A thoughtful and well-configured data center is more likely to perform as intended and meet the current and future needs of our clients. However, configuring a data center is a very complex process that requires taking the correct steps and taking the time to understand how the facility must work in order to function as expected. Here are some factors and pointers to keep in mind.
Consider using simulation early on
When people make misconfigurations in their data centers, the repercussions can be very costly. There’s no way to predict the future, and you can’t know for sure whether your data center will fit its purpose in every way. However, 3D simulation can reveal many aspects early on that would otherwise go unnoticed until much later.
Various refinements can be made to the model to best represent the real-world environmental conditions of a production data center.For example, if a particular variable isAmbient temperature and supply airIn addition to changing the physical dimensions in each simulation to see the effect.
Many simulation products for data centers operate in the cloud. This makes it easier for decision makers to collectively choose how to proceed with a particular facility. Additionally, users can try different configurations one after the other, effectively comparing different results.
Such simulations are also useful when tight budgets are a concern. Data center clients may want to know the differences involved in choosing different size servers and other details that ultimately affect how much money they will spend on their project. Simulation software can quickly show those details and keep everyone well-informed about the possibilities.
Prioritize key components of your data center
Configuring a data center is such a time-consuming and arduous process that it is often difficult to find the most productive way to jump into the task. Focus on the parts and spend time evaluating the needs of each part.
Facility space
First, consider the minimum number of square feet or meters required to accommodate all your IT equipment. If a client is moving to a larger data center, seeing what space was in the old data center can provide useful information.
You should also consider the space you need in your data center for your current and future needs. This is one of the most practical ways to future-proof and expand your facility as much as possible.
Power requirement
data centercollectively use more power than some countries. Overall consumption is less intensive due to technological improvements that promote better efficiency. But there is still a long way to go. Because it’s not just about the power you need to run your equipment. Data centers also use electricity to keep assets from overheating. Exploring sustainable options such as clean energy is a smart decision.
Wire insulation should also be part of the evaluation of power requirements.insulation protectionCopper and steel from environmental elements, extending the life of those materials. Insulation also reduces the risk of electric shock.
safety
Data centers are essential to sustaining modern society, and cybercriminals know it. Facilities are common hacking targets. In other words, your data center configuration should include ways to keep your assets and data safe. But security risks can also come from within the facility. In one study,67% of respondents mentioned misconfiguration It’s the number one security concern in the cloud.
Having a strong infrastructure against cyber threats is essential, but security also extends to physical controls.people must ensureFacility surroundings and content through various means. This includes installing cameras inside and outside the data center, using biometrics for access control, and having a single entry into an area that only allows her one person at a time and only her point of entry. includes planning for
hardware and software
Data center hardware can be categorized into several main types. In addition to core computing equipment such as computers, servers, and racks, we have network equipment such as routers, switches, firewalls, and cables. The data center should also be stocked with critical storage equipment such as hard drives and backup resources.
The software that accompanies these assets should not be overlooked. Data center configurations must ensure that hardware and software work together smoothly and that collective technical assets are fit for purpose.
Disaster avoidance and recovery
In the 2022 survey,Data center employees dealt with Power outages in the last three years. The study also shows that more than 60% of them lost at least $100,000. It is unrealistic to expect to be able to prevent all such service disruptions. However, you can reduce the chances of an outage by making good data center configuration choices.
A good starting point is to scrutinize your data center operations and aim to reduce the administrative errors that cause disruption. Proper planning, such as when to perform software updates and other types of maintenance, can also help keep things running smoothly.
An important part of data center configuration involves having the technology and infrastructure in place so that the facility can recover from problems as quickly and completely as possible. Disaster recovery planning often requires working with third-party providers to determine which solutions they offer and which best fit your data center needs.
Explore sustainable solutions for data center configurations
In the previous section, we touched on how data centers consume a lot of power. When decision makers think about the future, many find that their facilities must be sustainable and profitable.
Achieving these goals often requires thinking outside the box. Some companies are experimenting with building data centers under the sea to be more environmentally friendly and reduce cooling costs. Other companies power their data centers with 100% renewable energy.
There is no one-size-fits-all best way to make your data center more sustainable. However, if people take the time to familiarize themselves with their options, they will be able to make better and more informed choices.
Superior data center configuration underpins trust
Investing time, thought, and effort into the aspects considered here will help those responsible for configuring data centers achieve the best possible results. Those who have doubts about how to proceed with their case should consider seeking advice from experienced stakeholders who are willing to share their knowledge and offer suggestions.
The Complete Guide to Data Center Configuration post was first published on Datafloq.
