What is a data center?

Data centers are buildings that house the internet. Data centers are the foundation of the digital infrastructure on which our modern society and economy are built. Anything that takes place “in the cloud” is powered by a data center.  

  • The Importance of Data Centers

    Data centers connect us to each other and to a world of possibility. The foundation of our digital lives, data centers enable us to build an even greater future while powering virtually all of our daily activities, from streaming movies to purchasing products online, to accessing health records and joining video calls for work or school.

  • How Data Centers Affect Our Daily Lives

    Data centers bring substantial community benefits – from digital connectivity, economic development, jobs and economic opportunity, and responsible, engaged community support. Data centers are at the core of our digital world, connecting individuals and organizations to their digital lives.

  • Inside a data center

    Inside the walls of a data center are routers, switches, firewalls, storage systems, servers, and application-delivery controllers. The digital infrastructure is supported by power subsystems, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), ventilation, cooling systems, fire suppression, backup generators, and network connections. Data centers oftentimes have amenities for end users and the employees who ensure their reliable operations, including break rooms, lounges, and conference spaces for meetings.