Data center design and facilities
Data center design includes continuous power and cooling for IT equipment, site security and energy use. Data center facilities are specialized for a task and must operate in concert with the IT organization. New trends in data center design and construction include modular and containerized builds, as well as DCIM to track energy use.
Top Stories
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Tip
05 Mar 2024
Guide to lift-and-shift data center migration
The lift-and-shift approach moves an app and its data from one environment to another. Understanding the pros and cons can help a data center admin decide on proper strategies. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Mar 2024
Importance of backup generator power for data centers
Data center generators are rarely run; however, they must go through regular testing and maintenance to ensure they work when a power outage occurs to prevent server downtime. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Feb 2024
Sustainability benefits of cloud computing data centers
Cloud computing data centers use large amounts of electricity, but a main sustainability benefit is the cloud's large scale and ability to store more data. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Feb 2024
How to design and build a data center
Designing an efficient data center is no small feat. Review data center facility and infrastructure components as well as different standards and suggestions before you begin. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Feb 2024
An overview of containerized data centers and their benefits
The rise in digital information is causing a shortage in data center storage space. Containerized data centers can be for permanent or temporary use. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
ISO 14644 cleanroom standards for data centers
There are regulated requirements to maintain data center equipment and functionality. ISO 14644 cleanroom standards lay out guidelines to keep data centers clean. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Feb 2024
4 data center trends to watch in 2024
With rising demand for data space, companies must plan to expand their data centers in an eco-friendly way. 2024 data center trends have one main focus: sustainability. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2024
Top 5 colocation providers of 2024
Colocation companies offer a wide range of facilities and services that can help reduce costs of managing data centers. Compare providers to see which is best for your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Jan 2024
5 hyper-converged infrastructure trends for 2024
Hyper-converged infrastructure is rapidly changing. Read what HCI has to offer and what projected growth it may have within the next couple years. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jan 2024
turbine
A turbine is a machine that plays a key role in transforming fluid or air energy into usable work or electricity. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Jan 2024
data center modernization
Data center modernization includes updating and improving a data center to meet the requirements of the current and the next generation of workloads. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Jan 2024
How to manage data center water usage sustainably
Data centers use large amounts of water to maintain equipment. This consumption is causing water pollution and scarcity. Companies must start to release consumption reports. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2024
Top data center infrastructure management software in 2024
DCIM tools can improve data center management and operation. Learn how six prominent products can help organizations control costs, manage energy and track assets. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Jan 2024
colocation (colo)
A colocation facility (colo) is a data center or telecommunications facility in which a business can rent space for servers, storage devices, and other computing and networking hardware. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Dec 2023
Dive into the history of server hardware
Server hardware has consistently evolved since the first web server in 1990. Here's a look at major advancements in management, virtualization and green initiatives. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Dec 2023
hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance)
A hyperconverged appliance (HCI appliance) is a hardware device that provides multiple data center management technologies within a single box. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Dec 2023
greenhouse gas
A greenhouse gas lets the sun's rays warm the Earth's surface but restricts the heat from escaping into space. Specifically, these gases absorb infrared radiation from the sun in the Earth's atmosphere and release it. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Nov 2023
Data center air quality: The air servers breathe
Monitor data center air quality to ensure best working conditions for equipment. Particulates and gaseous contaminants cause irreversible damage if you do not use proper filtration. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Nov 2023
Modular data center vs. traditional: When to choose each
Organizations have two options for using a data center: modular or traditional. Before deciding, companies should know how much power and cost can come from each option. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Oct 2023
ducting (data center cooling)
Ducting is an approach to air management that uses a series of metal or plastic pipes to carry heated or cooled air from one place to another. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2023
solar power
Solar power is a renewable form of energy harvested from the sun for the purpose of producing electricity or thermal energy (heat). Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Sep 2023
Server room cleaning -- not a DIY project
Server room cleaning is crucial for maintaining the life span of equipment in the data center. This task involves professional help to minimize operation interruptions. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Sep 2023
7 common data center migration challenges to avoid
Admins should consider seven common data center migration challenges upfront to save money, prevent data loss and avoid delays during the migration process. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Sep 2023
Guide to data center migration types
Businesses that rely on physical and cloud storage need to use data migration to simplify their infrastructure and choose from three major types to accommodate specific needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2023
unified computing system (UCS)
A unified computing system (UCS) is a converged data center architecture that integrates computing, networking and storage resources to increase efficiency and enable centralized management. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Aug 2023
power factor correction (PFC)
Power factor correction (PFC) is the set of mechanisms built into a power supply circuit to raise the power factor (PF). Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2023
Dell EMC VxRail
Dell EMC VxRail is a hyper-converged appliance. Like VSPEX Blue -- the Dell EMC product that it replaced -- and other hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) systems, VxRail includes compute, storage, networking and virtualization resources in a single device. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
31 Jul 2023
How to configure SELinux for applications and services
Admins need to follow six steps to configure SELinux properly to run applications and services. This tutorial walks you through how to configure the security system. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jul 2023
Data center heat reuse: How to make the most of excess heat
Data center heat doesn't need to go to waste. As part of a sustainability strategy, explore ways to put the heat your data center produces to work, and consider heat reuse. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jul 2023
What is the best OS for Docker?
