The increased focus on efficiency within the data center world brings higher demands for thoughtful, well-planned spaces to house current IT equipment with consideration given to future needs.
The average data center is utilized at 56% capacity from a power perspective, according to a 2015 enterprise data center survey by 451 Research. So on average, 44% of the power that enterprises are allocated — and paying for — is unused.
Modern data centers continue to evolve at a rapid pace. While methodologies and techniques for cooling continue to advance, some of the basic lessons that have proven themselves over time continue to be underutilized.
Having the latest in equipment and technology is important for business-critical data centers. Yet, simply having these things is only one step in optimizing performance.
If you are considering adding network monitoring to your IT system, or currently have a system in place, you may be asked to define its value from time to time.
In the data center world, we read and hear so much about new technologies. We strive for the best new design criteria, appropriate tier rating, and PUE.
In my last column I discussed the proposed ASHRAE 90.4 Data Center Energy Efficiency standard. At the time the article published, the second revision for comment (September 2015) mandated a PUE ranging from 1.3 to 1.6, dependent on its location in the 18 geographic zones.
On a recent project status call an engineering firm’s mechanical engineer stated, “We always design for the worst case.” The focus of the call was to troubleshoot operational problems associated with an air handler that was experiencing problems due to low load conditions.
Regulatory compliance isn’t exactly the most exciting topic, but if you’re in any way, shape or form involved in the security of your data center, it is, however, one of the most important.
Recently I was participating on a panel at the Data Center Summit in San Francisco. The panel consisted of Michael Rechtin, moderator from Baker McKenzie, with additional panelist Jason O’Connell from Infinity SDC, as well as panelists from Equinix and Structure Research.