Datacenter – Definition and major issues 

Over the past few decades, the digital age and technology have been constantly evolving and innovating. In the same way, the techniques and tools for securing sensitive data have also taken a different turn. As a result, some, if not almost all companies, institutions and organizations, now use a data center to store and manage their sensitive data.

As you read this, many questions may come to your mind: What is a data center? How does it work to ensure security and manage sensitive data? More importantly, what if a company or institution decides not to build or acquire a data center? What are the risks in terms of security or business continuity?

If you are asking yourself these questions and are looking for answers, you are in the right place! Indeed, this article aims to inform you about the definition, operation and major issues of a datacenter.

Simple definition of a datacenter :

A data center is a physical location that has a direct impact on the continuity of a company or organization’s services. It is used to store, process, analyze and distribute data on a large scale, securely and most importantly repeatedly. A data center also houses applications, critical IT services, and virtually all of a company’s sensitive and critical data.

Here is a simple definition of a data center given by the OVH website: “The definition of a data center can be summarized as a building or infrastructure that houses many computers. Their purpose can be, for example, to store the data of a company’s information system.”

How does a datacenter work ?

As mentioned earlier, a data center provides secure storage and management of a company or organization’s sensitive data. To carry out its mission and ensure the effectiveness of its action, the datacenter has a set of IT components.

A datacenter is commonly composed of : 

Servers: these are computers that host and run the applications and IT services needed for the organization to function.

Data storage: these are data storage devices, such as hard disks, storage racks, which allow us to store the organization’s data safely.

Communication network: this equipment is used to connect the different elements of the data center and ensure communication between them.

Cooling systems: Data centers are generally equipped with cooling systems to prevent the overheating of IT equipment.

Power management systems: they ensure a stable and reliable power supply to the data center equipment.

Security systems: these include fire detection, alarms, surveillance cameras and other security equipment to protect the data center and its equipment.

Major issues of datacenters :

A company, an organization, a government or an institution: any infrastructure, non-profit or for-profit, can decide to create or acquire a data center. The first, obvious reason is the need to innovate in the techniques for strengthening the security of sensitive data management and storage. Indeed, data centers are an essential part of the digital infrastructure and their use has continued to grow with the growth of the digital economy.

Nevertheless, the operation and use of data centers raises questions, both economically and environmentally.

First, let’s look at the economic issues, including cost, profitability, competition, and location.

Data centers require significant investments in infrastructure, equipment, maintenance, personnel, etc. Costs can become prohibitive for small businesses or non-profits. Costs can become prohibitive for small businesses or non-profits. In fact, they must be cost effective for the businesses that operate them. Costs can become prohibitive for small businesses or non-profits.

What about environmental issues, particularly energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions?

Data centers consume an enormous amount of energy to power servers, cooling systems, storage equipment, etc. This energy consumption can have a significant impact on the environment.

Stellarix : our solutions !

Given these major challenges, what quality of service does our team of experts offer?

Indeed, we have two TIERS III certified data centers, meeting the highest international standards, i.e. a high level of availability of computer systems of 99.98% with permanent access to information and a considerable reduction in the PUE or energy efficiency indicator.

Want to know more about our products and services?

Send us a private message so that our experts can provide you with a customized offer that meets your security needs and expectations.