Admins that want to run Docker containers can choose from Linux distros, including Ubuntu Core, RancherOS and others. Compare options for Docker OSes. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Jul 2023
Data center cooling challenges and how to solve them
Data centers that are not properly cooled can see equipment work inefficiently or become damaged. Learn some common cooling challenges and assess ways to solve them. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Jun 2023
blade server
A blade server, sometimes referred to as a high-density server, is a compact device containing a computer used to manage and distribute data in a collection of computers and systems, called a network. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Jun 2023
heat
Heat is the transfer of thermal energy from one physical system to another system or from one region in a physical system to another region. Continue Reading
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Opinion
27 Jun 2023
Reimaging, innovating, securing cloud-native at SUSECON 2023
At SUSECON 2023, SUSE announced cloud-native AI-based observability with Opni and alluded to more announcements this year. Leaders emphasized cloud-native tech and modernization. Continue Reading
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Tip
20 Jun 2023
Data center tiers and why they matter for uptime
Organizations should consider data center tiers of colocation providers or for their own data centers based on their uptime needs. Examine the differences among the four tiers. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 Jun 2023
Explore Red Hat's bring-your-own-subscription model for RHEL
Many organizations use pay-as-you-go models with public cloud providers to run their Red Hat products in the cloud. Explore how bring-your-own-subscription differs. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Jun 2023
Strategies to work toward data center decarbonization
Global temperatures are rising, and organizations can do their part by decarbonizing their data centers. Examine ways to cut back on data center carbon emissions. Continue Reading
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Tip
06 Jun 2023
Compare two Linux security modules: SELinux vs. AppArmor
Use SELinux or AppArmor to protect Linux servers, but examine the differences between them. AppArmor is easier to use but does not give admins as much control as SELinux. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 Jun 2023
ISO 14000 and 14001
ISO 14000 is a series of environmental management standards developed and published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Jun 2023
Data center redundancy: The basics
Downtime can cost businesses thousands, and redundancy is one way to minimize disruptions. Assess uptime requirements when building redundancy in data center facilities. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 May 2023
Modular network design benefits and approaches
Modular network design is a strategic way for enterprises to group network building blocks in order to streamline network maintenance, additions and troubleshooting. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 May 2023
Differences between Green Globes vs. LEED for data centers
Consider Green Globes and LEED certifications when building green data centers. Learn the differences in how the assessments are done, the costs and documentation needs. Continue Reading
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Definition
25 May 2023
load shedding
Load shedding (loadshedding) is a way to distribute demand for electrical power across multiple power sources. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 May 2023
6 data center migration best practices
Data center migrations can be a complex process. Use best practices when migrating a data center to ensure maximum uptime, avoid data loss and stay on schedule. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2023
Navigate Energy Star data center standard and certification
Organizations can use the Energy Star data center standard and certified assets to be more energy efficient. Consider Energy Star certification to preserve capital and save energy. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 May 2023
SerDes (serializer/deserializer)
A SerDes or serializer/deserializer is an integrated circuit (IC or chip) transceiver that converts parallel data to serial data and vice-versa. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2023
Explore the impact of quantum computing on cryptography
When quantum computers become available, lots of encryption types will be vulnerable. Learn why, and what's being researched, to navigate post-quantum cryptography. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 May 2023
edge data center
An edge data center is a small data center that is located close to the edge of a network. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2023
10 companies building quantum computers
Many companies big and small are building quantum computing capabilities in the software and hardware space. Here's what some offer and what they're building for the future. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2023
graceful degradation
Graceful degradation is the ability of a computer, machine, electronic system or network to maintain limited functionality even when a large portion of it has been destroyed or rendered inoperative. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
27 Apr 2023
How to install Cockpit for Linux
Linux admins will need to use some of these commands to install Cockpit and configure firewalls. Admins can also connect to one or more servers through Cockpit via these steps. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2023
green IT (green information technology)
Green IT (green information technology) is the practice of creating and using environmentally sustainable computing resources. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Apr 2023
data center as a service (DCaaS)
Data center as a service (DCaaS) is the provision of off-site physical data center facilities and infrastructure to clients. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2023
Examine the benefits of data center consolidation
