All information available on the Internet is stored in data centers. There are millions of them around the world, and they store and process trillions of gigabytes of information. This includes online movies, browser games, graphic content, various programs, and data.
Data centers vary in size, appearance, equipment, and technology. According to a Cisco study, the average data center processes billions of gigabytes of information per day and receives hundreds of millions of megabytes of new information.
A high-quality data center is responsible for providing continuous access to the server (uptime), allowing any resource to be available around the clock on the network.
Data center: what is it?
A data center is a specialized building that houses server and network equipment for connecting users to Internet channels. It is also often referred to as a data processing center (DPC). The center provides storage, processing, and transmission of data, as well as customers’ personal information for personal use on their equipment.
DCs can vary greatly in size: equipment can fit into a movable shipping container or large premises, for example, thousands of square meters.
Advantages of a data center
Data centers are an excellent solution for businesses, as they are the optimal option for data storage without unnecessary resource costs. The main advantages are considered to be:
- Reduced security and equipment storage costs. Rented space in a data center does not require additional staff to guard server equipment.
- Reduced utility costs: electricity and cooling. If servers are located in the office, additional resources will be needed to maintain optimal operating conditions for the equipment. This includes a competent ventilation and air conditioning system, installation, and an uninterruptible power supply.
- Reduced rental costs. You only pay for the space you rent in the data center, without spending money on a separate facility that meets all the criteria for hosting.
- Resource redistribution. Using rental services increases the time available for key work tasks, while data center employees take care of equipment support and configuration.
Infrastructure requirements
The uninterrupted operation of data centers is ensured by a comprehensive system consisting of subsystems, namely:
- Air conditioning. Ensures proper humidity and temperature levels. Industrial air conditioning systems are used.
- Firefighting. A set of security measures depending on the level of the data center.
- Power supply. Provides independent power inputs.
- Reserve components. A set of emergency measures designed to be implemented in the event of force majeure circumstances in order to manage the current load.
All premises must be equipped with fire detectors connected to the central control panel of the engineering service and the city fire station. The fire extinguishing system is autonomous and uses inert gas. It reduces the concentration of oxygen in the air, which reduces the risk of fire, and thanks to the absence of water and foam, it allows equipment to remain intact and undamaged.
The power supply system is located in electrical rooms that are independent of each other. This allows for automatic load distribution. Ideally, power should be supplied from several sources, and there should also be a backup power supply (generators) to keep the equipment running even in the event of a complete power outage.
Backup elements include redundant cooling, power supply, and communication systems. For example, optical communication lines for instant switching between providers in case of failure. If such equipment is stored in the office, it is impossible to ensure this level of operation, since not every owner or tenant will adapt the premises for this solution.
Data center infrastructure is divided into specific Tier levels. Tier 3 has the highest rating — 99.982%, which guarantees no more than 1.6 hours of downtime per year. This means that such a data center will not require any of its systems to be shut down for maintenance work.
Data center services
Various companies use data center services depending on their needs. This can be either rack rental or a separate module. The most common services are: physical placement of a server in a data center (colocation), additional services: working with client equipment, which can be performed by data center specialists.
Thanks to data center services, businesses can host corporate websites, set up and manage remote work for employees, and work with email. At the same time, continuous and smooth operation from anywhere in the world is guaranteed.
By using data center services, businesses eliminate unnecessary hassles and save money, while receiving high-quality service with high fault tolerance.