Southern Virginia University's data center requires constant online access. The author worked with IT staff over several years to improve backup systems, reviewing and researching uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems and updating heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to accommodate new equipment. As better backup became necessary, the author selected the best backup generator within budget while allowing for future growth, believing it is better to overprepare than underprepare.

1. Dear Sir or Madam;
I would like to elaborate on my experience concerning data centers. Southern
Virginia University’s data center though quite small to your standards stillhas the
need to be constantly on line; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The
University’s need for potential students or donors to have the ability to access the
University’s web site is imperative! I have worked with the ITstaff over the years I
worked at the University to constantly improveits backup systems.
The UPS systems that the university has purchased or had donated over the years
have had various needs that I would review and research to ensurethere were no
problems when the new equipment arrived and the former UPS replaced. I also
updated the HVACsystemto accommodate the larger systems installed.
As the necessity for better backup systems became apparent, I undertook what
sortof backup generator systemwould provide the kind of steady power without
putting unwanted noiseinto the system. I worked closely with the network
supervisor to ensureI selected the best backup generator I could find for the
allocated budget. I sized the generator for future growth not realizing that the
future allowed moredata capacity with less equipment. In my belief it’s better to
have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Sincerely
Butch Sorrells