The Different Types of Data Centers
There are many different types of data centers. If you asked different people what those types would be, you might get different answers. Some think they are all the same, while others prefer to put them in categories based on their functionality and the value they bring to a business. Fortunately, CCI Technology Solutions has the skill and experience to differentiate between the various types of data centers and create solutions that are specifically built around your requirements.
The overarching definition and functionality of data centers are that they are advanced systems of computers that work together to process information and use it to empower various aspects of a business. Information is highly valuable in contemporary times, which means that anyone with the capability of collecting, processing, analysing and using information has a significant advantage. Information is at its most valuable when it is exclusive and fresh. So, data centers need to be capable of harvesting this precious resource and making good use of it before a competitor can gain access to the same resource.
4 Main Categories of Data Centers
Despite there being an overall explanation of what data centers could be, it is still a useful exercise to differentiate between the various types and to highlight the core appeal of each one. They are not all built the same, but that does not mean that one is necessarily superior to the other. It simply means that every business has its own information processing needs and must acquire solutions that cater to those needs instead of employing a generic solution that works half as well.
Below are the four main categories of data centers and how they are used by modern businesses.
- Corporate Data Centers. This is the most common type and generally the one most associated with commercial enterprises. They comprise a mix of computer systems and hard drives interlinked by ethernet/LAN or fiber optic cables, and they tend to offer virtualisation as a core feature. The latter is usually used in environmental monitoring and hazard tracking (within the network room’s physical space).
- Web Hosting/Computer Infrastructure as a Service. Some companies do not necessarily use the information processing capabilities at their fingertips for their own gain, but the gain of others. They often lease the use of their servers and networks to third parties to generate revenue. Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) is becoming more frequent in the corporate world and is a natural extension of Software as a Service (SaaS).
- Turnkey Solutions. Sometimes your requirements are so unique that a generic solution won’t even begin to cover them. It is therefore imperative to search for solutions that fit your needs, rather than adapting your needs and expectations to the equipment you have available. Another aspect of these kinds of solutions is that they tend to be “ready to use”, which means that a business can take advantage of servers on different premises without waiting for them to be installed on the premises where they are needed.
- Web 2.0 Enabled Solutions. For Web 2.0, the focus is on content generated by users (as opposed to enterprises) and making it easy for users to access that content. Since internet users number in the billions, a business would need powerful information processing capabilities to keep up with the demand. While it is unlikely that a site will receive billions of users, it is still a good idea to prepare for high volumes of user contributions in instances where that is the focus of the business, such as major social media platforms.
Which One Is Most Suitable for Your Business?
The answer will depend on what your specific needs are. We, therefore, recommend that you get in touch with one of our consultants to discuss your business’s information processing requirements. Contact us today.
