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Feature 2 Not all Data CeNters are CreateD equal By Jeffrey R Clark No two data centers are equal in every respect, ranging from redundancy and uptime goals to network bandwidth and processing capabilities. Yet it's easy to rank data centers as better or worse ("more equal" or "less equal") with regard to any particular feature—or is it? Differences between data centers may make them unequal in some sense, but that inequality doesn't necessarily translate cleanly into better or worse for a given situation. Looking at data center design holistically is more than just an academic exercise in determining what is technically superior; it's a critical step toward getting the most business value from a very expensive facility. 4 are all Data CeNter ProFessioNals equal The question of whether all data centers are created equal deals with arguably straightforward technical, business and economic matters—at least compared with the question of equality among data center professionals, which throws messy politics into the mix. In particular, concerns over the underrepresentation of certain groups, as well as the often cited wage gap between men and women, seem to indicate that equality is far from a priority. Major technology companies have fallen all over themselves in recent years in an effort to hire more women and minority employees as well as, more recently, to eliminate the gender pay gap. 6 the Myth oF sCale aND other eCoNoMiC MisCoNCePtioNs By Chris Crosby Although the economic elements of any data center decision are important, very often they are examined through lens of our remedial memories of Economics 101. In other words, after "supply and demand" we become increasingly unsure of what we're talking about, and if we're honest, it's been awhile since we gave much thought to the whole concept of "S and D" as well. 12 is a liquiD-CooleD Data CeNter iN your Future? By Herb Zien Most data centers in operation today defy logic. They are cooled by circulating conditioned air around the data processing room and through the racks. Separate hot and cold aisles are maintained in an attempt to conserve energy. In most installations, cold air is forced up through holes in the floor. And humidity control is necessary to avoid condensation on IT equipment if too high or electrostatic discharge if too low. 14 seCuriNg the PhysiCal saFety oF Data By Steve Spatig In our networked and Internet-dependent world, securing personal and business data from theft, hacking and other forms of cybercrime has become an issue of paramount importance—and the world's data centers, where data has its physical presence, are critical points where multiple layers of security must be established and sustained. 19 Why Data CeNters shoulD CoNsiDer outsourCiNg asset MaNageMeNt By Tom Mertz Since the data center first emerged in the early 60s, monitoring and managing backup power systems has involved substantial up-front capital, planned and unplanned maintenance expenses, costly personnel training, and time-consuming reporting. Of course, tremendous growth and advances in technology mean the data center today looks remarkably different than it did 50 years ago. VeNDor iNDeX All rights reserved. No portion of DATA CENTER Journal may be reproduced without written permission from the Executive Editor. The management of DATA CENTER Journal is not responsible for opinions expressed by its writers or editors. We assume that all rights in communications sent to our editorial staff are unconditionally assigned for publication. All submissions are subject to unrestricted right to edit and/ or to comment editorially. AN EDM2R ENTERPRISES, INC. PUBLICATION ALPHARETTA, GA 30022 PHONE: 678-762-9366 FAX: 866-708-3068 | WWW.DATACENTERJOURNAL.COM DESIGN : NEATWORKS, INC., JOHNS CREEK GA 30022 TEL: 678-392-2992 | WWW.NEATWORKSINC.COM