Data center design and facilities

Data center design includes continuous power and cooling for IT equipment, site security and energy use. Data center facilities are specialized for a task and must operate in concert with the IT organization. New trends in data center design and construction include modular and containerized builds, as well as DCIM to track energy use.

Top Stories

Tip 09 Aug 2024
Explore underwater data centers' viability, sustainability

Tests off coastlines around the world are measuring the feasibility of underwater data centers. With proper maintenance and security, 40% of the population could use them. Continue Reading
Tip 05 Aug 2024
How to implement nuclear energy for data centers

Sustainable and renewable energy sources are necessary for data centers to meet emissions requirements by 2030. Nuclear power is a unique option for clean energy to run data centers. Continue Reading

Tip 05 Aug 2024

How to implement nuclear energy for data centers

Sustainable and renewable energy sources are necessary for data centers to meet emissions requirements by 2030. Nuclear power is a unique option for clean energy to run data centers. Continue Reading
Definition 31 Jul 2024

What is green computing?

Green computing, also known as sustainable computing, is the use of computers and other computing devices and equipment in energy-efficient and eco-friendly ways. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Jul 2024

A checklist to consider when moving to a new data center

Data center moves are stressful, but proper planning can make it successful. Follow this guide to understand what admins can do themselves and where professional help is necessary. Continue Reading
Tip 23 Jul 2024

Platform engineering best practices for data centers

Platform engineering is an emerging discipline that optimizes DevOps workflows with internal developer platforms. It enhances efficiency through automation and standardized tools. Continue Reading
Definition 22 Jul 2024

What is an uninterruptible power supply (UPS)?

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is a device that allows a computer to keep running for at least a short time when incoming power is interrupted. Continue Reading
Definition 12 Jul 2024

automatic transfer switch (ATS)

An automatic transfer switch (ATS) is a device that automatically transfers a power supply from its primary source to a backup source when it senses a failure or outage in the primary source. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Jun 2024

Maximize data center cooling efficiency by controlling airflow

Cool air is expensive, and wasting it is inefficient. Maintaining hot and cool air separation maximizes cooling effectiveness, energy efficiency and air conditioner performance. Continue Reading
Definition 12 Jun 2024

green IT (green information technology)

Green IT (green information technology) is the practice of creating and using environmentally sustainable computing resources. Continue Reading
Tip 12 Jun 2024

8 green computing best practices

As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, these sustainability best practices can help your data center go greener, which benefits both your business and the environment. Continue Reading
News 31 May 2024

Big tech invests billions in AI data centers globally

President Joe Biden throws his support behind Microsoft to build an AI data center in Racine, Wis., as big tech companies invest in AI infrastructure to compete. Continue Reading
Opinion 31 May 2024

Lessons in AI from Dell Technologies World 2024

A main focus of the Dell Technologies World 2024 conference was AI and how it impacts infrastructure environments. Dell spotlighted three AI infrastructure strategies to consider. Continue Reading
Tip 29 May 2024

7 considerations for data center site selection

An incredible amount of research must go into data center site selection. If the location does not fit company demands, the data center cannot perform as necessary. Continue Reading
Tip 29 May 2024

Use of hydrogen fuel cells for data center backup power

Data centers run on electricity, and their backup generators typically run on fossil fuel. Hydrogen fuel cells could be a new form of sustainable energy, but it's costly. Continue Reading
Definition 14 May 2024

plenum

In building construction, a plenum (pronounced PLEH-nuhm, from Latin meaning full) is a separate space provided for air circulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning (sometimes referred to as HVAC). Continue Reading
Definition 09 May 2024

technological convergence

Technological convergence is a term that describes bringing previously unrelated technologies together, often in a single device. Continue Reading
Definition 09 May 2024

information technology (IT)

Information technology (IT) is the use of computers, storage, networking and other physical devices, infrastructure and processes to create, process, store, secure and exchange all forms of electronic data. Continue Reading
Tip 06 May 2024

What to know about hybrid data center security strategies

Cybersecurity is critical to protect data and systems. Admins of hybrid data centers must understand the risks of a hybrid model and how specific cyberattacks can be prevented. Continue Reading
Definition 03 May 2024

data center

A data center is a facility composed of networked computers, storage systems and computing infrastructure that organizations use to assemble, process, store and disseminate large amounts of data. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Apr 2024

