How to manage a data center?
Operating a data center with maximum efficiency and reliability requires the combined efforts of Facilities and IT.
IT systems: Servers, storage devices, and network equipment must be maintained and updated. This includes things like operating systems, security patches, applications, and system resources (memory, storage, and CPU).
Facilities Infrastructure: All support systems in a data center face heavy loads and must be properly maintained to continue operating successfully. These systems include cooling, humidification, air treatment, power distribution, backup power generation, and much more.
MonitoringWhen a device, connection, or application fails, it can cause mission-critical operations to collapse. Sometimes, a system failure triggers cascading failures of applications in other systems that rely on the data or services of the failed unit. For example, multiple systems, such as inventory control, credit card processing, accounting, and more, are involved in a process as complex as e-commerce payments. A failure in one compromises all the others. Furthermore, modern applications typically have a high degree of device and connection interdependence. Ensuring maximum uptime requires 24/7 monitoring of the key applications, systems, and connections involved in the various workflows across an entire enterprise.
Building Management System (BMS): For larger data centers, the building management system (BMS) will allow constant and centralized monitoring of the facilities, including temperature, humidity, power, and cooling.
IT and data center facilities management is often outsourced to third-party companies that specialize in monitoring, maintaining, and repairing systems and facilities on a shared services basis.