As we spend more time online, the exchange and sharing of data via the internet is becoming more important to ensure the running of businesses. This digital exchange requires huge network and computer equipment, that are housed in the center of physical space, which is known as a datacenter.
A data center is a computer room that houses computing and storage hardware for a company or organization. The core components of a data center include servers that house the power of processing to transform raw data into useful data, and storage devices that store this data on a robotic tape or hard-disk drives. Data centers also rely on communication and networking equipment such as routers, cables and switches to help the flow between servers.
In the 1990s, as IT operations grew and businesses began to utilize inexpensive networking equipment to house their networking hardware in an central location, the term “data center” was first used. Businesses can either build their own data center on their own premises or work with a third-party provider of data center services that offer managed and colocation. Third-party options are typically an energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to facilities on premises.
Many of these third-party alternatives also offer more flexibility in terms of the management of policies. For instance the data center may provide multiple policy environments in one location which allows IT to limit the workload of data by having distinct policies that satisfy compliance demands across geographies and business units. This can help reduce security risks and improve the governance of information.