Category: Articles

Imagine a giant warehouse, but instead of physical products, it stores everything digital: your photos, videos, games, music, and files.   

This warehouse is called a data centre. In this article, we’ll answer the big question, “What is a data centre?”. We’ll find out what data centres look like inside, and why they’re so important in our everyday lives. 

Contents

• What is a data centre?
• What do data centres do?

What is a data centre?

A data centre is a large building that holds thousands of servers storing ‘the internet’. Servers are essentially powerful computers that store, manage, and deliver data to other computers. 

In a data centre, servers get stacked on top of each other in big cupboards called racks. Every data centre has thousands of these racks, all lined up in rows. Servers in racks get very hot and need to be cooled down, so data centres always have complex cooling systems to make sure that nothing over heats. 

Read more: What is a server?

What do data centres do?

Without data centres, you wouldn’t be able to video call, play online games, send emails, or search on Google. Everything from watching the weather forecast to buying a gift online involves data centres in one way or another.  

Read more: Why Do We Need Data Centres?

Servers in a rack

Data centre jobs

There are many different jobs involved in building and running a data centre, spanning every stage of its lifecycle.

In the early phases, construction professionals including quantity surveyors, construction managers, planners, architects, and project managers design and build the facility.

Once it’s up and running, operations teams -including data centre engineers, technicians, supervisors, and security staff – keep everything working safely and efficiently.

There are also IT specialists who manage the servers and systems, as well as sustainability and HSE experts who help reduce environmental impact and keep everyone safe on site.

From start to finish, data centres rely on a wide range of skilled people to keep the digital world connected.

If you’re looking for a new opportunity in data centres, whether in construction or operations, drop us an email ([email protected]) or submit your CV and we’ll get in touch.

Looking for other roles in critical infrastructure? Visit our sister site, Highfield Professional Solutions.

Data centres are the essential infrastructure powering our digital world, operating behind the scenes to support everything from online communication and entertainment to education and healthcare.

They store, manage, and protect the vast amounts of information we depend on daily. Whether it’s sending a message, purchasing an item online, or supporting emergency services, data centres play a vital role in making it all possible. With their advanced technology and powerful servers, they ensure our digital systems continue to run efficiently and reliably.

Data is everywhere – from streaming videos to online banking and artificial intelligence. And all this data has to live somewhere… The answer lies in data centres.  

A data centre is a facility that houses computers and networking equipment to store, process, and manage data. However, not all data centres are the same. They come in different shapes and sizes, each designed for specific needs.  

Read more: What is a Data Centre?

In this article, we’ll break down the main types of data centres. 

Contents

• What is a ‘traditional’ data centre?
• What is a cloud data centre?
• What is a colo data centre?
• What is an edge data centre?
• What is an AI data centre?
• What is a hyperscale data centre?
• What is a modular data centre?
• Comparison table

1. What is a traditional data centre?

Traditional data centres are large buildings filled with rows of servers and networking equipment. These are typically owned and operated by big companies that need to store and manage vast amounts of data. Banks, hospitals, and government agencies often use traditional data centres to keep their sensitive information secure. 

These facilities require significant investment, from power and cooling systems to security measures. They are usually located in business parks or industrial areas, where companies can ensure their data stays protected and accessible. 

2. What is a cloud data centre?

Unlike traditional data centres, cloud data centres don’t require businesses to own their own hardware. Instead, they rent space from cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. This allows businesses to store and access their data remotely via the internet.

If you’ve ever saved a document in Google Drive, streamed a movie on Netflix, or used an online backup service, you’ve interacted with a cloud data centre. These centres are cost-effective, scalable, and offer high levels of security and reliability, making them ideal for companies of all sizes.

3. What is a colo data centre?

Not every company wants to build and maintain its own data centre. That’s where colo data centres (colocation data centres) come in. These are shared facilities where multiple companies rent space for their servers. Each business has its own section within the centre but benefits from shared power, cooling, and security systems. 

Colocation data centres are a great option for businesses that need control over their servers but don’t want to bear the full cost of running their own facility. They offer a balance between ownership and affordability. 

4. What is an edge data centre?

Speed matters in the digital age. Edge data centres are small, localized facilities designed to process data closer to where it is needed. This reduces lag and improves performance for services that require instant responses, such as online gaming, self-driving cars, and smart city applications. 

For example, when you stream a video on your phone, an edge data centre ensures that the content loads quickly without buffering. These types of data centre are essential for the growing number of devices connected to the internet, making services faster and more reliable. 

Read more: Choosing Data Centre Locations

5. What is an AI data centre?

Artificial intelligence (AI) requires enormous computing power to process data and learn from it. AI data centres are built specifically for this purpose. They use advanced hardware to handle complex tasks like facial recognition, language processing, and automation. 

Companies developing AI-driven applications, from virtual assistants like Siri to automated manufacturing robots, rely on AI data centres to analyze and process large amounts of data efficiently. 

Read more: The Use of AI in Data Centres

6. What is a hyperscale data centre?

When you think of tech giants like Facebook, Google, or Amazon, imagine massive warehouses filled with thousands of servers. These are hyperscale data centres—huge facilities designed to handle the vast amounts of data traffic generated by billions of users worldwide. 

Hyperscale data centres focus on efficiency and scalability. These types of data centre power everything from social media platforms to cloud computing services, ensuring that users can access their favorite apps and websites without interruption. 

7. What is a modular data centre?

Not all data centres are permanent buildings. Some businesses need a flexible solution that can be deployed quickly. Modular data centres are self-contained units that can be built and moved as needed. These are used in remote locations, emergency situations, or fast-growing businesses that require an immediate data centre solution. 

Think of them as portable types of data centre—easy to set up, expand, or relocate depending on business needs. 

Comparison table

We’ve made a handy comparison table for these seven types of data centre – comparing their relative size, typical locations, usage, and affordability for companies.

As technology continues to evolve, data centres play a crucial role in keeping our digital world running smoothly. Whether it’s a traditional data centre for a bank, a cloud data centre for online services, or an AI data centre for machine learning, each of these types of data centre serve a specific purpose. 

Looking ahead, we can expect even more innovation in this space, including environmentally friendly “green” data centres and advancements in quantum computing. Understanding the different types of data centres helps businesses make informed decisions about their digital infrastructure. 

No matter where technology takes us, one thing is certain—data centres will continue to be the backbone of our connected world.