Data Center Terms & Acronyms
While not exhaustive at the moment, I will continue to update this list as I come across terms I think need explaining, SAVE this page to keep updated or subscribe to my mailing list.
Basic Terms:
Data Center: A data center is a facility that houses computer systems, networking equipment, and storage devices used for processing, storing, and managing data.
Server: A server is a computer system that provides resources, services, or data to other computers or users within a network. It handles requests, processes data, and facilitates communication.
Rack: A rack is a metal framework used to organize and hold multiple servers, switches, and other IT equipment in a compact and structured manner. It helps optimize space and simplifies cable management.
Cooling System: A cooling system in a data center consists of equipment and infrastructure designed to regulate and maintain a suitable temperature for the data center equipment, preventing overheating and ensuring optimal performance.
Power Distribution Unit: A Power Distribution Unit (PDU) is a device that distributes electrical power to server racks. It provides power outlets for servers and networking equipment, along with surge protection and monitoring capabilities.
Redundancy: Redundancy refers to the inclusion of backup systems, components, or infrastructure in a data center. It ensures uninterrupted operation in case of a failure or outage, minimizing the risk of service disruptions.
Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the capacity or speed at which data can be transmitted over a network connection. It determines the amount of data that can be transferred within a given time, usually measured in bits per second (bps).
Network Switch: A network switch is a device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN) and directs data traffic between them. It provides efficient and secure data transfer within a network.
UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): A UPS is a power backup system used in data centers. It provides emergency power to critical equipment in case of a power outage or disruption, ensuring continuous operation and preventing data loss.
Virtualization: Virtualization is the process of creating virtual versions of servers, networks, or storage devices within a data center. It maximizes resource utilization, enables scalability, and enhances flexibility in managing IT infrastructure.
SLA (Service Level Agreement): An SLA is a contract between a service provider and a customer that defines the level of service, performance guarantees, and support commitments. It outlines the responsibilities, metrics, and remedies in case of service deviations.
Patch Panel: A patch panel is a panel that provides a central location for organizing and connecting network cables to network devices, such as switches and servers. It simplifies cable management and facilitates easy troubleshooting and maintenance.
Fire Suppression System: A fire suppression system is specialized equipment designed to extinguish or control fires within a data center while minimizing damage to critical equipment. It employs various methods such as gas-based or water-based systems.
Raised Floor: A raised floor is an elevated floor structure in a data center. It allows for the routing of cabling, accommodates cooling systems, and facilitates the distribution of airflow for efficient temperature control and cable management.
Backup: A backup refers to the process of creating and storing copies of data or system configurations in a separate location or medium. It serves as a safeguard against data loss or system failure, enabling recovery and restoration if needed.
Intermediate Terms:
Data Center Tier Levels: A data center tier refers to a standardized classification system used to categorize data centers based on their infrastructure's reliability, availability, and redundancy. The tier rating provides an indication of the data center's ability to maintain operations and provide services without interruptions or downtime.
The tier classification system was established by the Uptime Institute, a globally recognized organization that focuses on data center performance and efficiency. It defines four tiers, ranging from Tier 1 to Tier 4, each representing increasing levels of infrastructure redundancy and availability.
Tier 1: A Tier 1 data center is the simplest level, providing basic infrastructure and limited redundancy. It has a single path for power and cooling, offering no redundant components or backup systems. It typically has an uptime of around 99.671% and is suitable for small businesses or non-critical applications.
Tier 2: A Tier 2 data center offers slightly higher reliability compared to Tier 1. It includes redundant components for power and cooling, allowing for planned maintenance activities. However, it may still have a single path for certain equipment. Tier 2 data centers typically provide an uptime of around 99.741% and are suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.
Tier 3: A Tier 3 data center provides a higher level of redundancy and availability. It includes multiple power and cooling paths, allowing for maintenance without disrupting operations. It also offers redundant components for critical systems. Tier 3 data centers typically provide an uptime of around 99.982% and are suitable for businesses that require higher availability and reliability.
Tier 4: A Tier 4 data center is the highest level of reliability and availability. It includes redundant components and systems for all critical infrastructure, ensuring no single point of failure. It provides multiple independent paths for power and cooling, along with advanced security and monitoring features. Tier 4 data centers typically provide an uptime of around 99.995% and are suitable for mission-critical applications, large enterprises, or organizations that require continuous operations.
Modular Data Center: A modular data center is like a giant Lego set for computers, where different components like servers, cooling systems, and power supplies are pre-built and can be stacked together like building blocks to create a flexible and scalable data center infrastructure, making it easier to expand or customize based on specific needs.
PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness): is a metric used to measure the energy efficiency of a data center. It represents the ratio of total power consumed by a data center to the power consumed by its IT equipment. A lower PUE value indicates higher energy efficiency.
