Data Center
The Difference Between Data Centers and Computer Rooms
By Peter Sacco
Experts for Your Always Available Data Center
White Paper #1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The differences between a data center and a computer room are often misunderstood. Furthermore, the terms used to describe the location where companies provide a secure, power protected, and environmentally controlled space are often used inappropriately. This paper provides a basis for understanding the differences between these locations and how they relate to each other.
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©2006 PTS Data Center Solutions. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used, reproduced, photocopied, transmitted, or Rev 2006-0 stored in any retrieval system of any nature, without the written permission of the copyright owner. www.PTSdcs.com
Data Center Function
The functional requirements of any data center space are fourfold: 1. To provide a safe and secure place to locate mission critical equipment 2. To provide sufficient power protection to maintain the critical load 3. To provide adequate environmental controls, including cooling and fire safety, to operate the space within the critical loads operating parameters 4. To provide communications connectivity both inside and outside the space
Data Center Philosophy
The goal of any data center is to provide continuous availability of all network services. Therefore, whether discussing the network design strategy or the facility design strategy the overall philosophy remains the same: Keep it as simple as possible Design for scalability Utilize modularity wherever possible Be flexible and adaptable to change
Data Center Description
The term ‘data center’ is used ubiquitously to describe the space(s) serving as the operating theatre for the enterprise’s network service delivery. It has also been described by many other names including computer room, datacenter (spelled incorrectly), data centre (European), server room, network room, network closet,
By Peter Sacco
Experts for Your Always Available Data Center
White Paper #1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The differences between a data center and a computer room are often misunderstood. Furthermore, the terms used to describe the location where companies provide a secure, power protected, and environmentally controlled space are often used inappropriately. This paper provides a basis for understanding the differences between these locations and how they relate to each other.
2
©2006 PTS Data Center Solutions. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be used, reproduced, photocopied, transmitted, or Rev 2006-0 stored in any retrieval system of any nature, without the written permission of the copyright owner. www.PTSdcs.com
Data Center Function
The functional requirements of any data center space are fourfold: 1. To provide a safe and secure place to locate mission critical equipment 2. To provide sufficient power protection to maintain the critical load 3. To provide adequate environmental controls, including cooling and fire safety, to operate the space within the critical loads operating parameters 4. To provide communications connectivity both inside and outside the space
Data Center Philosophy
The goal of any data center is to provide continuous availability of all network services. Therefore, whether discussing the network design strategy or the facility design strategy the overall philosophy remains the same: Keep it as simple as possible Design for scalability Utilize modularity wherever possible Be flexible and adaptable to change
Data Center Description
The term ‘data center’ is used ubiquitously to describe the space(s) serving as the operating theatre for the enterprise’s network service delivery. It has also been described by many other names including computer room, datacenter (spelled incorrectly), data centre (European), server room, network room, network closet,