What is a Data Center?

As we spend more of our lives online the exchange of digital information is becoming increasingly important to keep businesses running. This digital exchange requires huge computer and networking equipment, that are housed in a central physical location called a datacenter.

A data center is an special computer room that houses the computing and storage equipment for a company. The essential elements of a data center include servers, that house the power to process raw data into usable information, and storage devices that store the data on hard disk drives or robotic tape. In addition, a Data Center relies on networking and communication equipment such as routers, switches and endless miles cables that facilitate the flow of data between servers.

In the 1990s, as IT operations grew and companies began to employ inexpensive networking equipment to house their networking hardware in central locations and the term “data center' was first used. Businesses can either build their own data center on their own premises or partner with a third-party provider of data center services that offer managed and colocation services. Third-party solutions are typically a more energy-efficient and cost-effective alternative to facilities on premises.

Many of these third party alternatives also offer more flexibility when it comes to policy management. For example a data center could offer multiple policy environments in a single location and allow IT to limit the workload of data by having distinct policies that satisfy requirements for compliance across geographical https://acplc.net/data-room-benefits-simplify-your-business/ regions and business units. This can dramatically reduce security risks and enhance overall information governance.