How to maintain data center power systems

Regular maintenance of data center power systems is necessary to have properly functioning equipment and backup power options. Common failures are batteries and loose connections. Continue Reading
Definition 25 Apr 2024

emergency power off (EPO) button

The emergency power off button, also called an EPO switch or EPO panel, is a safety measure for quickly disconnecting electrical power to a particular piece of equipment or facility in the event of an emergency. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Apr 2024

How to calculate data center cooling requirements

Data center cooling requirements are affected by several factors, including the equipment's heat output, floor area, facility design and electrical system power rating. Continue Reading
Definition 22 Apr 2024

free cooling

Free cooling is an approach to lowering the air temperature in a building or data center by using naturally cool air or water instead of mechanical refrigeration. Continue Reading
Definition 18 Apr 2024

disaster recovery (DR) site

A disaster recovery (DR) site is a facility an organization can use to recover and restore its technology infrastructure and operations when its primary data center becomes unavailable. Continue Reading
Feature 18 Apr 2024

Infrastructure for machine learning, AI requirements, examples

Infrastructure for machine learning, deep learning and AI has component and configuration requirements. Compare hardware and how it goes together in an HCI or high-density system. Continue Reading
Definition 18 Apr 2024

e-cycling

E-cycling, also known as 'electronic recycling,' is the reuse or recycling of used electronic materials to limit e-waste. Continue Reading
Definition 17 Apr 2024

building management system

A building management system (BMS) is a control system that can be used to monitor and manage the mechanical, electrical and electromechanical services in a facility. Continue Reading
Opinion 04 Apr 2024

Nvidia GTC 24: Are you ready for the future of AI?

The 2024 Nvidia GTC conference focused on the company's new Blackwell GPU Platform. With advancements in AI taking off, companies need to decide how and when they will join the world of AI. Continue Reading
Answer 19 Mar 2024

Use AI tools to simplify operations inside your data center

AI is a cornerstone technology that will be part of future-proofing the data center. It will control operations like cooling, network optimization and configuration management. Continue Reading
Tip 13 Mar 2024

How to understand advancements in modern data centers

Data center advancements are rapidly occurring with storage demand. Some advancements, like an increase in temperatures, are necessary for more sustainable data center operations. Continue Reading
Tip 05 Mar 2024

Guide to lift-and-shift data center migration

The lift-and-shift approach moves an app and its data from one environment to another. Understanding the pros and cons can help a data center admin decide on proper strategies. Continue Reading
Tip 05 Mar 2024

Importance of backup generator power for data centers

Data center generators are rarely run; however, they must go through regular testing and maintenance to ensure they work when a power outage occurs to prevent server downtime. Continue Reading
Tip 29 Feb 2024

Sustainability benefits of cloud computing data centers

Cloud computing data centers use large amounts of electricity, but a main sustainability benefit is the cloud's large scale and ability to store more data. Continue Reading
Feature 21 Feb 2024

How to design and build a data center

Designing an efficient data center is no small feat. Review data center facility and infrastructure components as well as different standards and suggestions before you begin. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Feb 2024

An overview of containerized data centers and their benefits

The rise in digital information is causing a shortage in data center storage space. Containerized data centers can be for permanent or temporary use. Continue Reading
Tip 14 Feb 2024

ISO 14644 cleanroom standards for data centers

There are regulated requirements to maintain data center equipment and functionality. ISO 14644 cleanroom standards lay out guidelines to keep data centers clean. Continue Reading
Tip 14 Feb 2024

4 data center trends to watch in 2024

With rising demand for data space, companies must plan to expand their data centers in an eco-friendly way. 2024 data center trends have one main focus: sustainability. Continue Reading
Feature 31 Jan 2024

Top 5 colocation providers of 2024

Colocation companies offer a wide range of facilities and services that can help reduce costs of managing data centers. Compare providers to see which is best for your organization. Continue Reading
Feature 31 Jan 2024

