The Data Center Service can be defined as the business intelligence value chain where valuable corporate information is collected, processed, and distributed. Within this value chain, from the physical infrastructure of the data center to applications and business intelligence, there exist diverse links in the chain. Each link must be meticulously structured and operated for a modern company to sustain its existence. This structuring is agile and continually iterative in terms of sustainability.
At the lowest level of this layered structure and across all layers above it, there exists the data center facility and the critical physical infrastructure that will impact the tasks performed and the value generated.
The physical infrastructure of a data center can be likened to a specialized hardware hotel that houses Information Technology hardware with high business continuity, performance, and security:
- The hardware operates 24/7 throughout its product lifespan within the data center facility. Upon reaching the end of its lifespan, it’s retired.
- It draws in climate-controlled cold air (18 – 27°C) connected to uninterrupted power, undergoing continuous and narrow-interval power and cooling checks.
- Every 700 – 1000 m² of white space consumes power similar to that of a medium-sized shopping mall and this power converts into heat within the white space.
- If the “Critical Cooling” fails, the power being consumed inside could potentially lead to a major fire hazard. This power level tends to increase over time as more hardware is added.
- Intensive tiered fire detection systems, fire protection, and extinguishing systems.
- All rooms and areas are monitored via cameras, access control, and environmental sensors. Nothing goes unnoticed.
- Every system providing critical power and cooling has at least one backup. Each room has at least two air conditioning systems, two power distribution systems, and redundant units available.
- During the winter season, there’s no shutting down the facility for maintenance; all maintenance must be performed while the data center infrastructure continues to provide uninterrupted service.
- In the event of a power outage, large and noisy generators can run for weeks or even months.
- From the white space to the building’s roof and external areas, noise levels can be harmful to humans.
- There’s an experienced team actively monitoring 24/7 and carrying out close to a thousand operational activities in a year. A single mistake by someone in the team could result in interruptions to all institutional and customer applications, leading to significant losses. If you have no business in the data center facility, you cannot enter. If you do have to get inside, you can only perform your specific tasks inside under special inspections and escort.
