Data centers revealed: Go beyond the myth!

1. Data centers create jobs

Contrary to popular belief, data centers are not only home to rows of servers, but they also provide significant employment opportunities. They also contribute to the growth of local economies by offering stable employment prospects. With the ever-increasing demand for data management and security, data centers are creating jobs across various roles, from technicians and engineers to security specialists and data analysts, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a 10% growth in these roles over the next decade.

2. Data centers are more than a place to put servers

While servers are a fundamental component of data centers, they are only one piece of the puzzle. Data centers encompass complex infrastructure that includes networking equipment, cooling systems, power distribution units, and advanced physical and logical security measures. They are sophisticated facilities designed to optimize data storage, processing, and transmission. For example, at Flexential, our newest data center design supports innovative cooling technologies and high-density requirements.

3. Data center power is crucial

The power requirements of data centers are fundamental. To ensure uninterrupted operation, data centers rely on reliable power sources and backup systems, such as generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS). These power systems guarantee that critical services remain operational even during power outages, safeguarding data integrity and business continuity.

4. Data center location is key

The location of a data center is strategic, not random. The geographical location of a data center plays a vital role in its efficiency and performance. Data centers are strategically positioned to minimize latency, ensuring fast and reliable access to data for users across different regions. When selecting a data center location, proximity to network interconnections, reliable power grids, and favorable environmental conditions are key considerations. As a leader in the regional data center market, the Flexential data centers offer scalable, reliable services to meet the demands of enterprises and hyperscale cloud providers.

5. Data centers are green, too

Data centers are conscious of their environmental impact and have embraced sustainable practices. Many data centers are implementing energy-efficient technologies, optimizing cooling systems, and adopting renewable energy sources. Data centers are reducing their carbon footprint through these initiatives and contributing to a greener future. For more information on how data center providers like Flexential integrate ESG into all aspects and levels of our business, read our latest ESG report.

6. Data centers are worldwide

Data centers are not confined to a single location or country. They form a global network, interconnected through high-speed fiber-optic cables under the ground and the sea. This network enables seamless data transfer and ensures redundancy, allowing failover and backup systems to maintain data availability in unforeseen circumstances. In particular, a report by Cushman & Wakefield shows the Asia-Pacific region experiencing substantial growth. Flexential data centers connect directly to South America, Asia, and Europe via five primary subsea cables.

 

7. Data centers impact everyone

Data centers impact our daily lives in countless ways, from individuals to large-scale enterprises. They enable us to access and share information securely, stream media, use cloud services, and conduct online transactions. Data centers are the backbone of the digital infrastructure that empowers modern society. According to Statista, “the amount of data created, captured, copied, and consumed worldwide is expected to grow from around 59 zettabytes (ZB) in 2020 to around 149 ZB in 2024.”

8. Data centers are unique

Each data center is unique in its design and offerings. They cater to a wide range of requirements, from small businesses with limited data needs to hyperscale data centers that handle massive workloads of global tech giants. Data centers provide customized solutions to meet the specific infrastructure and compliance needs of various industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and entertainment. With 41 highly-connected data centers, there is a Flexential location and design to fit every need.

9. Data centers and the cloud are friends

Data centers and the cloud go hand in hand. Cloud computing relies on data centers to store and process data, delivering on-demand services and scalability. Data centers provide the infrastructure that enables cloud services, offering flexible computing power, storage, and applications to businesses and individuals. IDC predicted worldwide spending on public cloud services and infrastructure would reach $500 billion by the end of 2023. For example, beyond colocation, Flexential provides Hosted Private Cloud, Multi-Tenant Cloud, Managed Public Cloud, and Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS).

10. A world without data centers would be vastly different

Imagine a world without data centers. Online banking, e-commerce, social media platforms, and streaming services would cease to exist in their current form. Data centers are the foundation of the digital ecosystem, supporting innovation, economic growth, and societal advancements. Data, hailed by Forbes as the “lifeblood of artificial intelligence,” requires data centers. Without data centers, the modern digital landscape as we know it would drastically change.

In conclusion, data centers are fraught with myths and misconceptions, but they are complex, dynamic, and indispensable elements of our digital world. By understanding the truth behind data centers, we can appreciate their significance and their critical role in supporting businesses, facilitating communication, and shaping our interconnected society. So, let's embrace the reality of data centers and recognize their remarkable contributions to our modern way of life.

Want to learn more? Explore the Flexential portfolio of data center facilities today!