In this module, you will be introduced to data centres. You’ll gain a clear understanding of what they are, their importance, the different classiciation systems they fall under, and the key considerations that guide their operations.

In today’s digital era, data centres play a crucial role. In 2006, 2 billion smart devices were part of the Internet of Things (IoT). Fast forward to 2020, and the number surged to 200 billion. Data usage has become so widespread that nearly every individual on the planet relies on it. As these numbers continue to climb, the importance of data centres becomes increasingly evident.

So what is a data centre? A data centre houses numerous high-performance computers, known as servers, and networking equipment. This setup enables large-scale and efficient computing. Behind our smart devices, data centres play a crucial role in handling critical processing tasks, ensuring seamless service operation. Our reliance on data centres is profound, and any disruptions could lead to significant issues.

Let’s explore the five different types of data centres and the offerings they provide.
Hyperscale: These data centres are the largest type, showcasing top-tier performance and resource efficiency. They deliver robust, scalable applications and services essential for cloud and big data storage.

Colocation: Colocation data centres offer shared facilities and support for businesses to easily connect to Software as a Service (SaaS) or Platform as a Service (PaaS), enabling cost-effective scaling with minimal complexity and cost. They vary in scale from wholesale to retail based on customer space requirements.

Enterprise: These data centres are typically built onsite to support an organisation’s data processing and storage requirements, providing increased control and visibility. Enterprise data centres are mainly used by large corporations to ensure data security, compliance, and business continuity.

Telecom: These data centres demand high connectivity and play a crucial role in content delivery, mobile services, and cloud services.

Edge: Edge computing involves processing data at the network’s edge instead of a centralised data warehouse or the cloud. Edge data centres handle tasks such as IoT, streaming content, self-driving vehicles, drones, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI). Due to their proximity to the point of use, Edge facilities significantly reduce delays for end users.

This covers what data centres are and their importance in today’s modern digital infrastructure.