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In this Q+A with our data centre expert, Andrew Wreford, we delve into the essential steps that companies should take to ensure their data centre infrastructure remains agile, efficient, and resilient in the face of constant technological advancements and evolving business needs.
As businesses strive to stay ahead of the curve, the design and management of data centres plays a crucial role in determining their ability to adapt and thrive in a changing environment. From embracing modular and scalable designs to implementing energy efficient solutions, the choices made for data centre infrastructure have far-reaching implications for performance, reliability, and sustainability.
Q: What steps should companies be taking to future-proof their data centre?
It's good practice to design data centres that are modular and scalable, allowing for easy expansion and adaptation to changing needs. It's also worth considering modular data centre designs and pre-fabricated solutions for faster deployment and increased flexibility. This will help growth to occur organically as it's needed.
Upgrading legacy equipment whilst implementing new cooling technologies to maintain optimal operating temperatures will improve energy efficiency and keep equipment running for longer. Following best practices for infrastructure configuration, climate control and maintenance helps get the most out of equipment, saving money in the long run and proving a competitive edge thanks to optimised data processing, reduced latency, and enhanced performance.
Energy efficient solutions should also be explored to reduce both environmental impact and operational costs, contributing to ESG priorities both now and in the future.
Furthermore, most data breaches and IT problems arise from mistakes made by authorised individuals who think they know what they’re doing – such as an engineer inputting the incorrect software configuration, or accidentally deleting data. Therefore, to future-proof data centres, companies should ensure that correct training and security is undertaken, as well as thorough onboarding of new staff, to minimise risk from problems. Security should allow the right person with the right knowledge to access the right rack.
Q: How does choosing the right infrastructure make a difference in IT environments?
Choosing the right infrastructure is vital for the overall success and efficiency of an IT environment. This forms the backbone of an organisation's IT operations, impacting performance, reliability, scalability, and security.
Well-designed data centres ensure optimal performance for IT systems and applications.
This can enhance the availability of the IT services. It is also important to consider redundancy as a part of the cooling and power infrastructure to minimise downtime and maximise the uptime of your IT.
Scalable infrastructure allows for seamless expansion as IT requirements grow. Modular designs including containerised solutions enable organisations to add resources easily, adapting to changing needs.
Energy-efficient infrastructure will reduce operational costs and environmental impact, and efficient cooling systems contribute to a total lower cost of ownership.
Access controls and monitoring solutions contribute to a secure environment for sensitive data and IT assets.
Selecting the right infrastructure is vital for maintaining a stable and efficient data centre environment. It not only ensures the proper functioning of IT equipment, but also has a direct impact on operational costs, energy consumption, and the overall sustainability of the facility.
Q: In an ever-evolving tech landscape, how can companies strike the right balance between adopting new technologies whilst maintaining stability in their existing IT infrastructure?
Introducing new IT infrastructure is always a challenge whilst maintaining stability, but this is crucial for companies to thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape.
It is important to consider the integration of these new technologies in a way that minimises disruptions to existing operations and to adopt a phased approach when updating new data centre infrastructure.
Ensure that the new infrastructure can scale to accommodate growth without compromising stability, modular solutions are an easy way to expand an existing infrastructure. It's also important to provide training for data centre staff, to ensure they are well-equipped to manage the new infrastructure and avoid any unnecessary mistakes.
Conduct regular audits of the entire IT infrastructure to identify and rectify potential stability issues. Use the findings to continuously improve the overall stability of the environment.
It is important to align with industry standards and best practices to ensure a stable and secure IT infrastructure.
By taking a systematic and cautious approach, companies can successfully implement new data centre technologies while preserving the stability of their IT environments. Regular assessments, communication, and a focus on risk management contribute to a smoother transition to a long-term efficient solution.
For more information on Data Centre Infrastructure: Fit for the Future talk to Rittal Ltd