What Is a Data Center?

A data center is a physical location at a workplace that houses an organization's IT equipment, networks, servers, storage, and other data-related hardware. As companies rely more on cloud-based data storage, AI, and machine learning, data center technology has expanded to offer virtual options.

Data centers are managed and operated by trusted IT experts due to the sensitive information stored there.

What Does a Data Center Do?

Data centers specialize in storing and safeguarding data through modular infrastructure while also processing software applications to computers on your network. Without a data center, crucial organization information, software, and employee records can be stolen more easily, costing millions of dollars of damage.

Data Centers are one of the main battle stations where hacking takes place. While you cannot directly fight off hacks from a data center, data centers store numerous backup files for safekeeping or future upload. If you were to upgrade or add software to your computer networks, you'd go to your data center.

What Are the Requirements of a Modern Data Center?

Data centers vary heavily in function and role depending on the organization, its resources, and its services. However, there are a few requirements to operate a modern data center:

• A facility
• A steady power source
• Cooling equipment
• On-premise safety protocols, personnel, and devices
• Hack-prevention software
• IT staff

The Virtualization of Data Centers

Virtualization is one of the most common trends for corporate data centers. Data scientists have been integrating cloud technologies into data centers since 2003. The trend grew over the next several years until 72% of organizations reported that at least a quarter of their data centers were virtual in 2011.

Virtualization has many benefits that were initially considered drawbacks. Storage was the primary concern until better technology was invented and put onto the market. Nowadays, people prefer virtual data centers because they make storing information more convenient, especially as better and more integrated software comes to market.

Companies that use virtual data centers have to rely less on physical hardware and more on effectively integrating their physical servers with their virtual servers. With the synthesis of the old method of using physical hardware and servers with virtualization, most companies choose a mixed approach for better control over operations.

How Many Types of Data Centers Are There?

No data center is designed precisely the same because no one type of data center can fit the same purpose for each organization. However, if you were to break down data centers based on their primary functions, here are five types:

• Enterprise/Corporate Data Center: Data stored privately on proprietary servers on-site or off premises for a singular organization, corporation, or business.
• Colocation/Multi-Tenant/Shared Data Center: The primary option for companies that cannot afford to run their own data center.
• Hyperscale Data Center: A hyperscale data center is a spruced-up version of an enterprise data center but with significantly more complex infrastructure.
• Micro Data Center: A micro data center is meant for small-scale projects, analysis, and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. It is a popular option for local businesses.
• Modular Data Center: This is the most portable option and is mainly used in relief areas and construction sites.