I believe that Equinix has proved that there really is little/no use for raised flooring. Everything is done overhead in a highly efficient and effective method.
For the most part, not much of a difference. maybe slightly more ventilation, but not worth the trouble. Raised floors serve a better purpose for cleanliness and ease of getting wires out of the way, especially when you start adding more power and have to feed power cables from other floors of the building...hides the clutter instead of bringing it through the top of the rack/cage.
That should link you to Starline Power Bus. Awesome product!!. We are locked into a basement DC and couldn't do rasied floors (which turned out to be a blessing). This is an overhead power bus that is a bit more expensive on the initial but is extrememly easy to manage. We have been able to add L6-30, L5-30, and standard three prong outlets, as hot swappable without an electrician. We combined this with an overhead cable tray from QSI and it turned out great.
Also, raised floor is grounded so can dissipate static, it provides an easily reconfigurable air plenum and power chase, provides a space for a/c coolant lines, water supply, condensate drains, cabling and a space you can work in without a ladder.
That should link you to Starline Power Bus. Awesome product!!. We are locked into a basement DC and couldn't do rasied floors (which turned out to be a blessing). This is an overhead power bus that is a bit more expensive on the initial but is extrememly easy to manage. We have been able to add L6-30, L5-30, and standard three prong outlets, as hot swappable without an electrician. We combined this with an overhead cable tray from QSI and it turned out great.
I'd be interested in a cost comparison. Do you know what it cost to do your overhead trays and power bus and what size is your room? That would give me a $/sq. ft. number. Raised floor in my area is quoted at about $22 a sq. ft. new, $12 used installed (CDN $).
This is a good question, but for me I think it is much easier to manage and keep organized especially when you start to fill up. If the cost difference is small I would go with the raised floor delivery. I would also ask myself if the facility does not have raised floor what else are they not providing?