Containers - Packaging or Gift

Since I have been asked to present on the metrics for container and modular data center deployments at the 2011 7x24 Exchange Spring Conference (www.7x24exchange.org/spring11/brochure), one of the main issues I have with non-stick built deployments is the metric used to measure success. Here are a few nuggets for thought:

1. How much are you willing to pay for speed of deployment?


2. Who's selling you the solution and what is the motivation for said sale outside of the obvious desire for more business?


3. Seeing the cost for speed of deployment, what premium are you willing to pay for speed to deploy new assets over excess space in existing facilities?


4. Are you happy with the container or modular solution in the long run, operationally speaking?


5. Do you understand the dynamic of costs and who and where the money falls on a container or modular approach?


6. What is your financial metric for the $$/rack position or MIP or TB in the data center?

So, ask yourself this question:

Are you happier with the gift or the wrapping?