5 hyper-converged infrastructure trends for 2024

Hyper-converged infrastructure is rapidly changing. Read what HCI has to offer and what projected growth it may have within the next couple years. Continue Reading
Definition 29 Jan 2024

turbine

A turbine is a machine that plays a key role in transforming fluid or air energy into usable work or electricity. Continue Reading
Definition 22 Jan 2024

data center modernization

Data center modernization includes updating and improving a data center to meet the requirements of the current and the next generation of workloads. Continue Reading
Tip 17 Jan 2024

How to manage data center water usage sustainably

Data centers use large amounts of water to maintain equipment. This consumption is causing water pollution and scarcity. Companies must start to release consumption reports. Continue Reading
Feature 10 Jan 2024

Top data center infrastructure management software in 2024

DCIM tools can improve data center management and operation. Learn how six prominent products can help organizations control costs, manage energy and track assets. Continue Reading
Definition 03 Jan 2024

colocation (colo)

A colocation facility (colo) is a data center or telecommunications facility in which a business can rent space for servers, storage devices, and other computing and networking hardware. Continue Reading
Feature 11 Dec 2023

Dive into the history of server hardware

Server hardware has consistently evolved since the first web server in 1990. Here's a look at major advancements in management, virtualization and green initiatives. Continue Reading
Definition 08 Dec 2023

hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance)

A hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance) is a hardware device that provides multiple data center management technologies within a single box. Continue Reading
Definition 04 Dec 2023

greenhouse gas

A greenhouse gas lets the sun's rays warm the Earth's surface but restricts the heat from escaping into space. Specifically, these gases absorb infrared radiation from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere and release it. Continue Reading
Tip 30 Nov 2023

Data center air quality: The air servers breathe

Monitor data center air quality to ensure best working conditions for equipment. Particulates and gaseous contaminants cause irreversible damage if you do not use proper filtration. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Nov 2023

Modular data center vs. traditional: When to choose each

Organizations have two options for using a data center: modular or traditional. Before deciding, companies should know how much power and cost can come from each option. Continue Reading
Definition 31 Oct 2023

ducting (data center cooling)

Ducting is an approach to air management that uses a series of metal or plastic pipes to carry heated or cooled air from one place to another. Continue Reading
Definition 17 Oct 2023

solar power

Solar power is a renewable form of energy harvested from the sun for the purpose of producing electricity or thermal energy (heat). Continue Reading
Tip 19 Sep 2023

Server room cleaning -- not a DIY project

Server room cleaning is crucial for maintaining the life span of equipment in the data center. This task involves professional help to minimize operation interruptions. Continue Reading
Tip 18 Sep 2023

7 common data center migration challenges to avoid

Admins should consider seven common data center migration challenges upfront to save money, prevent data loss and avoid delays during the migration process. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Sep 2023

Guide to data center migration types

Businesses that rely on physical and cloud storage need to use data migration to simplify their infrastructure and choose from three major types to accommodate specific needs. Continue Reading
Definition 29 Aug 2023

unified computing system (UCS)

A unified computing system (UCS) is a converged data center architecture that integrates computing, networking and storage resources to increase efficiency and enable centralized management. Continue Reading
Definition 14 Aug 2023

power factor correction (PFC)

Power factor correction (PFC) is the set of mechanisms built into a power supply circuit to raise the power factor (PF). Continue Reading
Definition 01 Aug 2023

Dell EMC VxRail

Dell EMC VxRail is a hyper-converged appliance. Like VSPEX Blue -- the Dell EMC product that it replaced -- and other hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) systems, VxRail includes compute, storage, networking and virtualization resources in a single device. Continue Reading
Tutorial 31 Jul 2023

How to configure SELinux for applications and services

Admins need to follow six steps to configure SELinux properly to run applications and services. This tutorial walks you through how to configure the security system. Continue Reading
Tip 26 Jul 2023

Data center heat reuse: How to make the most of excess heat

Data center heat doesn't need to go to waste. As part of a sustainability strategy, explore ways to put the heat your data center produces to work, and consider heat reuse. Continue Reading
Tip 11 Jul 2023

What is the best OS for Docker?

