Editing Data center (section)

==Requirements for modern data centers==
[[File:Datacenter-telecom.jpg|thumb|left|Racks of telecommunications equipment in part of a data center]]
Modernization and data center transformation enhances performance and [[Electrical efficiency|energy efficiency]].<ref name="mspmentor.net">{{cite web|url=http://www.mspmentor.net/2011/08/17/hp-updates-data-transformation-solutions/|title=Mukhar, Nicholas. "HP Updates Data Center Transformation Solutions," August 17, 2011|access-date=September 9, 2011|archive-date=August 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120812184028/http://www.mspmentor.net/2011/08/17/hp-updates-data-transformation-solutions/|url-status=usurped}}</ref>

[[Information security]] is also a concern, and for this reason, a data center has to offer a secure environment that minimizes the chances of a security breach. A data center must, therefore, keep high standards for assuring the integrity and functionality of its hosted computer environment.

Industry research company [[International Data Corporation]] (IDC) puts the average age of a data center at nine years old.<ref name="mspmentor.net"/> [[Gartner]], another research company, says data centers older than seven years are obsolete.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.forbes.com/2010/03/12/cloud-computing-ibm-technology-cio-network-data-centers.html|title=Sperling, Ed. "Next-Generation Data Centers," Forbes, March 15. 2010|magazine=Forbes.com|access-date=2013-08-30|archive-date=2023-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210145904/https://www.forbes.com/2010/03/12/cloud-computing-ibm-technology-cio-network-data-centers.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The growth in data (163 zettabytes by 2025<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.seagate.com/files/www-content/our-story/trends/files/Seagate-WP-DataAge2025-March-2017.pdf|title=IDC white paper, sponsored by Seagate|access-date=2018-01-11|archive-date=2017-12-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208010603/https://www.seagate.com/files/www-content/our-story/trends/files/Seagate-WP-DataAge2025-March-2017.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>) is one factor driving the need for data centers to modernize.

Focus on [[modernization]] is not new: concern about obsolete equipment was decried in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|date=December 10, 2007|title=Data centers are aging, unsuited for new technologies|url=https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/news/data-centers-are-aging-unsuited-for-new-technologies-and-businesses-are-slow-to-respond-says-new-ari-survey}}</ref> and in 2011 [[Uptime Institute]] was concerned about the age of the equipment therein.<ref group="note">In May 2011, data center research organization Uptime Institute reported that 36 percent of the large companies it surveyed expect to exhaust IT capacity within the next 18 months. {{cite magazine|magazine=[[CIO magazine]]|title=Data Centers Turn to Outsourcing to Meet Capacity Needs|url=http://www.cio.com/article/681897/Data_Centers_Turn_to_Outsourcing_to_Meet_Capacity_Needs|author=James Niccolai|access-date=2011-09-09|archive-date=2011-11-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111115103016/http://www.cio.com/article/681897/Data_Centers_Turn_to_Outsourcing_to_Meet_Capacity_Needs|url-status=dead}}</ref> By 2018 concern had shifted once again, this time to the age of the staff: "data center staff are aging faster than the equipment."<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Network World]]|title=Data center staff are aging faster than the equipment|url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/966282/data-center-staff-are-aging-faster-than-the-equipment.html|date=August 30, 2018|access-date=December 21, 2018|archive-date=December 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207000228/https://www.networkworld.com/article/966282/data-center-staff-are-aging-faster-than-the-equipment.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Meeting standards for data centers===
The [[Telecommunications Industry Association]]'s Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tia-942.org|title=TIA-942 Certified Data Centers - Consultants - Auditors - TIA-942.org|website=www.tia-942.org}}</ref> specifies the minimum requirements for telecommunications infrastructure of data centers and computer rooms including single tenant enterprise data centers and multi-tenant Internet hosting data centers. The topology proposed in this document is intended to be applicable to any size data center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tiaonline.org/standards|title=Telecommunications Standards Development |access-date=November 7, 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111106042758/http://www.tiaonline.org/standards/|archive-date=November 6, 2011}}</ref>

Telcordia GR-3160, ''NEBS Requirements for Telecommunications Data Center Equipment and Spaces'',<ref>{{cite web|url=https://telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-3160&|title=GR-3160 - Telecommunications Data Center - Telcordia|website=telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net|access-date=2021-01-19|archive-date=2022-10-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007030412/https://telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-3160&|url-status=live}}</ref> provides guidelines for data center spaces within telecommunications networks, and environmental requirements for the equipment intended for installation in those spaces. These criteria were developed jointly by Telcordia and industry representatives. They may be applied to data center spaces housing data processing or Information Technology (IT) equipment. The equipment may be used to:
* Operate and manage a carrier's telecommunication network
* Provide data center based applications directly to the carrier's customers
* Provide hosted applications for a third party to provide services to their customers
* Provide a combination of these and similar data center applications