Many data centers have too many assets. Data center consolidation can help organizations make better use of assets, cut costs, and improve security and compliance. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Apr 2023
Energy Star
Energy Star is a government-backed labeling program that helps people and organizations save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by identifying factories, office equipment, home appliances and electronics that have superior energy efficiency. Continue Reading
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Definition
19 Apr 2023
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, more commonly known as LEED, is an environmentally oriented building certification program run by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Apr 2023
reactance
Reactance is a form of opposition generated by components in an electric circuit when alternating current (AC) passes through it. Continue Reading
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Definition
11 Apr 2023
word (in computing)
In computer architecture, a word is a unit of data of a defined bit length that can be addressed and moved between storage and the computer processor. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Mar 2023
pounds per square inch (PSI)
Pounds per square inch (PSI) is the pressure that results when a 1-pound force is applied to a unit area of 1 square inch. Continue Reading
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Definition
27 Mar 2023
electrostatic discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge (ESD) is the release of static electricity when two objects come into contact. Continue Reading
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Opinion
20 Mar 2023
App modernization, mainframe, microservices: IBM event recap
At the recent IBM Infrastructure Analyst Event, IBM announced advances in IBM zSystems for AI, app architecture and other areas to help businesses achieve their goals. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Mar 2023
Will data centers become obsolete?
Many organizations want to simplify or scale down their data centers -- but they won't disappear. Admins can examine as-a-service options and cloud to offload some applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Mar 2023
ASHRAE standard 90.4 updates emphasize green energy
New addenda to ASHRAE 90.4 simplify mechanical load component calculations and modify the definition of UPS, among other changes. Use the updates to guide green data center design. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Mar 2023
8 green computing best practices
As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, these sustainability best practices can help your data center go greener, which benefits both your business and the environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Mar 2023
green computing
Green computing, also known as green technology, is the use of computers and other computing devices and equipment in energy-efficient and eco-friendly ways. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Feb 2023
A primer on hyperscale data centers
Hyperscale data centers can hold thousands of servers and process much more data than an enterprise facility. However, they can be difficult to build and maintain. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Feb 2023
ampere per meter (A/m)
The ampere per meter (A/m) is the measure for magnetic field strength, as defined by the International System of Units (SI). Continue Reading
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News
16 Feb 2023
IBM drops from top spot in patents, surpassed by Samsung
IBM lost its title as patent king to Samsung, which had more than 8,500 patents approved in 2022. One reason cited is IBM's transformation to a software and services company. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Feb 2023
Explore 7 future potential quantum computing uses
Organizations stand to benefit from the compute power of quantum computing as it develops. The tech has potential uses in supply chains, financial modeling and other areas. Continue Reading
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Definition
07 Feb 2023
Wien's constant
Wien's constant is a physical constant that is used in defining the relationship between the thermodynamic temperature of a black body (an object that radiates electromagnetic energy perfectly) and the wavelength at which the intensity of the radiation is the greatest. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Jan 2023
Use ISO 50001:2018 as a guide for green data centers
Data centers use a lot of energy, and it can be difficult to navigate how to reduce energy use. ISO 50001:2018 provides guidance to create energy-saving plans and use targets. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jan 2023
data center infrastructure efficiency (DCiE)
Data Center Infrastructure Efficiency (DCiE) is a metric used to determine the energy efficiency of a data center. The metric, which is expressed as a percentage, is calculated by dividing IT equipment power by total facility power. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jan 2023
Data center environmental controls a high priority for admins
More data growth and tightening financial conditions are coming. Protect data center assets in 2023 through environmental controls like cooling, humidity and others. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jan 2023
Fibre Channel
Fibre Channel is a high-speed networking technology primarily used for transmitting data among data centers, computer servers, switches and storage at data rates of up to 128 Gbps. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Dec 2022
kinetic energy
Kinetic energy is the energy of motion, observable as the movement of an object or subatomic particle. Continue Reading
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Tip
16 Dec 2022
Learn different data lake vs. data warehouse uses
Data lakes and data warehouses both store big data. When choosing a lake or warehouse, consider factors such as cost and what insights or analytics you need to gain from the data. Continue Reading
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Tip
14 Dec 2022
Classical vs. quantum computing: What are the differences?
