A data center is a facility used to house networked computer servers and storage systems that are securely connected to the Internet. A data center generally includes redundant or backup power supplies, redundant data communications connections, environmental controls (e.g., air conditioning, gas detection, fire suppression), and physical access control systems.
Large data centers are industrial scale operations using as much electricity as a small town and therefore facilities managers must look for ways to be more energy efficient without compromising the operation of the data center. Facility managers must also implement various systems to ensure that the assets and the personnel working in the data center are protected from potentially hazardous conditions like gas and fire. The facility management system or features are often integrated with the facility’s Data Center Information Management (DCIM) system.