In simpler terms, PUE is a way to gauge how efficiently a data center uses power. It considers both the energy consumed by the servers, storage, and networking equipment (IT load) and the additional energy consumed by cooling, lighting, and other infrastructure systems. By dividing the total energy used by the IT load, PUE provides a measure of how much additional energy is needed to support the data center's operations.
For example, a data center with a PUE of 1.5 consumes 1.5 units of total energy (including infrastructure) for every unit of energy consumed by the IT equipment. A data center with a PUE of 1.0 would indicate that all the energy consumed is entirely utilized by the IT equipment, without any additional energy needed for supporting infrastructure.
Power Usage in a Data Center (approx.):
Pie chart showing approx. power Usage in a data center, cooling accounts for 50% which is the highest.
Other Terms:
Clip Rate: An increased clip rate means suppliers or vendors are increasing the pace or speed at which they operate or conduct their business activities. It suggests that suppliers are becoming more efficient, productive, or responsive in delivering goods or services.
ChatGPT: Where have you been hiding?! If you havent started using ChatGPT, do yourself a huge favor, i don’t care who you are, try it out: CHATGPT basically Google on steroids or the technical definition from ChatGPT’s ‘mouth’: “a powerful language model that uses deep learning techniques to engage in natural language conversations, providing accurate and contextually relevant responses to a wide range of queries and prompts.”
Sustainability related Terms
Carbon Neutral 2030: refers to the goal of achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2030, which means balancing out the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere with the amount removed or offset, in order to combat climate change and reduce the impact of human activities on the environment.
Companies:
Apple: Apple has pledged to become carbon neutral across its entire supply chain, product life cycles, and corporate operations by 2030.
Microsoft: Microsoft aims to be carbon negative by 2030, meaning it will remove more carbon from the environment than it emits.
Amazon: Amazon has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2040, but they have a goal of running on 100% renewable energy by 2030.
Google: Google has set a target to operate on carbon-free energy 24/7 by 2030 and has committed to being carbon neutral since 2007.
Countries:
Sweden: Sweden aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045, which includes a plan to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Finland: Finland has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2035.
Bhutan: Bhutan is already considered carbon neutral, meaning it absorbs more carbon dioxide than it emits.
Costa Rica: Costa Rica plans to become carbon neutral by 2050, but it has made significant progress and achieved carbon neutrality for certain time periods already.
Wooden Data Centers: a wooden building can be considered a sustainable practice depending on several factors. Wood is generally regarded as a renewable resource, as long as it is sourced from responsibly managed forests or sustainable forestry practices. Here are some reasons why building with wood can be considered sustainable:
Renewable Material: Wood is a renewable resource as trees can be replanted and harvested sustainably. Proper forest management practices, such as reforestation and responsible logging, ensure the long-term sustainability of wood resources.
Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and store it in their wood fibers. By using wood as a building material, carbon is effectively captured and stored, reducing the amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere. This helps mitigate climate change and reduce the carbon footprint associated with construction.
Lower Energy Consumption: Wood has a lower embodied energy compared to other construction materials like steel or concrete. The process of manufacturing wood products requires less energy, resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions during production.
Lower Construction Waste: Wood construction often generates less waste during construction compared to other materials. Wood can be prefabricated and assembled efficiently, reducing the amount of waste generated on-site.
Energy Efficiency: Wood has good insulation properties, which can contribute to energy efficiency in buildings. Wooden structures can provide effective thermal insulation, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling and lowering energy consumption.
Biodegradability and Recyclability: Wood is a biodegradable material and can be recycled or repurposed at the end of its life cycle. This reduces waste generation and promotes a circular economy.
However, it's important to consider the entire life cycle of the building and assess other sustainability aspects beyond the choice of construction material. Factors such as energy efficiency, water use, site selection, and overall building design can significantly impact the sustainability of the structure. Adhering to sustainable building practices, certifications (e.g., LEED, BREEAM), and using environmentally friendly construction techniques can further enhance the sustainability of a wooden building.
Legislation related Terms
EU Emissions Trading System - EU ETS: “The EU ETS is a cornerstone of the EU's policy to combat climate change and its key tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions cost-effectively. It is the world's first major carbon market and remains the biggest one” Source
EU Code of Conduct for Data Centres: Source
FISMA DG: The Directorate‑General for Financial Stability, Financial Services and Capital Markets Union is the Commission department responsible for EU policy on financial services Source
Taxonomy Regulations by FISMA Source
CLC Technical Report, 5060099-1: Information technology. Data centre facilities and infrastructures - Recommended practices for energy management Source
TIC Council: TIC Council is an international association representing independent testing, inspection and certification companies. Source
Joint Research Center (JRC): Source
Climate Neutral Data Center Pact: “Over 100 data centre operators and trade associations are committed to the European Green Deal, achieving the ambitious greenhouse gas reductions of the climate law, and leveraging technology and digitalization to achieve the goal of making Europe climate neutral by 2050. To ensure data centres are an integral part of the sustainable future of Europe, data centre operators and trade associations agree to make data centres climate neutral by 2030.” Source
