It depends on what data center that you're using based on how fast they resolve to problems. I know on our servers we have the KVM Over IP which allows us to access the console from a remote location. For reimaging the server you don't actually need to be right at the server since you can do a network reimage. We're able to reimage our servers at the click of a button using a program that we created.

Based on the data center and the techincans is pretty much the way to determine if they will respond to issues fast. I know that we have always responded to issues fast and in a timely manner. We realize that waiting makes a person very impatient and that you have clients down and we want to get them clients up. I guess it pays to rent servers in another data center before moving into your own and then learning it gives you more reason to get clients up.

You could also rent cage space, racks, or cabinets in a data center. I do know that sometimes you're able to rent office space within the data center for your work area and to store parts or you could put your desk in the cage but, why take up more space? If you run off an office space then you're able to have a network drop run directly to our equipment or your own equipment and run on a 10 Mpbs or 100 Mpbs Port whichever you give yourself as a hand-off. This allows you to be connected internally to your servers.

No one would "live" in a data center. However, in a data center you should always have your locatoin staffed 24x7 in case of any problems. There is no point in starting your own little data center when they're so many of them. I would recommend renting space in another center and making sure the techincans are dependable. But, keep in mind that the price will vary on the location. For an example it may be cheaper in Chicago then it would be in NYC.