This might sound stupid..

But how about a datacenter that allows you to kind of live in the datacenter. Like have outlets where you can hook up your laptop and work on your servers while being next door to the on site support staff. Also, if something goes wrong with your server, you can just go walk to it, and fix any problem you want. Basically offer the same freedom that you would have if you had the server in your own house. Also have a shower area, spare beds for those hardcore workers that are too tired to drive back home.

I guess its a weird idea, but for some people (like me), they like to be able to deal with server problems right away and with their own two hands than play telephone tag with some support staff.

I wouldn't think that idea would work too well. Can you imagine how many people will be running around the datacenter and living there? I wouldn't think the dc would be too secure if that happens.

Im sure alot of people wouldnt take advantage of it, plus you have it maybe for the bigger clients and only 1 person per 'client'?

But I guess it would be bad if people were not mature about it, and if everyone was there running around. You could have access to server through cages. Errr, this is starting to sound like just renting out space in a datacenter. Which already exists...

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.

security would be a big issue

Security is the more important thing to.

Or you could use a bit of common sense, and only allow the server users to access their machines.

But that would either require moving the server to somewhere where you can work on it, or have 1 machine per room.

Its a good idea in theory, but it would take of ironing out on the flaws side ;)