A Hybrid Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Data Center Location Selection

Abstract

In today's world, the fact that information applications have become an indispensable part of life with the effect of the developments in information technologies has led to a huge rate of data production and usage. As a result of this, the need for data centers has increased. Although Turkey is a country with advantages that can play a leading role in the field of data centers in the region where it is located, it has some disadvantages too. Some of these disadvantages are natural disasters index, climate index, energy index, accessibility index, human capital and quality of life index (HCLQ). In this context, these disadvantages are considered as criteria for data center location selection problem. In this study, criteria weights were determined by fuzzy DEMATEL (The Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory) method in the problem solving and alternatives (81 provinces) were ranked using EDAS (Evaluation based on Distance from Average Solution) method. According to the results, it was found that Istanbul is the best alternative in data center location selection.