Data Center Infrastructure and Optimization

- The Core Components of a Data Center

Data center infrastructure refers to the core physical or hardware-based resources and components - including all IT infrastructure devices, equipment and technologies - that comprise a data center. 

Data center design includes routers, switches, firewalls, storage systems, servers, and application delivery controllers. Because these components store and manage business-critical data and applications, data center security is critical in data center design. Together, they provide:

• Network infrastructure. This connects servers (physical and virtualized), data center services, storage, and external connectivity to end-user locations.
• Storage infrastructure. Data is the fuel of the modern data center. Storage systems are used to hold this valuable commodity.
• Computing resources. Applications are the engines of a data center. These servers provide the processing, memory, local storage, and network connectivity that drive applications.

- The Key Components for Data Center Optimization

The IT space is constantly evolving with new technologies continuously being introduced to the market. These innovations matched with the demand for greater power efficiency, cooling and increased space has left data centers under increased pressure to meet demands. 

Through optimization, systems and equipment can function more effectively and perform at maximum capacity, benefitting both the data center itself and their customers. While data center optimization is an attractive idea, implementing an initial strategy can raise multiple questions – How can we increase the efficiency of existing systems? What equipment needs to be updated? What components should we keep? What is the first step towards optimization? 

Here are 5 key optimization components to help approach these common queries experienced by data center managers...

• Data center operations: in-house or outsourced?: While there are advantages and disadvantages to both, the tendency to outsource services has become increasingly popular, largely due to its cost efficiency.
• Efficient power monitoring: Power monitoring not only enables managers to forecast future growth but also improve their current energy usage and increase cost efficiency. Optimization can be achieved through the implementation of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools.
• Physical space: Data center consolidation in which space is optimized, leading to reduced wastage, improved manageability and cutting unnecessary costs. Overhead busbar systems are valuable solution to ensure data center space is optimized.
• Maximize server efficiency through virtualization: Server virtualization offers reliability, increasing server availability and centralizing server administration. 
• Modularity: Customer demands fluctuate and the ability to expand and scale when necessary are key factors for data center success. A modular design approach enables a data center to spread their investment costs over time and grow alongside the business climate and customer requirements. Modular power skids for example, enable easy integration with existing data center components while also ensuring power supply isn’t affected throughout the maintenance process. 

While there are multiple approaches to data center optimization, the above components are a great starting point for any facility.