What is a data centre?

A data centre is a dedicated space where companies can keep and operate most of the ICT infrastructure that supports their business. This would be the servers and storage equipment that run application software and process and store data and content. For some companies this might be a simple cage or rack of equipment, for others it could be a room housing a few or many cabinets, depending on the scale of their operation.

The space will typically have a raised floor with cabling ducts running underneath to feed power to the cabinets and carry the cables that connect the cabinets together.

The environment is  controlled in terms of areas such as temperature & humidity, both to ensure the performance and the operational integrity  of the systems within. Facilities will generally include power supplies, backup power, chillers, cabling, fire and water detection systems and security controls.

Data centres can be in-house, located in a company’s own facility, or outsourced with equipment being colocated at a third-party site. Outsourcing does not necessarily mean relinquishing control of your equipment – it can be as simple as finding the right place to house that equipment.