The Data Around Us

Online shopping. How does the information you type travel to the computer of the stores your shop? And then how does the confirmation travel back to your email inbox? And the shipping label- how does it generate through wires to print at a store somewhere and tell them what to pack in your box?

Servers. Servers are the way in which online and telecommunications data is stored and transmitted throughout our cyber world. Servers also do exactly what their name describes- serve. They serve information to other computers. They pass and deliver data as well as process requests. Servers are the hub of power and knowledge that make things happen. They are pretty important. Some companies have entire server rooms- devoted to the operating and functioning of their computer servers. Some entire companies are devoted just to effectively operating computer servers.

But what happens if server rooms become too hot? Think about your iPhone- what happens when it overheats? It moves slower. It doesn’t work as well. It doesn’t get the job done. Sometimes it even completely shuts down and tells you to try again when it’s cooler. The same is true for servers. Think about humidity- what do you think happens if computer servers are in a too-humid room? Remember, humidity = moisture. Moisture + electronics = bad.

We can’t control the weather. But we can control how we deal with it. Our mechanical engineers and designers work really hard to develop master plans, conduct studies, create designs, and troubleshoot solutions to navigate heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems for the most important spaces.

We’re proud of our resume, we work with 2 Fortune 100 technology companies, supporting their sites and facilities that bring research and great ideas to life. Because when it comes to the data around us- it should just work.

SSM recently completed a Mission Critical Facility Master Plan Update outlining the steps and costs to bring a 300,000 sf office and level 3/3+ data center hotel from its present condition based on circa 2005 watt densities to newly established goals. Having performed the existing conditions assessment, the team evaluated and recommended approaches to achieve the company’s goals maintaining operation of the site and service to its tenants. The effort considered use of floor space, central utility capacities, infrastructure, equipment End of Life (EoL) replacement, and changes in requirements and guidelines for critical data centers. The deliverable provided a phased approach for upgrading the facility’s power distribution, emergency standby power, UPS power distribution, and expansion and upgrading of the central chilled water plant and distribution system. A timeline was established inter-relating the EoL replacement of equipment, increase in power source capacity and distribution, and central cooling capacity and distribution so that growth and modifications were undertaken in steps that were coordinated and manageable. A timeline was established inter-relating the EoL replacement of equipment, increase in power source capacity and distribution, and central cooling capacity and distribution so that growth and modifications were undertaken in steps that were coordinated and manageable.

Goals were established that reflected immediate (plans on the books), short term (full fitout at probable densities) and long term (densities thought reasonably achievable within 20 years). The conditions assessment information was used to define the modifications that would be necessary to support those projects to be constructed in the immediate future and develop the timeline and phasing to support the increased watt density and increasing occupancy of the facility established with the client. A long range plan was also developed outlining the steps necessary to support the 20 year vision.