What Does a Data Centre Do?

 What is a data centre and how does it work? 

A Data Centre is a facility that houses network computers, storage systems and computing infrastructure.

We live in the age of big data, where the sheer volume of data processed on a day-to-day basis dwarfs anything that businesses have been involved with in the past. As a result, this 'big data needs to be handled correctly.

It is, after all, crucial that you can analyse all of your data, at all times. Establishing such efficient data handling will not only allow your business to remain productive but also provide an edge over your competition. And the best way to handle this data is with a data centre.

What is a Data Centre?

It's important that your IT infrastructure is equipped to handle and process your data. The demands of the modern age mean that you constantly need your data to be available. Traditional solutions, such as hard drives and physical storage mediums, simply aren't able to cope with the amount of data being processed in the 21st century. And it was this problem that led to the development of data cabling Westminster centres.

A data centre is, in its simplest form, a facility used to centralise an organisation's IT infrastructure and provide data storage. This setup typically enhances a company's ability to maintain data continuity, provide backup power support and deliver an environment that ensures IT equipment runs at its optimum efficiency. These data centres can be based onsite or remotely through a number of different options. 

What Types of Data Centres Are There? 

Every business is unique and, accordingly, has different needs when it comes to IT and data processing. Therefore, a number of different data centre models have evolved as IT has advanced. The four main types of the data centre are: 

Enterprise: one of the most common data centres, enterprise solutions are based on-site; it's a type of data centre that provides a wide range of benefits to the end-user. Performance is enhanced as the equipment is located so close to the business, scalability can easily be analysed and implemented whilst security is high as the owner can directly monitor the data centre

Colocation Facilities: these data cabling Watford solutions are provided by external businesses that rent dedicated data processing space to numerous organisations. As well as providing valuable real estate, these colocation facilities also offer 24-hour maintenance and security services to provide customers with peace of mind. Although smaller colocation facilities will only provide racks as part of their service, large facilities are able to provide entire data centre units.

Edge: not all businesses have room for a dedicated on-site data centre, but neither are they willing to compromise on performance. Therefore, edge data centres provide a fine compromise. Located close to their user base, edge data centres are classed as being at the 'edge' of customers' networks. This close proximity reduces latency and gives increased performance in an organization's data processing.

Cloud: establishing themselves as a major force in data handling, cloud data centres have risen to prominence over the last 15 years. Using the remote model, cloud data centres allow you to access your data through the internet and run your applications through a virtual infrastructure. These platforms are provided by third party providers including Microsoft Azure, IBM Cloud and Amazon Web Services.

For more information on data centres and advice on which type is right for your business, don’t hesitate to get in touch and speak to our expert team.

Original Source: What Does a Data Centre Do?

Electrical Installer for Technology

 Adding power to your data

Our current world is highly driven by data, we can often simply overlook the importance of electrical installation when moving or upgrading our commercial space. Furthermore, when relocating you may become so concerned with data cabling Watford that you forget to consider electrical cabling in your budget and installation plans. You must consider an electrical installer when relocating. After all, without power, data cabling will not function. 

How can an electrical installer help me? 

Improve electrical efficiency, this will lower your electrical bills

Improved designs which will increase the safety of your building

Increase protection against power outages.

Prevent power surges. This will protect the expensive technology used by your business.

How do I prepare for an electrical installation? 

Design for flexibility 

The advancement of technology has heavily influenced the ways of the work world. For instance, employees are now able to work remotely, or in a collaborative manner. Break-out rooms, meeting areas, and open-plan offices are now part of the modern-day office design. For this reason, it’s important to ensure you have electrical power sockets in multiple areas throughout your office. Lastly, you must plan to have outlets in communal meeting spaces as well as standard and hot desks. This will allow your premises to remain flexible.

Allow for extra capacity 

Technology has changed the way we work. In most cases, employees will have more than just a desktop computer on their desks. Some may have, phones, laptops, and tablets. All this equipment requires electricity to work. Therefore, we recommend a minimum of 4 electrical sockets for each desk, in some cases, you may need to increase to 6 or 8.

Floor boxes or grommets

Floor boxes are more difficult to place, it can be tricky for the engineer to cut the floor tiles close enough to the edges. In addition, a floor box placed in an open area will allow the data cabling Westminster to be kept away beneath the floor until it's being used.

Grommets can be a much more precise way to place a cable. The cables can be installed in a precise desk location and in the floor. On the other hand, with a grommet, the cables are not concealed as they are with a floorbox. Alternatively, the cables go from the floor to the desk, which doesn’t make them the most suitable solution in all cases.

Focus on special requirements

Not all electrical installations are created equal. Some office spaces might have special electrical requirements and needs. High traffics areas might require high-powered equipment to handle the electrical needs. Rooms such as common rooms or meeting rooms are classed as ‘high traffic areas’. Focusing on these areas will ensure your electricity is efficient and safe

Future proof 

Technology is not the same as it was 10 years ago, with new inventions delivered at a high rate, your business must be ready to progress with the time if you wish to stay relevant. Leaving room for expansion in your current building will allow your company to grow without having to relocate. Furthermore, having additional power sockets and floor boxes will give you the freedom to add more desks should your company expand.

Back-Up power

Although, you may have followed a professional’s advice throughout the installation of your premises. An electrical installer cannot guarantee your premises will not suffer from a random power outage, surge, or any other electrical faults. Installing a UPS system will further protect your business in an event of a power outage.

Original Source: Electrical Installer for Technology