Data Center Basics

Data centers are commonly run by large companies or government agencies. However, they are also increasingly used to provide a fast-growing cloud solution service for private and business applications.

The basic characteristics are the same regardless of the size of the data because every company’s success invariably depends on smooth software operations – and those have to be safeguarded.

Computers, of course, require electricity, as well as protection from theft and the accidental or intentional manipulation of hardware.

Put simply, one has to safeguard data centers against external influences and provide them with sufficient cooling. After all, there is a lot of powerful hardware sitting in one place.

In addition to these “hard” factors, one must also take into consideration organizational measures, such as periodic backups that ensure operability.

As a rule, the more extensive and critical the hardware and software become, the more time and effort are required to provide optimal protection.

For that reason, a data center preferably consists of a well-constructed, sturdy building that houses servers, storage devices, cables, and a connection to the Internet.

In addition, the center also has a large amount of equipment associated with supplying power and cooling, and often automatic fire extinguishing systems.

An indicator of the security level is provided by the “tier” rating as defined by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).