Data Center

The 3 Types of UPS Systems: Standby vs. Line Interactive vs. Online UPSs

Detectable power outages account for only a small percentage of power disturbances. Utility power is also plagued with surges, sags, electrical noise, harmonics, load fluctuations, and other interference. Even under normal utility operations Ñ with no storm or lightning in … Read MoreRead More

Server Rack Cooling Solutions: In-Rack and In-Row Cooling

Traditional computer room air conditioning (CRAC) units are struggling to keep up with the heat generated by today’s power-hungry IT equipment. These systems circulated chilled air throughout the room, wasting much of the cooling capacity on empty space. Raised-floor cooling … Read MoreRead More

Examining Data Center Liquid Cooling: Immersion vs. Direct-to-Chip Systems

The rapid adoption of machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) applications is driving increased density in the data center. General-purpose data center racks have a power density of 10kW to 20kW. Racks of equipment used to train AI models generally … Read MoreRead More

What Is a Hyperscale Data Center? Overview and Comparisons

Data centers have many common features Ñ power, cooling, racks and cabinets, and of course, IT equipment Ñ but they come in many different shapes and sizes. One company may have a variety of data centers, from a primary facility … Read MoreRead More

What Is Edge Computing and How Does It Work? Use Cases and Examples

In a recent survey by IDC, more than two-thirds of business leaders said they are implementing edge computing solutions. Given the rapid growth of the edge computing model, IDC predicts that organizations will deploy more than half of all new … Read MoreRead More

Hybrid Cloud vs. Multi-Cloud: Advantages and Disadvantages

The terms “hybrid cloud” and “multi-cloud” are often used interchangeably but are different models. A hybrid cloud can incorporate a multi-cloud environment, but the multi-cloud may lack a key element of the hybrid cloud architecture. Let’s examine the two models … Read MoreRead More

What Is IT/OT Convergence? Benefits, Challenges, and Examples

The operational technologies (OT) used to monitor and control mechanical systems have traditionally been isolated from information technology (IT) systems, with a literal “air gap” between the two domains. Now, they are converging as more electromechanical, manufacturing, and industrial equipment … Read MoreRead More

Data Center White Space vs. Gray Space: What’s the Difference

Data centers are complex facilities with many components that must be carefully managed to optimize efficiency, performance, availability, and scalability. One key factor is the layout of the space itself. Data center operators must maximize the use of the facility’s … Read More

Types of Technical Debt: How To Manage, Reduce, and Prevent

Upgrading data center equipment can be expensive and disruptive, so an organization may decide to eke more usable life out of legacy systems and infrastructure. While that may seem like a cost-saving measure, it can cost a lot more in … Read MoreRead More

Data Center Performance Metrics: Understanding the KPIs

Data centers play a mission-critical role in the enterprise IT environment. For organizations in the co-location, hosting, or related business, data centers are central to their revenue model. Whatever category a data center falls into, top performance is the goal. … Read MoreRead More