Running a data center is far from a simple task, as so many areas can pose problems and handicap the effectiveness and success of a data center. Below, we’ll explain the priority concerns of managing a data center, from efficiently managing the capacity to instituting strict security protocols.
Capacity Management
Data centers’ first and foremost priority is operating at peak performance and optimal efficiency as often as possible. Much of this revolves around managing the physical space and infrastructure of the data center. Often, capacity management revolves around using the available physical space of the data center, such as by expanding the data center and consolidating servers. Data center managers must consider the space’s thermal management and capacity planning throughout this infrastructure.
Cooling Requirements
Anyone who has sat with a laptop on their lap for an hour knows that computers can get quite hot after an extended period of use. Data center servers are no different, so keeping them cool is integral to the safety and utility of the servers and center. The advanced thermal controls of data centers must balance the temperature through airflow, water, or refrigerant to keep the space comfortable and safe. Ideally, the data center would be built in a location with plenty of cool water and air to allow for thermal management.
Cable Bandwidth and Latency
Another priority concern of managing a data center is the cables—specifically their bandwidth and latency. The higher the bandwidth, the more data can travel over a connection, which means a better network speed. Latency is how long it takes for that data to travel, and while it’d be ideal for data to travel through servers, storage, and networking equipment across the shortest route, it’s not always available, and alternate routes that increase latency must be used. It’s critical to know how to organize a cable labeling system for a data center to reduce latency and make it easier for maintenance personnel to work with the cables.
Network Security
Lastly, data centers must prioritize security, including physical security and protection from cyberattacks. Data centers often store valuable, sensitive information that could appeal to hackers and thieves. Zero-trust security and access management ensure that only authorized personnel and users can access critical systems, restricting access to everyone else.
There is much that goes into managing and running a data center, but these are the critical concerns every manager should watch for. Once the capacity management, thermal requirements, and network security are handled, managers can focus on the smaller details that allow a data center not only to survive but thrive.
