What is a data center?
There are a few working definitions of data centers, but these two reflect accurately the main functionality ranges:
1. A facility that stores, manages and disseminates data, with centralized IT operations and equipment
2. The computational infrastructure for internet-scale services and cloud computing
In general the functionality of a data center encompasses these two main viewpoints. Well-known examples of companies that utilize this type of data center are Yahoo, Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Amazon, just to name a few.
In essence a data center consists of a building with many server computers that run almost constantly and store data and applications so that users can access it from any other computer connected to the network, generally the internet. The advantages of cloud storage and cloud applications are: nearly universal access to the stored information as well as freed memory on the user's personal computer because the server computer hosts the information.
A company looking to build a data center analyzes 5 key elements:
1. Site selection
2. Power source
3. Stand by power
4. Cooling
5. Fire protection
Data center location prioritizes a large piece of flat land that is in a relatively cool area and near a consistent power source. Lack of power for even a few days would mean disaster for that center- hence the need for stand by power in case of short term outages or fluctuations. Essential to a data center is a strong cooling system. The servers produce large amounts of heat and since they are packed very close together to maximize storage capacity in the given space, a cooling system is what prevents the machinery from melting. This feeds into the last requirement- should the cooling system fail, fire protection becomes a necessity to avoid the destruction of property and technology.
1. A facility that stores, manages and disseminates data, with centralized IT operations and equipment
2. The computational infrastructure for internet-scale services and cloud computing
In general the functionality of a data center encompasses these two main viewpoints. Well-known examples of companies that utilize this type of data center are Yahoo, Microsoft, Google, Facebook and Amazon, just to name a few.
In essence a data center consists of a building with many server computers that run almost constantly and store data and applications so that users can access it from any other computer connected to the network, generally the internet. The advantages of cloud storage and cloud applications are: nearly universal access to the stored information as well as freed memory on the user's personal computer because the server computer hosts the information.
A company looking to build a data center analyzes 5 key elements:
1. Site selection
2. Power source
3. Stand by power
4. Cooling
5. Fire protection
Data center location prioritizes a large piece of flat land that is in a relatively cool area and near a consistent power source. Lack of power for even a few days would mean disaster for that center- hence the need for stand by power in case of short term outages or fluctuations. Essential to a data center is a strong cooling system. The servers produce large amounts of heat and since they are packed very close together to maximize storage capacity in the given space, a cooling system is what prevents the machinery from melting. This feeds into the last requirement- should the cooling system fail, fire protection becomes a necessity to avoid the destruction of property and technology.
https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/learning-center/what-is-a-data-center.html
http://www.itbusinessedge.com/info/PP-BuildDataCenter-pg1.aspx
http://www.itbusinessedge.com/info/PP-BuildDataCenter-pg1.aspx