ITM 576 – Fall 2011
October 26th, 2011
Prepared By:
Mark Rauchwarter – A20256723
Abstract
The 4th generation of data centers is emerging, bringing with them a radical redesign from their predecessors. Self-contained containers now allow for modularity and contain the necessary core components that allow this new design to function. This paper discusses the advancements in data center management and the changes in technology and business goals that have driven the evolution of the data center into its 4th generation. It will also take a closer look into containerized data center solutions and how their integration into the data center environment provides businesses with improved value.
Table of Contents Abstract 2 Introduction 4 Brief History of Data Centers 4 1st Generation 4 2nd Generation 5 3rd Generation 5 4th Generation Data Center Design 5 Modularity 6 Energy Efficiency 6 Cooling Systems 7 Containerized Infrastructure Solutions 7 Modularity 8 Server Configuration 9 Networking 9 Power 10 Cooling 10 Procurement Considerations 11 Additional Considerations 14 The Future of Data Centers 15 Conclusion 16 Bibliography 17
Introduction
New data centers are expected to have a 10, 20, or even 30 year or longer life expectancy; however, in the past 10 years, technology has changed drastically, prompting businesses to put greater demand on its data centers. Historically, data centers were purpose-built computer rooms housing mainframes and a handful of servers. The core focus has shifted from mainframes to servers, and further towards a fully virtualized data center running across a conglomerate of hardware. Along the way, business continues to push for doing more with less, and in a time where global economic hardships have been a common theme in recent history, all initiatives look toward saving as much cost as possible.
Brief History of Data Centers
Bibliography: The New Future of Data Centers. (2010, April/May). Focus DatacenterDynamics, pp. 19-20. What Will a Next Generation Data Center Look Like? (2010, June 2). Retrieved October 19, 2011, from IO Data Centers: http://www.iodatacenters/com/blog/tag/nxt-generation-data-center/ CloudBzz Edwards, J. (2011, March 28). Data Centers: Make Mine Modular. Retrieved October 19, 2011, from ComputerWorld: http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9215003/Data_centers_Make_mine_modular Hoover, J HP. (2010). HP Flexible Data Center - A New Approach to Industrialized IT. Hewlett-Packard. HP. (2011). Manifest: The Best Practices for Data Center Planning. Hewlett-Packard. IBM. (2011). Enterprise modular data center: Increase flexibility while reducing costs. Somers: IBM Global Services.