Data Centers – The New Paradigm

The one thing that is constant in this world is change.  While many people and companies view change with distrust, some of the changes in technology have helped in the creation of efficient data center designs and processes.

2010 saw a paradigm shift in data centers that were key catalysts for its sudden and innovative growth. What were they?

Power and efficiency

The electrifying power bills that were generated by the data centers 4 years ago pushed for the need for “greener” facilities. Companies started applying renewable sources of energy like wind, hydropower, solar, geothermal, etc., and a new metric called PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) monitored the designing of energy efficient data centers. Data centers also started operating closer to the power sources to reduce transmission line power loss and companies like Facebook quickly followed.

Cooling technologies

Heat dissipation technologies in data centers improved the water and air economizers, not to mention the core architectural design. You can now replace chillers with natural air-cooling, or by tapping chilled water from adjacent water bodies or underground lakes. For instance, Google, in their Belgium facility, ditched the chillers completely; HP in their data center at Wynyard England harnessed free cooling technology and advanced airflow designs.

Modularity

The modular concept of data centers first developed when Microsoft and Google deployed modular server units in their data centers. They combined modules with advanced power facilities and cooling options to achieve high densities in rack and good mechanical and electrical efficiencies.

DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management)

DCIM software provides insights to IT operations, infrastructure, energy components etc. through a single interface for maximizing data center reliability.

Today’s business need data centers that have the ability to blend today’s needs with tomorrow’s changing priorities.

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.