search and identification process, evaluating physical parameters, prioritizing sustainability and energy efficiency, conducting bid leveling and a technical questionnaire, and completing an in-person evaluation. Through this comprehensive approach, Dropbox ensures that their data centers meet their needs and align with their values.
Summary: Understanding the Data Center Site Selection Process at Dropbox
Dropbox has developed a comprehensive approach to data center site selection, considering factors such as capacity requirements, power and space allocation, sustainability, and physical parameters. The company has its own capacity engineering and data center engineering teams to assess and quantify these requirements. Dropbox also follows industry guidelines for facility design and prioritizes providers that use renewable energy and promote efficiency practices. The company conducts a thorough bidding and evaluation process, including a technical questionnaire and site walk evaluations, to ensure the selected facility meets their needs.
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