What is a Data Center?
"Data is like garbage. You'd better know what you are going to do with it before you collect it.
- Mark Twain
Bottom Line Up Front
A data center is a specialized facility that houses computer systems and their associated components, such as servers, data storage systems, networking equipment, and supporting infrastructure.
Key parts of a data center include:
Physical Facility
The building itself is a specially designed structure that houses IT equipment. Such buildings are typically built with raised floors for cable management, high ceilings, and reinforced foundations.
Computing Resources
This facility will house thousands of servers and storage devices that run applications, store data, and process information.
Power Systems
Massive electrical systems, including uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), backup generators, and power distribution units, are used to ensure continuous operation.
Cooling Systems
These facilities require sophisticated climate-control systems to remove the heat generated by computing equipment.
Network Connectivity
Typically, these facilities are located near high-speed internet connections to enable large volumes of data to flow in and out.
Security Systems
Both physical security (guards, cameras, biometric access controls) and cybersecurity measures to protect the data and equipment.
Data centers range from small server rooms serving a single organization to massive hyperscale facilities, depending on their use.