As we spend more time online sharing and exchanging of digital data is becoming more important to ensure the running of businesses. Digital exchange requires huge computing and networking equipment, which is housed in a central physical space known as a data center.

A data center is a computer room that houses computing and storage hardware for an organization or a business. The main elements of a Data Center include servers, which contain the processing power needed to transform raw data into useful information, and storage devices that store this information on hard-disk drives or robotic tape. Additionally, a data center visit acplc.net/data-center-types-which-one-is-right-for-you/ relies on networking and communication equipment such as routers, switches and endless miles of cables that aid in the flow of data between servers.

The term “data center” was first used in the late 1990s when IT operations grew and cheap networking equipment made it possible for businesses to house all their networking equipment within a centralized space. Businesses can either construct their own data center on their own premises or partner with a third-party provider of data center services that offer managed and colocation. Third-party options are usually more energy efficient and economical alternative to on-premises facilities.

Many of these third-party options also offer greater flexibility in policy management. For instance the data center may provide multiple policy environments in a single location which allows IT to limit data workloads with specific policies that meet compliance demands across geographies and business units. This can reduce security risks and improve information governance.