General 10 November 2026
Twelve things to check when you tour a data center before you sign
Visiting a colocation or hosted data center? A practical checklist of what to look at, ask and request in writing before you commit.
CITS Global editorial team, 2 min read
Excerpt: A brochure shows what a provider wants you to see. A tour, done properly, shows how it actually runs. Tags: colocation, due diligence, selection, checklist
A brochure shows what a provider wants you to see. A tour, done properly, shows how the place actually runs. If you are renting space or hosting equipment, visit in person, and bring this list.
Power Can they show you the single-line diagram and explain each backup layer? A good operator walks you through it without hesitation. When was the last full load-transfer test, and can you see the report? A test where the building really ran on generators is worth far more than a paper claim. How long does fuel last at full load, and who delivers more? Ask for the refuelling agreement, not just the tank size.
Cooling
Is cooling on the protected power supply? Servers that survive a power cut but overheat have not been protected. What happens if one cooling unit fails while another is under maintenance? This is the real test of spare capacity.
Connectivity
How many independent network carriers and physical routes enter the building? Two carriers sharing one trench are really one route.
Security
How is access controlled, logged and reviewed? Who can enter your cage? Ask who else holds keys or badges that open it.
Operations
Are staff on site around the clock, or only on call? It decides how fast a fault is seen and fixed. How are incidents communicated to customers, and how fast? Ask to see a past incident notice. What are the real service commitments, and what do you receive if they are missed? Read the credits, exclusions and how downtime is measured.
The walk itself
Look at the cabling, labelling and tidiness. A well-kept hall usually means a well-run one. Look for signs of strain. Blocked aisles, hot spots, unlabelled equipment and alarms left unattended all tell you something.
Before you sign
Ask for the answers in writing. Ask what growth room exists beside your space and how expansion is priced. Check how exit works too: what it costs and how long it takes to move out.
CTA: Comparing facilities? Our consulting team can help you evaluate them objectively before you commit.
#DataCenter #Colocation #ICT #DigitalTransformation #CITSGlobal
