Much like how your brain controls all your body functions, a company’s data centre runs all its IT operations and critical systems. It stores, processes, and disseminates all data and applications essential to many business transactions.
The Increasing Importance of Data Centres
In the not so distant past, data centres were physical infrastructures that were closely controlled and guarded for the sensitive nature of their content. Nowadays, these infrastructures have moved to the virtualised environment of the cloud. And with the increasing advancement in technology, a high level of IT capability has become a prerequisite for any organisation to function.
Almost every company and government entity today has its own data centre. Some of them are leasing servers from a colocation facility or using cloud-based services from open sources. Others are hiring data centre services from a third party. But regardless of where it comes from, the function is the same: to manage large amounts of information to streamline processes and increase productivity.
What Are the Components of a Data Centre?
Data centre infrastructures can vary significantly, especially between a public cloud-based service provider and a privately managed facility. However, effective data centres that are secure from intruders and cyberattacks usually have the following components:
- Core Components
The hardware and software are the core of any data centre. It includes storage systems, servers, routers, and other network infrastructure. Security systems, such as firewalls, are also essential components of any effective data centre.
- Reliable Power Source
Since the data centre is critical to business applications and activities, 100% uptime must be guaranteed. This helps ensure that your systems are functional and, more importantly, secure at all times.
A reliable Power Distribution Unit must be used for the collation equipment to run constantly. In addition, a backup power source should always be ready to provide power in case the main source fails. Without a backup power source, your data centre would be at the mercy of the city grid.
- Efficient Cooling and Environmental Control Systems
The IT equipment in data centres are bigger and more powerful than your regular devices like laptops and mobile devices, but they also heat up more. That is why an efficient cooling system is important to keep your data centre running smoothly.
All reputable data centres install a proper cooling and environmental control system that maintains the temperature and humidity at a specific range to optimise the computing system, networking gear, and colocation servers. This includes the HVAC system, computer room air conditioner or CRAC, and exhaust systems.
- Security
As a hub for sensitive and critical information, your data centre must be kept secure from physical and virtual threats. Twenty-four-hour CCTV surveillance, biometric ID, and other similar security measures will help keep your data centre safe from attacks.
Aside from keeping your data safe from unscrupulous entities and individuals, you must also prepare or plan for events that are impossible to predict, such as earthquakes, floods, or tornadoes. Select a location where the risk of natural calamities is low. If it could not be helped, install engineering solutions that will strengthen your structure and protect your assets in any situation.
Information technology is a powerful and necessary tool to thrive in today’s advanced economy, making data centres a wise investment for any company.
