I recently had the opportunity to read a very interesting article that clarifies some definitions and solutions related to the world of data centers. It was published in CIO magazine and authored by Michael Bullock, CEO of Transitional Data Services (TDS).
Below is the article I have translated and divided into several parts according to the aspect it covers, for better understanding:
What is a data center?
Known as the server farm or server room, the data center is where most of a company's servers and storage units are located, operated, and managed. There are four main components of a data center:
Blank spaceTypically, this refers to the usable raised floor area and is measured in square meters (it can range from a few hundred to a thousand square meters). For data centers that do not use raised floors, the term "white space" can still be used to indicate usable square meters.
Support infrastructureThis refers to the space and equipment needed to support data center operations, including power transformers, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), generators, air conditioning units (CRAC), remote transmission units (RTUs), chillers, air distribution systems, etc. In a high-density, Tier 3 data center (i.e., with facilities for concurrent maintenance), this support infrastructure can consume 4-6 times more space than the white space and must be taken into account in data center planning.
IT TeamsThis includes the racks, cabling, servers, storage, management systems, and network equipment necessary to provide computing services to the organization.
Operations: Operations staff ensure that systems (both IT and infrastructure) are properly managed, maintained, updated, and repaired when necessary. In most companies, there is a division of responsibilities between the IT technical operations group and the staff responsible for supporting facilities systems.