Admins that want to run Docker containers can choose from Linux distros, including Ubuntu Core, RancherOS and others. Compare options for Docker OSes. Continue Reading
Tip 10 Jul 2023

Data center cooling challenges and how to solve them

Data centers that are not properly cooled can see equipment work inefficiently or become damaged. Learn some common cooling challenges and assess ways to solve them. Continue Reading
Definition 29 Jun 2023

blade server

A blade server, sometimes referred to as a high-density server, is a compact device containing a computer used to manage and distribute data in a collection of computers and systems, called a network. Continue Reading
Definition 28 Jun 2023

heat

Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one physical system to another system or from one region in a physical system to another region. Continue Reading
Opinion 27 Jun 2023

Reimaging, innovating, securing cloud-native at SUSECON 2023

At SUSECON 2023, SUSE announced cloud-native AI-based observability with Opni and alluded to more announcements this year. Leaders emphasized cloud-native tech and modernization. Continue Reading
Tip 20 Jun 2023

Data center tiers and why they matter for uptime

Organizations should consider data center tiers of colocation providers or for their own data centers based on their uptime needs. Examine the differences among the four tiers. Continue Reading
Tip 19 Jun 2023

Explore Red Hat's bring-your-own-subscription model for RHEL

Many organizations use pay-as-you-go models with public cloud providers to run their Red Hat products in the cloud. Explore how bring-your-own-subscription differs. Continue Reading
Tip 07 Jun 2023

Strategies to work toward data center decarbonization

Global temperatures are rising, and organizations can do their part by decarbonizing their data centers. Examine ways to cut back on data center carbon emissions. Continue Reading
Tip 06 Jun 2023

Compare two Linux security modules: SELinux vs. AppArmor

Use SELinux or AppArmor to protect Linux servers, but examine the differences between them. AppArmor is easier to use but does not give admins as much control as SELinux. Continue Reading
Definition 02 Jun 2023

ISO 14000 and 14001

ISO 14000 is a series of environmental management standards developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Continue Reading
Tip 01 Jun 2023

Data center redundancy: The basics

Downtime can cost businesses thousands, and redundancy is one way to minimize disruptions. Assess uptime requirements when building redundancy in data center facilities. Continue Reading
Tip 31 May 2023

Modular network design benefits and approaches

Modular network design is a strategic way for enterprises to group network building blocks in order to streamline network maintenance, additions and troubleshooting. Continue Reading
Tip 25 May 2023

Differences between Green Globes vs. LEED for data centers

Consider Green Globes and LEED certifications when building green data centers. Learn the differences in how the assessments are done, the costs and documentation needs. Continue Reading
Definition 25 May 2023

load shedding

Load shedding (loadshedding) is a way to distribute demand for electrical power across multiple power sources. Continue Reading
Tip 24 May 2023

6 data center migration best practices

Data center migrations can be a complex process. Use best practices when migrating a data center to ensure maximum uptime, avoid data loss and stay on schedule. Continue Reading
Tip 22 May 2023

Navigate Energy Star data center standard and certification

Organizations can use the Energy Star data center standard and certified assets to be more energy efficient. Consider Energy Star certification to preserve capital and save energy. Continue Reading
Definition 15 May 2023

SerDes (serializer/deserializer)

A SerDes or serializer/deserializer is an integrated circuit (IC or chip) transceiver that converts parallel data to serial data and vice-versa. Continue Reading
Feature 12 May 2023

Explore the impact of quantum computing on cryptography

When quantum computers become available, lots of encryption types will be vulnerable. Learn why, and what's being researched, to navigate post-quantum cryptography. Continue Reading
Definition 08 May 2023

edge data center

An edge data center is a small data center that is located close to the edge of a network. Continue Reading
Feature 08 May 2023

10 companies building quantum computers

Many companies big and small are building quantum computing capabilities in the software and hardware space. Here's what some offer and what they're building for the future. Continue Reading
Definition 02 May 2023

graceful degradation

Graceful degradation is the ability of a computer, machine, electronic system or network to maintain limited functionality even when a large portion of it has been destroyed or rendered inoperative. Continue Reading
Tutorial 27 Apr 2023