===Data center transformation===
Data center transformation takes a step-by-step approach through integrated projects carried out over time. This differs from a traditional method of data center upgrades that takes a serial and siloed approach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2010/08/03/three-signs-it%E2%80%99s-time-to-transform-your-data-center/|title=Tang, Helen. "Three Signs it's time to transform your data center," August 3, 2010, Data Center Knowledge|access-date=September 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810100214/http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2010/08/03/three-signs-it%E2%80%99s-time-to-transform-your-data-center/|archive-date=August 10, 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The typical projects within a data center transformation initiative include standardization/consolidation, [[virtualization]], [[automation]] and security.
* Standardization/consolidation: Reducing the number of data centers<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=Fortune|date=February 16, 2017|url=http://fortune.com/2017/02/15/data-center-consolidation-cloud|title=the Era of Great Data Center Consolidation|quote='Friends don't let friends build data centers,' said Charles Phillips, chief executive officer of Infor, a business software maker}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/manage/wave-data-center-consolidation-different-first-one|title=This Wave of Data Center Consolidation is Different from the First One|date=February 8, 2018}}</ref> and avoiding ''server sprawl''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://startafire.com/|title=Start A Fire|website=startafire.com}}</ref> (both physical and virtual)<ref>{{cite web|website=IBMsystemsMagazine.com|title=Stop Virtual Server Sprawl|url=http://ibmsystemsmag.com/power/systems-management/virtualization/stop-server-sprawl|access-date=2018-11-01|archive-date=2018-10-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023003128/http://ibmsystemsmag.com/power/systems-management/virtualization/stop-server-sprawl/|url-status=dead}}</ref> often includes replacing aging data center equipment,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.eaton.com/content/dam/eaton/company/sustainability/files/thought-leadership-white-paper.pdf|title=Top reasons to upgrade vintage data centers}}</ref> and is aided by standardization.<ref name="datacenterknowledge.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2007/05/16/complexity-growing-data-center-challenge|title=Complexity: Growing Data Center Challenge|date=May 16, 2007|website=Data Center Knowledge}}</ref>
* Virtualization: Lowers capital and operational expenses,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://technews.tmcnet.com/channels/virtualization/topics/virtualization/articles/193652-carousels-expert-walks-through-major-benefits-virtualization.htm|title=Carousel's Expert Walks Through Major Benefits of Virtualization|website=technews.tmcnet.com}}</ref> reduces energy consumption.<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[InformationWeek]]|author=Stephen Delahunty|title=The New urgency for Server Virtualization|date=August 15, 2011|url=http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/enterprise-architecture/231300585|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402220551/http://www.informationweek.com/news/government/enterprise-architecture/231300585|archive-date=2012-04-02|url-status=dead }}</ref> Virtualized desktops can be hosted in data centers and rented out on a subscription basis.<ref>{{cite web|title=HVD: the cloud's silver lining|url=http://www.intrinsictechnology.co.uk/FileUploads/HVD_Whitepaper.pdf|archive-url=http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20121002231021/http%3A//www.intrinsictechnology.co.uk/FileUploads/HVD_Whitepaper.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 2, 2012|publisher=Intrinsic Technology|access-date=August 30, 2012}}</ref>  Investment bank Lazard Capital Markets estimated in 2008 that 48 percent of enterprise operations will be virtualized by 2012. Gartner views virtualization as a catalyst for modernization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2008/12/02/gartner-virtualization-disrupts-server-vendors/|title=Gartner: Virtualization Disrupts Server Vendors|date=December 2, 2008}}</ref>
* Automating: Automating tasks such as [[provisioning (IT)|provisioning]], configuration, [[patch (computing)|patching]], release management, and compliance is needed, not just when facing fewer skilled IT workers.<ref name="datacenterknowledge.com"/>
* Securing: Protection of virtual systems is integrated with the existing security of physical infrastructures.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lippisreport.com/2011/05/securing-the-data-center-transformation-aligning-security-and-data-center-dynamics/|title=Ritter, Ted. Nemertes Research, "Securing the Data-Center Transformation Aligning Security and Data-Center Dynamics"|access-date=2011-09-09|archive-date=2017-06-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625144826/http://lippisreport.com/2011/05/securing-the-data-center-transformation-aligning-security-and-data-center-dynamics/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== Raised floor ===
[[File:Floor Panel Bottom Perf.jpg|thumb|right|Perforated cooling floor tile]]
{{Main|Raised floor}}
A raised floor standards guide named GR-2930 was developed by [[Telcordia Technologies]], a subsidiary of [[Ericsson]].<ref>{{cite web|title=GR-2930 - NEBS: Raised Floor Requirements|url=https://telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-2930&}}</ref>