Classical and quantum computers have many differences in their compute capabilities and operational traits. Know their differences to help prepare data centers. Continue Reading
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Definition
08 Dec 2022
liquid
A liquid is a type of matter with specific properties that make it less rigid than a solid but more rigid than a gas. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Dec 2022
Key differences between BICSI and TIA/EIA standards
Data center standards help organizations design facilities for efficiency and safety. Organizations can use BICSI and TIA standards as guidance for data center design. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Dec 2022
Use NFPA data center standards to help evade fire risks
A fire in a data center can damage equipment, cause data loss and put personnel in harm's way. Look to NFPA fire protection guidelines to hedge your risk against data center fires. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Nov 2022
Learn what SDN data center controllers do in a network
In a software-defined network, SDN data center controllers are a crucial component. Consider factors such as performance and compatibility when examining controller options. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2022
ambient temperature
Ambient temperature is the air temperature of any object or environment where equipment is stored. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Nov 2022
hot spot/cold spot
A hot spot/cold spot is an undesirable, tightly focused local temperature variation, which often occurs when data center equipment is improperly cooled. Continue Reading
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Definition
14 Nov 2022
square meter (meter squared)
The square meter, also called the meter squared, is the International System of Units (SI) unit of area. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Nov 2022
Include VXLANs in data centers for quicker network speeds
VXLANs add network isolation and enable organizations to scale data center networks more efficiently. Consider VXLANs to expand a data center network and improve performance. Continue Reading
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Tip
24 Oct 2022
Best practices for data center network optimization
Data center network optimization can improve business impact and promote long-term equipment health. Look to pilot new equipment, consolidate servers and improve energy efficiency. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Oct 2022
Tips to build a data center airflow management strategy
Airflow in data centers is crucial for equipment health. While the hot aisle/cold aisle is popular, examine other options like side-to-side airflow and top-of-rack switches. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Oct 2022
polarity
Polarity is when an entity contains two distinct and opposite poles that can either attract or repel each other. Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Oct 2022
adiabatic cooling
Adiabatic cooling is the process of reducing heat through a change in air pressure caused by volume expansion. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2022
watt-hour (Wh)
The watt-hour, which is symbolized Wh, is a unit of energy equivalent to one watt of power expended for one hour of time. Continue Reading
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Definition
31 Aug 2022
apparent power
Apparent power is a measure of alternating current (AC) power that is computed by multiplying the root-mean-square (rms) current by the root-mean-square voltage. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Aug 2022
raised floor
A raised floor is a data center construction model in which a slightly higher floor is constructed above the building's original concrete slab floor, leaving the open space created between the two for wiring or cooling infrastructure. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
22 Aug 2022
How to implement file classification in file servers
File classification with File Server Resource Manager enables admins to classify and organize data. This tutorial shows how to implement and manage file classifications. Continue Reading
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Definition
12 Aug 2022
Spine-leaf (spine-leaf architecture)
Spine-leaf, or leaf-spine, is a two-layer network topology composed of spine and leaf switches. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Aug 2022
electron
An electron is a negatively charged subatomic particle that can be either bound to an atom or free (not bound). Continue Reading
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Definition
03 Aug 2022
computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit
A computer room air conditioning (CRAC) unit is a device that monitors and maintains the temperature, air distribution and humidity in a data center, network or server room. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Jul 2022
The implications of blockchain in the chip shortage
Blockchain has been a significant contributor to the global chip shortage. Explore the role this rising technology has played. Continue Reading
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News
28 Jul 2022
House sends CHIPS Act to Biden's desk
Congress approved the CHIPS Act and billions more for scientific research to help the U.S. better compete against China in technology markets. Continue Reading
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News
22 Jul 2022
CHIPS Act takes step forward on long road to production
If Congress approves the CHIPS Act, it will funnel billions into domestic chip production and provide companies like Intel and TSMC with tax breaks to build U.S. facilities. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jun 2022
z/OS
Introduced in 2000, IBM z/OS is a 64-bit mainframe operating system (OS) developed by IBM for its family of enterprise z/Architecture mainframe computers. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2022
dielectric material
A dielectric material is a poor conductor of electricity but an efficient supporter of electrostatic fields. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2022
implementation
Implementation is the execution or practice of a plan, a method or any design, idea, model, specification, standard or policy for doing something. Continue Reading