All about Data Centers

Sergio Darias Pérez Published on: 03/08/2021

Nowadays, many businesses -whether SMEs or large companies- manage a huge amount of data. So much so that many of them choose to outsource this management to companies specialized in data processing. That is why today we are going to explain what a Data Center is, how it works and what advantages it offers.

One of the keys for any modern company is to implement digital transformation strategies to update the equipment they use, reduce costs, have a super-connected work scheme and promote productivity in all areas of the company.

What is a Data Center and what is it for:

A Data Center or Data Processing Center (DPC) is a network of computing and storage resources that enables the provision of shared software applications and data.

It is the place where the network elements, storage and computer systems that companies use to organize, process, store and disseminate large amounts of data are located.

In other words, a data center is where the resources needed to process an organization's information are concentrated, making it a focal point and a critical asset for day-to-day operations.

In the realm of enterprise IT, the Data Center supports business applications, ranging from simple file sharing and email, to customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource planning (ERP), to Big Data, communications and collaboration services.

How a data center works:

Although each company can have its own DPC, ideally the one responsible for safeguarding the huge amount of data should be a specialized company that can guarantee security and business continuity, as well as offer a support service that resolves any incidents that occur. Of course, the companies that provide this service have both the equipment and the storage space necessary for this task.

Main components of a Data Processing Center:

The essential elements of a Data Center are the following:

Racks

Data Center hardware is generally mounted in racks that maximize the use of space in the facility with a structure that allows the equipment to be cabled and cooled. In other words, a rack is a kind of "closet" in which the equipment that serves an organization is stored.

Architecture

The architecture of a DPC has to match the height and width requirements for racks and cabling systems.

Power

The electrical infrastructure in a Data Processing Center can be very complex with power distribution, switching and tapping characteristics, and has to be redundant across different systems.

UPS

A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) provides protection against short power outages and unstable power supply such as overloads.

Power production systems

A backup power system, such as a generator with fuel storage. In addition, it is common for data centers to have solar panel systems.

Environmental control

Data centers have systems to cool hardware and provide heating, ventilation, air conditioning, humidification and dehumidification. These centers can be specifically designed and operated to minimize the power required to cool equipment.

Fire defense

DPCs have active systems for fire protection, such as smoke detectors and a fire sprinkler system. In addition, passive systems, such as fire-resistant barriers, can be used.

Cabling system

Data Processing Centers have a system to manage the enormous length of cables that connect each machine to power, networks, devices and resources. It is common for DPCs to have a raised access floor to facilitate access to cables or cabling systems hanging from the ceiling.

Network infrastructure

These are network and security devices that provide basic services such as Internet connectivity.

Connectivity

Data centers have numerous fiber Internet connections provided by multiple carriers.

Meet-me room

DPCs have an area for telecommunications companies to physically connect their networks and exchange traffic.

Physical security

Data Processing Centers are designed for security with few windows and features such as mantraps for access control. They are generally monitored with cameras and may have security guards on site.

NOC

This is a dedicated operations staff room with tools to monitor, manage, maintain and secure IT resources. A Network Operations Center (NOC) can provide front-line support that provides service desk services, incident management and problem management.

Benefits of using a Data Center in a company:

Having a DPC as a powerful resource that strengthens the company's activities brings great advantages:

Business continuity

A Data Processing Center ensures that the business continues to function properly regardless of the events that occur.

The resources, information and processes that are indispensable to a business must be available whenever they are needed in order to continue offering them without losing money due to the instability or unavailability of the systems.

Speed of response

It is not enough for data center resources to always be available, they must also respond quickly to the needs of the business.

Data centers must respond quickly to key business applications, have optimal connectivity technologies such as servers, fiber optic networks or link management through an SD-WAN solution to ensure the availability of essential systems.

Information security

A Data Processing Center must have high standards of information security, as well as qualified personnel to prevent leaks or losses.

Undoubtedly, having a disaster recovery option or a Disaster Recovery solution is one of the best decisions, especially if you are in a sensitive sector, such as banking, government or insurance.

High storage capacity

A data center offers the possibility of storing a large amount of information because of the company's own infrastructure or that of the provider. As virtualization is one of the most relevant technologies to increase storage capacity with lower costs, it is a great alternative for growing businesses.

Simplicity

Data management can be complex and require professionals in network and communications management, as well as specialists in the correct implementation of infrastructure.

On the other hand, contracting a data center service provider allows businesses to focus on their activities and simplify the process of storing information.

Scalability

In the case of making use of a third-party data center, these allow a business to immediately request an increase in its storage capacity or infrastructure. In addition, through cloud storage it is possible to pay only for the space used without having any predetermined limit.

However, if you have your own DPC, companies have to project their growth and scale their capacities as their needs grow.

Flexibility

Because they have high availability and are increasingly linked to cloud storage technologies, Data Processing Centers allow businesses to use their information when they need it, even to transfer it to other equipment or create a remote work scheme.

Efficiency and reliability

Data Centers have up to 99.995% availability, so you can be confident that corporate data will be available at all times and at high speed.

The Uptime Institute is the authority in the field of data centers and is responsible for administering TIER certification levels, which are classified according to their availability:

TIER 1: 99.671% availability.

TIER 2: 99.741% of availability

TIER 3: 99.982% availability

TIER 4: 99.995% availability

Cost Savings

With a Data Processing Center there is no need to invest in equipment or to maintain and upgrade it. This leads to significant cost savings, in addition to reducing the need to hire in-house IT staff.

Data Center Solutions

Now that you know what a Data Center is, at Intelequia we offer our extensive expertise in infrastructure consulting for those companies that need to manage a large amount of data. Contact us so that our team can guide you at all times.