Although the first [[raised floor]] computer room was made by [[IBM]] in 1956,<ref name=IBM>{{Cite web|url=http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/RaisedFloor-or-Non-Raised-Floor.pdf|title=Data Center Raised Floor History}}</ref> and they've "been around since the 1960s",<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.accessfloorsystems.com/index.php/raised-floor-info/tips-for-ordering-replacement-raised-floor-tiles.html|title=Raised Floor Info &#124; Tips for Ordering Replacement Raised Floor Tiles|website=www.accessfloorsystems.com}}</ref> it was the 1970s that made it more common for computer centers to thereby allow cool air to circulate more efficiently.<ref>{{cite book|title=Data Center Handbook|url=https://books.google.com/books?isbn=1118436636|isbn=978-1118436639|author=Hwaiyu Geng|date=2014| publisher=John Wiley & Sons }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.facilitiesnet.com/hvac/article/HVAC-The-Challenges-and-Benefits-of-Under-Floor-Air-Distribution-Systems--3516|author=Steven Spinazzola|date=2005|website=FacilitiesNet.com|title=HVAC: The Challenge And Benefits of Under Floor Air Distribution Systems|access-date=2018-10-28|archive-date=2017-03-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329235344/http://www.facilitiesnet.com/hvac/article/HVAC-The-Challenges-and-Benefits-of-Under-Floor-Air-Distribution-Systems--3516|url-status=live}}</ref>

The first purpose of the raised floor was to allow access for wiring.<ref name=IBM/>

===Lights out===
The ''lights-out''<ref>{{cite magazine|magazine=[[Informationweek]]|url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2562532/premier-100-q-a--hp-s-cio-sees--lights-out--data-centers.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712195816/https://www.computerworld.com/article/2562532/premier-100-q-a--hp-s-cio-sees--lights-out--data-centers.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 12, 2019|title=Premier 100 Q&A: HP's CIO sees 'lights-out' data centers|date=March 6, 2006}}</ref> data center, also known as a darkened or a dark data center, is a data center that, ideally, has all but eliminated the need for direct access by personnel, except under extraordinary circumstances. Because of the lack of need for staff to enter the data center, it can be operated without lighting. All of the devices are accessed and managed by remote systems, with automation programs used to perform unattended operations. In addition to the energy savings, reduction in staffing costs and the ability to locate the site further from population centers, implementing a lights-out data center reduces the threat of malicious attacks upon the infrastructure.<ref>{{cite book|author=Victor Kasacavage|year=2002|page=227|title=Complete book of remote access: connectivity and security|series=The Auerbach Best Practices Series|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=0-8493-1253-1}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Roxanne E. Burkey|author2=Charles V. Breakfield|year=2000|title=Designing a total data solution: technology, implementation and deployment| page=24|series=Auerbach Best Practices|publisher=CRC Press|isbn=0-8493-0893-3 }}</ref>

=== Noise levels ===
Generally speaking, local authorities prefer noise levels at data centers to be "10&nbsp;dB below the existing night-time background noise level at the nearest residence."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Clarke |first=Renaud |date=2020-07-01 |title=Acoustic Barriers for Data Centres |url=https://www.iacacoustics.global/news/acoustic-barriers-for-data-centres/ |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=IAC Acoustics |language=en-US}}</ref>

OSHA regulations require monitoring of noise levels inside data centers if noise exceeds 85 decibels.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thibodeau |first=Patrick |date=2007-07-31 |title=That sound you hear? The next data center problem |url=https://www.computerworld.com/article/2542868/that-sound-you-hear--the-next-data-center-problem.html |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=Computerworld |language=en}}</ref> The average noise level in server areas of a data center may reach as high as 92-96&nbsp;dB(A).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sensear |title=Data Center Noise Levels |url=https://www.sensear.com/markets/data-centers/noise-levels-infographic |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=Sensear |language=en-us}}</ref>

Residents living near data centers have described the sound as "a high-pitched whirring noise 24/7", saying  "It's like being on a [[Airport apron|tarmac]] with an airplane engine running constantly ... Except that the airplane keeps idling and never leaves."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Weisbrod |first=Katelyn |date=2023-02-10 |title=In Northern Virginia, a Coming Data Center Boom Sounds a Community Alarm |url=https://insideclimatenews.org/news/10022023/virginia-data-centers-amazon-prince-william-county/ |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=[[Inside Climate News]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Judge |first=Peter |date=2022-07-19 |title=Prince William residents complain of "catastrophic noise" from data centers |language=en |work=DCD |url=https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/prince-william-residents-complain-of-catastrophic-noise-from-data-centers/ |access-date=2023-02-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Judge |first=Peter |date=2022-07-27 |title=Chicago residents complain of noise from Digital Realty data center |language=en |work=DCD |url=https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/chicago-residents-complain-of-noise-from-digital-realty-data-center/ |access-date=2023-02-11}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Phillips |first=Mark |date=2021-11-30 |title=Chandler to consider banning data centers amid noise complaints |url=https://www.abc15.com/news/region-southeast-valley/chandler/chandler-to-consider-banning-data-centers |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix (KNXV) |language=en}}</ref>

External sources of noise include HVAC equipment and energy generators.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Data Center Soundproofing and Noise Control- Reduce Server Noise |url=https://ddsacoustical.com/applications-dds/data-center-soundproofing/ |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=DDS Acoustical Specialties}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bosker |first=Bianca |date=2019-12-06 |title=Your "cloud" data is making noise on the ground |url=https://www.marketplace.org/shows/marketplace-tech/your-cloud-data-is-making-noise-on-the-ground/ |access-date=2023-02-11 |website=Marketplace |language=en-US}}</ref>