Module 6

• Data centers


  Concerned with computer operations
• Some data centers don't have personnel inside, they are outside of the data center
• There may be several data centers supporting specific functions
• Functions of a data center

  • Manage, run production systems
  • Data entry
  • Print, distribute reports
  • Provide technical assistance
  • Manage hardware and software
  • Provide, manage network services
  • Source all resources
  • Manage media
  • Monitor performance of hardware and software
  • Plan for future upgrades
• Cloud-based


  Offered by third party: outsourcing
• Disadvantages of cloud-based data centers

  • Security is a concern
  • 3rd party data center's policy
  • Service Level Agreement: you have to conform to them
  • If you don't agree with them: you are limited to this policy
  • Even if they don't intend to sell data: what if they get hacked?
• Data center manager


  Oversees data center and makes important decisions for it
• Computer operator


  • Junior: require minimal IT skills, usually a lot of people start here
  • Senior: have more experience
• Administrators more skilled compared to operators
• Skilled data center roles

  • System administrator
  • Database administrator
  • Security administrator
  • Network engineer
• Database administrator manages the database: backup and restore, periodical maintenance
• Database administrator creates initial list of tables, unique keys → optimize performance of DB itself + SQL sentences
• More money spent does not necessarily mean more efficiency in a data center
• Efficiency of data center operations is independent of industry
• Ways to increase efficiency in a data center

  • Paperless operations
  • Automating most of the tasks in the DC through AI
  • Unattended operation (dark-room environment)
• Unattended operation entails additional costs on new equipment and applications but increases efficiency
• It is hard to fully implement an automated data center
• Data center size


  • From the size of a small room to the size of the entire building
  • Requires experts not just in IT but also in construction
  • Requires definitive and careful plan
• Experts required for data center planning

  • O/S
  • Databases
  • Telecommunications
  • Networks
  • Construction
  • Applications that support the enterprise
• Power contingencies for data centers

  • UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
  • Motor generator power supply
  • Separate power grid (optional, 3rd level contingency source of power)
• Separate power grid is expensive and challenging to set up, not required in most cases
• Common elements in data center redundancy


  • Redundancy
  • Backup power
  • UPS and motor generator
• UPS


  Composed of batteries, provides minimum power for contingency
• Motor generator


  Not auto switch, provides long-term power for contingency
• Data center components

  • Computing hardware/software
  • Networks
  • Application systems
  • Physical facilities
  • Personnel
• HVAC


  Humidity, Ventilation, Air Conditioning
• Optimal temperature for industrial ACs

  65ºF or 18ºC
• Drop ceiling normal height

  1.5-2 feet
• Drop ceiling uses

  • Cable layouts
  • Air conditioning ducts
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Lighting
• Raised flooring main disadvantages

  Spillage, damage
• Raised flooring considerations

  • Heavyweight equipment
  • People
• Raised flooring advantage

  Accessibility
• Why should raised flooring be antistatic?


  Static electricity hurts machines and electronics
• Costs and benefits of raised flooring and drop ceiling

  Costs: more wires, more cables

  Benefits: more storage, better air flow regulation
• What should suppression devices be made of?

  Gas
• Why should suppression devices be gas-based?


  Water damages machines
• Popular fire suppression gases


  FM200: takes heat out of the fire

  Inergen: composed of inert gases
• What is the now-banned suppression gas that used to be popular?

  Halon 1301: harmful to the environment
• Less CCTVs means

  More blind spots in a room
• Motion detection


  Identify object or person doing the motion