We're getting a new city hall.
Apparently the architects don't realize that computer rooms/data centers have special requirements.
Trivial things. Like more air conditioning above and beyond what the rest of the building needs. Or more electricity. Or channels through which network cables can be run. Raised floors are also nice.
The "architects", using the term loosely, think that IT can use the same type of space as payroll or personnel or whatever. And that IT can run all the cables when the move happens. As one of our help desk people said today, as long as we dedicate ALL IT staff for six months after the building is completed as there are maybe ten people in IT who can run cable.
When you run network cables through physical firewalls, you have to use special construction techniques to reconstitute the firewall to maintain its fire rating. Same thing if you pierce the floor to drop cable between floors. You don't just drill holes and drop cable through. And you don't use non-professional people to do it, at least if you want it done right.
So now, after the bids have gone out, contracts have been awarded, the formal groundbreaking ceremony has been conducted, we're still trying to get the plans modified to try and get the building to be more IT/network friendly.
*sigh*
These people REALLY need to have someone on staff or contracted to help them modify plans to be network-friendly, not to mention bringing the IT department of the company that they're designing the building for in on the design.
