Corporate Data Centres vary widely in nature; from massively reinforced bunkers through to simple cabinets of equipment. A dedicated Data Centre facility will typically comprise a number of key features that include:
External Perimeter
A fence, wall or other barriers to prevent unauthorised access to the site, but incorporating an Entrance for authorised staff and visitors, and allowing the supply of Goods, Power and Communications. Within the external perimeter are the External Areas which may include Car Parking and Fuel Storage facilities to power standby generators;
Internal Areas
The Data Centre building itself.
Control Room
A Data Centre Control Room for management of the equipment, computers, networks;
Electrical Power Supply
Including the High Voltage (HV) Substation, Standby Generators, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Systems to maintain the environment within the Data Centre.
Data Hall
The operational area of the centre where the computer equipment is housed.
Where organisations cannot justify the need for an exclusive Data Centre facility, they may choose to share Data Centre services through managed hosting (where a third-party provides the server on their behalf) or by a co-location service (where their equipment is operated in a third-party Data Centre).
