If you’re planning to build or expand your organization’s database to a data center, you should prepare yourself for the challenges you might face. When your facility encounters technical issues, it could experience downtime, lost data, and worse. Familiarize yourself with some of the biggest challenges data centers face and how to prepare your facility for these issues.
Data Center Security
Because they store and handle critical business data and information, data centers can be targets for hackers and thieves. It’s important to protect your facility from all sides, including digital protection against hackers and in-person threats. Proper cybersecurity requires strong firewalls, malware and ransomware protection, and dedicated information handling. When it comes to physical protection, use security systems and real-time monitoring to keep your facility safe.
Power Outages
Power outages can be huge issues for data centers. When your facility relies on the traditional power grid, outages lead to lost data and downtime. All modern data centers should have a backup power supply through a generator or other in-house means. It’s also crucial to back up your data regularly to prevent any losses that can occur during outages and other issues.
Data Center Upgrades
Don’t wait too long to upgrade your facility and its equipment. Using old, outdated server machines and data accessories can lead to poor energy efficiency, increasing the risk of failure. Running an out-of-date system or piece of equipment makes your center more vulnerable to cyberattacks, failure, downtime, and more. It’s also important to perform regular software updates and maintenance on all your equipment, security systems, and other data center technology. These habits will help make your data center upgrade process easier.
On-Site Accidents
Data centers handle powerful technological equipment that requires careful training and layout to operate safely. Any contact with moisture can cause equipment damage that spreads into accidents such as fires. Skip the sprinkler systems and use non-water fire suppression technology to prevent moisture-based accidents. Another type of on-site accident that can occur is the arc flash. These electrical hazards can be incredibly dangerous, so it’s important to thoroughly train employees in electrical safety.
Running a data center can be challenging with the number of issues these facilities face. But with proper precautions in place, you can keep your facility running smoothly despite the bumps in the road.