Fortunately for the Datacenter market, its relevance in the general public has been increasing in recent times. It is now featured in TV news, economic press for the investments it is attracting, and even discussed in relation to European regulations and guidelines on energy consumption. We are at the forefront of technology, playing the role that belongs to us, and that's something to celebrate!
As a result of these conversations and the questions I receive (some basic and others more profound), I decided to write this article to debunk some common myths about data centers. It's not an in-depth study, just a personal opinion. However, I would love to see other perspectives.).
As a result of this conversation, and the questions I receive (some more basic and others more profound), I decided to write this article to debunk some common myths about data centers. It's not a deeply conducted study, it's simply a personal opinion. That said, I would love to see other perspectives.
Common Myths about Data Centers.
1. Myth: Data centers are 100% secure.
While data centers implement strict security measures, including physical and cybersecurity safeguards, it is a myth that they are completely immune to threats. Vulnerabilities can always arise, and attacks continuously evolve, so it's crucial to have well-established disaster recovery plans and data security strategies. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst! 😱. This is a topic discussed in detail in the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which addresses the importance of cybersecurity in data center management.
2. Myth: All data centers are the same.
There is a wide variety in data centers in terms of size, design, location, security measures, and services offered. From large facilities to small local rooms, each data center is unique and tailored to specific needs. This means that it’s not that each one must find its own path to improve its data center, but that it must understand its particularities in order to implement the best practices in data center management along its journey, as mentioned in the article on how Arsat has achieved the optimization of its data center.
3. Public cloud will completely replace enterprise data centers.
Despite the growing adoption of public cloud, enterprise data centers remain crucial. In fact, the percentage of workloads residing in data centers has remained stable. Organizations often choose a hybrid model that combines public cloud, private cloud, and on-premises resources. The enterprise data center isn't dead; cloud services simply offer an alternative. You choose, and as always, the virtue lies in the middle.
4. Myth: Obsolete data centers cannot handle new workloads
Many organizations are upgrading the infrastructure in their existing facilities to meet new demands, demonstrating that even the oldest data centers can be modernized and remain functional. It’s like saying that a stone-built house must be completely demolished to be remodeled. This is where climate simulations that allow for better control of environmental conditions, ensuring that older data centers remain efficient.
5. Myth: We need to keep up with hyperscale companies.
(This one might be a bit more controversial 🙄): Not all innovations made by large Internet companies are applicable or necessary for all data centers. Instead of trying to mimic these trends, data centers should focus on improving efficiency, training staff, and adapting to their own cloud strategies. Let’s not use a sledgehammer to crack a nut; let’s understand how they do it and see what we can apply to our own case.
6. Myth: Data centers are immune to power outages.
While they have multiple power sources and redundant systems, data centers are not completely immune to power cuts. The risks can be minimized, but the possibility of disruption exists, highlighting the importance of having contingency plans. Again, and I may repeat myself, hope for the best, and prepare for the worst. For more information on this topic, you can check out the article Power Quality in Data Center
7. Myth: Running a data center is easy
7. **Myth: Managing a data center is easy* (this is the best of all! That's why I saved it for last): Managing a data center is complex and challenging, requiring specialized skills and knowledge, particularly in maintenance and operations, where human errors can cause significant failures. This is where we, who are dedicated to this sector, face the greatest challenge: improving operations, including technology that is genuinely useful, to achieve self-managed environments where human error is minimized, and people can focus on tasks of higher value for companies. The Datacenter is and will be the core of the business for many companies, and there is much more to do in it than just ensuring that an asset is placed in the right place!!
My goal, as a professional, is to contribute everything I can to this industry so that we can turn this last myth into reality and say without a doubt that running a data center operation is easy! 👀
I hope these little myths about data centers are helpful. Use them not only in your everyday conversations with family and friends but also in professional discussions at work.!
Let's celebrate together that today the Datacenter is in the spotlight, and let's make sure it looks good in the picture! 💋
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