Data Center Project

About the Program

Category: Information Technology (Best in Category)

Year: 2018

Without a solid base and infrastructure, Hennepin County technology cannot be responsive to support all of the services necessary for Minnesota’s largest, most populous county. While performing advanced planning in 2014, it became evident that the county’s technology foundation, the data centers, needed an overhaul. At the time, the county operated three data centers. The enterprise data center was operating with a floor unable to handle an ever-increasing load, 40-year-old infrastructure, cluttered wiring, limited security measures and restricted air flow for cooling. The county decided to consolidate data center locations and to modernize the enterprise data center. The modernization of the enterprise data center included significant changes to infrastructure and a focus on security and stability of county systems. It has resulted in reduced power usage and is one of the projects that contributed to the reduction of electricity consumption for the county. Major improvements include: • Tighter security – access was limited to key personnel (from 475 down to 17); security verification was increased from one to six challenges (seven for some areas); additional cameras give view of the total space; personnel must badge out; cabinets are locked • Upgraded foundation – floors were raised and strengthened to bear a heavier load; walls and ramps were replaced; ducts were replaced. • Relocation of utilities – air for cooling was placed under the floor; cables were moved overhead; water pipes were moved to the periphery; fire suppression was moved into alignment with the new layout. • Reconfiguration of space – additional cabinets allow for growth; larger access points were incorporated into the design, providing efficient movement of equipment. Available conditioned power and cooling was increased by 50%. Full infrastructure redundancy was insured so that services always remain available even during routine maintenance. Other items to note: The remodel was completed ahead of schedule, in 21 months rather than 36, and on budget. • Throughout the project, the data center stayed in operation. With all of the equipment moves in each phase, it’s impressive that there were no unplanned outage. Overall, the enterprise data center remodel extends the data center’s life by 7-10 years while reducing costs. In addition, by eliminating one of the rented data center locations, the county is saving $1.4 million in annual rental cost.