How to install Cockpit for Linux

Linux admins will need to use some of these commands to install Cockpit and configure firewalls. Admins can also connect to one or more servers through Cockpit via these steps. Continue Reading
Definition 26 Apr 2023

data center as a service (DCaaS)

Data center as a service (DCaaS) is the provision of off-site physical data center facilities and infrastructure to clients. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Apr 2023

Examine the benefits of data center consolidation

Many data centers have too many assets. Data center consolidation can help organizations make better use of assets, cut costs, and improve security and compliance. Continue Reading
Definition 24 Apr 2023

Energy Star

Energy Star is a government-backed labeling program that helps people and organizations save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying factories, office equipment, home appliances and electronics that have superior energy efficiency. Continue Reading
Definition 19 Apr 2023

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, more commonly known as LEED, is an environmentally oriented building certification program run by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Continue Reading
Definition 14 Apr 2023

reactance

Reactance is a form of opposition generated by components in an electric circuit when alternating current (AC) passes through it. Continue Reading
Definition 11 Apr 2023

word (in computing)

In computer architecture, a word is a unit of data of a defined bit length that can be addressed and moved between storage and the computer processor. Continue Reading
Definition 30 Mar 2023

pounds per square inch (PSI)

Pounds per square inch (PSI) is the pressure that results when a 1-pound force is applied to a unit area of 1 square inch. Continue Reading
Definition 27 Mar 2023

electrostatic discharge (ESD)

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact. Continue Reading
Opinion 20 Mar 2023

App modernization, mainframe, microservices: IBM event recap

At the recent IBM Infrastructure Analyst Event, IBM announced advances in IBM zSystems for AI, app architecture and other areas to help businesses achieve their goals. Continue Reading
Feature 20 Mar 2023

Will data centers become obsolete?

Many organizations want to simplify or scale down their data centers -- but they won't disappear. Admins can examine as-a-service options and cloud to offload some applications. Continue Reading
Tip 15 Mar 2023

ASHRAE standard 90.4 updates emphasize green energy

New addenda to ASHRAE 90.4 simplify mechanical load component calculations and modify the definition of UPS, among other changes. Use the updates to guide green data center design. Continue Reading
Tip 24 Feb 2023

A primer on hyperscale data centers

Hyperscale data centers can hold thousands of servers and process much more data than an enterprise facility. However, they can be difficult to build and maintain. Continue Reading
Definition 22 Feb 2023

ampere per meter (A/m)

The ampere per meter (A/m) is the measure for magnetic field strength, as defined by the International System of Units (SI). Continue Reading
News 16 Feb 2023

IBM drops from top spot in patents, surpassed by Samsung

IBM lost its title as patent king to Samsung, which had more than 8,500 patents approved in 2022. One reason cited is IBM's transformation to a software and services company. Continue Reading
Tip 10 Feb 2023

Explore 7 future potential quantum computing uses

Organizations stand to benefit from the compute power of quantum computing as it develops. The tech has potential uses in supply chains, financial modeling and other areas. Continue Reading
Definition 07 Feb 2023

Wien's constant

Wien's constant is a physical constant that is used in defining the relationship between the thermodynamic temperature of a black body (an object that radiates electromagnetic energy perfectly) and the wavelength at which the intensity of the radiation is the greatest. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Jan 2023

Use ISO 50001:2018 as a guide for green data centers

Data centers use a lot of energy, and it can be difficult to navigate how to reduce energy use. ISO 50001:2018 provides guidance to create energy-saving plans and use targets. Continue Reading
Definition 23 Jan 2023

data center infrastructure efficiency (DCiE)

Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE) is a metric used to determine the energy efficiency of a data center. The metric, which is expressed as a percentage, is calculated by dividing IT equipment power by total facility power. Continue Reading
Definition 10 Jan 2023

Fibre Channel

Fibre Channel is a high-speed networking technology primarily used for transmitting data among data centers, computer servers, switches and storage at data rates of up to 128 Gbps. Continue Reading
Feature 10 Jan 2023

Data center environmental controls a high priority for admins

More data growth and tightening financial conditions are coming. Protect data center assets in 2023 through environmental controls like cooling, humidity and others. Continue Reading