What is a data center? Understand where your data is stored
So, what is a data center? We live in a digital age, in which information exchange is an essential part of the routine of people and businesses. But have you ever stopped to think about where all this data is stored and how it is managed?
In this article, you’ll learn that data centers are the backbone of modern technological infrastructure. After all, they make sure that everything from your social media platforms to your e-commerce services run smoothly.
Let’s examine what data centers are, what their basic components are, their different types, and their role in business success. Check it out!
What is a data center?
The data center is a place where we find a variety of data processing and storage equipment, such as servers, routers, switches and firewalls. This environment supports IT operations by storing data and applications that are essential to its operation.
We can say that data centers are the heart of any organization’s technological infrastructure. This is because they ensure that critical information is secure and available in real time.
With the growing demand for online services and cloud computing, and the enormous amount of data generated every day, they have become even more essential. After all, without them we wouldn’t be able to send emails, shop online, access the cloud or even browse social media efficiently.
What are the basic components of a data center?
After all, what’s inside a data center? If you’ve never had the opportunity to visit this facility up close, you should know that there are some basic components:
- Servers;
- Racks;
- Cabling;
- Refrigeration and climate control systems;
- Physical security and monitoring items.
Servers are the brains of the data center, storing and processing data that is organized in racks — structures that allow for an orderly and efficient layout. These racks are connected by a cabling system that ensures fast and secure communication between all the devices.
In addition to servers, we find cooling systems, because IT equipment generates a lot of heat. Without proper climate control, the entire operation can be compromised. Therefore, you need to maintain optimal temperature and avoid overheating.
Physical security is another fundamental pillar of a data center, since they store confidential and important information. Thus, we find various equipment and protection systems, such as:
- 24/7 monitoring;
- CCTV;
- Biometric access control and other advanced security systems.
What types of data center are there?
There are four types of data centers: on-premises, colocation, cloud and hybrid.
- On-premises data centers: built and managed by the company itself, on its premises. Providing greater control over the infrastructure, they require an initial investment for construction and maintenance;
- Colocation data centers: in this model, the company rents a data center from a specialized provider, such as Ascenty. Thus, it outsources responsibilities and eliminates costs with construction, security, cooling and connectivity, for example;
- Cloud data centers: all resources are provided by a cloud service provider, such as AWS, Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure. Remember that the data is also in a physical data center;
- Hybrid data centers: combine physical and cloud infrastructure. This gives them the flexibility, efficiency and security to store information according to their needs for protection and proximity to the company.
Each of the above models has its own unique features and benefits, and it’s up to each company to choose the model that best suits its needs and growth strategies.
Ascenty’s colocation data centers offer a robust and secure solution, allowing companies to host their servers in a world-class infrastructure without the high costs of construction and maintenance.
What are the basic functions of a data center?
In addition to understanding what a data center is, it is important to have a clear vision of its functions. A data center processes and stores data, ensures redundancy and backup systems, and offers efficient connectivity and interconnection. Check it out!
Data processing and storage
The main purpose of the data center is to process and store data. This means that it manages everything from running business applications to storing large volumes of information in a secure and accessible way.
Think of it as a big brain that handles all the digital tasks essential to the daily lives of businesses, consumers and governments.
Redundancy and backup systems
To ensure that data and services are always available, even in the event of a failure, companies need to rely on redundancy and backup systems. Data centers can play this role and ensure that operations don’t grind to a halt.
Connectivity and interconnection
This IT infrastructure is also a connectivity hub, allowing different networks and systems to communicate with each other efficiently and securely. This is essential for companies that rely on cloud services, online applications and constant communication between different locations and business partners.
What is the main advantage of having my data in a data center?
The main advantage is the scalability and flexibility it offers. This means that you can easily increase or decrease capacity as your needs change, without major investments in infrastructure.
In addition, these facilities are designed to offer robust security and compliance with various regulations. They have advanced physical and digital protection systems, ensuring that your data is always safe and compliant with laws such as Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD).
Another major advantage is cost efficiency. Maintaining your own infrastructure can be extremely expensive and complex. By using a specialized service, you reduce maintenance, energy and personnel costs, as well as being able to take advantage of flexible payment models, such as pay-as-you-go.
Storing your data in a specialized environment provides not only the ability to grow and adapt quickly, but also ensures the security and cost efficiency that are crucial to the success of any business.
What are the main security mechanisms in a data center?
Data security is a major concern for companies. For this reason, storing information in reliable data centers is something that cannot be neglected.
In general, security mechanisms combine various elements to prevent unauthorized people from gaining access to the environment and the information stored there. Check it out:
- Physical security measures: Data centers have strict access control and security protocols that can include the use of biometrics and 24-hour surveillance;
- Compliance and certifications: to guarantee maximum security and efficiency, data centers follow strict compliance standards and have international certifications such as ISSO, Tier and TÜV.
Ascenty’s competitive edge: Latin America’s largest data center company
With 34 data centers in strategic regions such as São Paulo, Campinas, Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, as well as Chile, Mexico and Colombia, Ascenty is the leading data center provider in Latin America.
The company offers a robust and reliable infrastructure that meets the needs of the most demanding clients, always guaranteeing the best performance and security for their data.
Its leadership is widely recognized in the market, not only for the size of its infrastructure, but also for the quality and safety of its services, proven by certifications of excellence such as ISO 14001.
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Dedication to sustainability is another highlight. After all, there is a focus on ESG practices and continuous investment in initiatives to reduce environmental impact and promote social responsibility.
In addition to all this, Ascenty is a leader in the Colocation Services Quadrant in Brazil of ISG Provider Lens, a globally renowned company. In 2023 it was also named company of the year in the Latin American Data Center Colocation market by Frost & Sullivan.
Your data deserves the best infrastructure!
Understanding what a data center is and its importance is essential for any company in the digital age. After all, these facilities are largely responsible for keeping your information and systems safe, efficient and connected.
In a world increasingly dependent on data, there is no way to operate without a reliable place to store these valuable assets. So, study the available options carefully to avoid problems in the future.
To help you, we would like to suggest that you read some exclusive material on data center outsourcing. In it, you’ll find key information for choosing a good partner. Download it now!
