Data Center Systems include a broad range of IT components — including computer, telecommunication and storage devices — that are housed in a data center facility.

Data center systems refer to the individual devices and networks that come together to support optimal data center operations. These systems include backup power supplies, data connections, facility controls, security devices and much more. In a data center environment, tolerance and redundancy are important qualities to help maintain business continuity.

Ideally, backup power supplies should include more than one uninterruptible power supply, battery bank and/or diesel generator. To prevent single points of failure, all elements of the electrical systems should be fully duplicated, and critical servers should connect to both A-side and B-side power feeds.

Telecommunications systems contain sets of switches that transport traffic between the servers to the outside world, making it critical for these systems to remain up and running at all times.

Fire protection is another critical data center system, which incorporates smoke detectors, fire sprinklers and physical firewalls around the data center to provide early detection and help to slow the spread and minimize damage in case of fire.

Last but not least, physical and digital security both play vital roles in data center systems. Security guards and video camera surveillance are two important lines of defense to ensure that only authorized parties are allowed in the facility and restricted areas within the building. Network security, such as firewalls and VPN gateways, are also important in protecting data center systems from intrusion.