Tony Henderson, operations director, Bailey Teswaine tells Data Centre Management that there are a number of checks that you must complete before deciding on your cable installer

The loss in productivity and profits that an insufficient cabling system can bring makes a strong case for prioritising investment in a robust infrastructure that can support the demands of the business and its’ users. Reducing both capital and operating costs, and enabling more rapid business information and communications to flow between sites.

The majority of the cost in a typical structured cabling installation is in the labour/implementation, and there are significant cost benefits in getting things right at the outset versus the need for replacements or upgrades later. Planning for future applications and user demands is crucial to ensure competitiveness.

In selecting an installer there are a number of factors aside from competitive pricing that need to be considered for a successful implementation.

Risk assessment

Enlivening Data Centres requires a deep understanding of the mission critical nature of services and applications to be deployed.  Eliminating single points of failure and ensuring maximum resilience is a capability that experienced suppliers can offer. Carrying out a risk assessment of the existing Physical Layer Infrastructure or plans will provide recommendations on the investment or change required, and helps ensure that systems truly are 24/7 365 days a year.

Vendor accreditations

The warranty period, the accreditations and training level of the installer should all be explored. When appointing an installer the trading history and financial stability should also be investigated. Ensure that the installer of choice has previous buyer experience and provides robust and comprehensive documentation showing comprehensive project plans.

Warranty and guarantees

It is advisable to work with a company likely to be around for the next 20 years who are able to warrant their work and the system for this period. The level of vendor support and contact centre facilities is also crucial, and is something that many businesses do not take in to account until after they have experienced implementation issues.


Technical capability

The technical expertise of the installer is essential - make sure the range of solutions and capabilities offered provides a solution that is the best value and matches all requirements.

Working with a vendor with strong data/voice/building management expertise will mean a better designed and implemented solution to a network rollout than a vendor who just regards cabling as an end in itself.

Electrical issues are an additional consideration with installation projects, liaison with electrical contractors and others involved in the project is key to agree responsibilities and project logistics. Project managers need to co-ordinate large scale projects with many varied companies and craftsmen involved. Inexperienced companies and those not well equipped to deal with numerous stakeholders in a project and co-ordinate their work will face delays and additional cost.
Voice and data expertise

Companies need to bear in mind both current and anticipated application requirements. If they are not already using videoconferencing, IP CCTV, or monitoring building systems, such as heating, lighting or air-conditioning using their IP infrastructure, there is a strong chance they will want this option in the future.

Intelligent Infrastructure Management

Check the provider’s understanding and experience in Intelligent Infrastructure Management – while not required for all installations, working with a partner who can integrate the cabling system with helpdesks, automated problem detection and maximise network availability is key.  

Integration Services

Integration with other applications and systems is a key differentiator that leading suppliers can offer.  Linking the physical network with server, asset and inventory management, capacity planning, security and other systems helps Data Centre workflow processes and management, reducing operational cost and risks.  Interfacing to power, energy monitoring and other environmental systems enables seamless delivery and management of services, and allows far greater understanding and control of costs.

Quality control

Quality controls, health & safety best practice, adherence to British Standards and increasingly important environmental legislation cannot be ignored. BS ISO14001, ISO9001 and other accreditations are helpful guides to the level of quality control and robustness of a company’s processes.  Company boards and network managers are progressively keener to promote a 'green' approach, particularly if this leads to greater efficiency and improved performance. Going green will ultimately lead to a reduction in outgoing costs since commodity price rises (eg copper) have resulted in price hikes for cabling. Positive indicators of a company's environmental awareness may become a key requirement for companies competing for business, particularly in the public sector.

There are a number of dangers that a company will face if they select a cabling installer with an inadequate solution, which will inevitably result in needing to upgrade at further expense and disruption to the business. For example, using valuable floor space or riser ducts with the wrong kind of cable now may mean full re-cabling is required later. An element to bear in mind is that software applications, servers and other IT hardware are typically refreshed every 3-5 years, while cabling infrastructure is generally refreshed once every 20 years.  'Floodwiring' to allow later expansion and flexibility, incorporating network points in the ceiling for Wireless Access Points (WAPs) and building additional capacity (eg 'dark fibre') are all good tips to future-proof networks as much as possible, and avoiding the need to re-cable later.

To stay ahead of the game and keep networks running around the clock businesses need to get back to basics to install and maintain a resilient cabling infrastructure, and a trusted ICT solutions partner can advise on what makes sense for each particular business.