Over recent years there has been an explosion in constructing data centres worldwide, the thrust for mobile device apps, faster data processing, upscalable infrastructure and the sheer volume of traffic have all led to the creation of a great need for increasing numbers of centres. Data centre provider, Telecity is a prime example of how the technology is being utilised by such organisations as the BBC, Spotify and other cloud companies who are changing the face of business.
The main purpose of the data centres is to simply store a company’s information. This requires a massive investment in infrastructure, a superior power supply and excellent levels of security if customer confidence is to be maintained. The average data centre has the energy requirements of a small town and needs equally sophisticated methods to keep the banks of data racks cool.
To avoid the additional costs of air-conditioning systems some data centres are choosing to locate their facilities in cooler climates such as Ireland and Finland. The cooler ambient temperatures are used as a natural way of keeping the units from overheating and also cuts down on running costs.
Security is another area of overwhelming concern and stringent measures are taken to protect clients’ data. These range from secure sealed compounds with 24-hour patrols, to underfloor fire detectors and finger print identification for access to the plant. Data centres also operate some of the most state of the art security software as protecting clients’ data is of paramount importance.
The main issues facing data centres along with power consumption, security and connectivity are storage space and bandwidth. Companies are now using the latest in disc technology and cabling to ensure 24-hour access and minimal disruption through upgrades and maintenance. Companies like Telecity are investing in the latest hi-tech process in its centres to ensure that its customers’ data and services are secure not only today but in the future as well.