What is a Data Center?

In our rapidly advancing digital age, IT infrastructure has become very crucial for all organizations around the world. One of the most important components of IT infrastructure is data centers. Data centers can provide secure data storage, run internal applications, and scale up resources. This article will explain the definition of a data center, the types of services and their advantages, as well as how to choose the right data center.

A data center is a physical facility that accommodates computing machines, such as servers and storage drives, with the purpose of storing, processing, and transferring data.

Types of data center

1. Colocation
   Colocation is a service provided by data center providers for organizations that want to rent space to store servers or racks based on their business needs. Colocation facilities typically include features such as cooling systems to maintain the safest temperature for the room, as well as backup generators that are always ready for maximum uptime.
   
   
2. Connectivity
   Connectivity allows organizations to reach every edge in Indonesia with substantial capacity while connecting to the global internet. There are several basic products available within the Connectivity data center, including, but not limited to IP transit, Astinet, SCC, CAC
   
   
3. Content Delivery Network
   Content Delivery Network (CDN) is an extensive network of strategically distributed servers in various geographic regions designed to efficiently deliver content from a website to end-users based on their precise locations. This process enables CDN to seamlessly accommodate significantly high traffic volumes on a website while also improving loading speeds, ensuring a smoother and more satisfying user experience.
   
   
4. Cloud
   Cloud is a service that operates data storage and processing through an internet connection. Cloud services typically have lower operational costs due to the maintenance of resources and assets that can be fully managed in the cloud. Additionally, cloud services offer greater scalability, allowing organizations to scale up resources without purchasing new equipment.

Advantages of data center

1. Network and connectivity
   Data centers enable organizations to connect through various networks, both domestically and globally, ensuring seamless and integrated access to a wider network. They also incorporate redundancy, meaning multiple network pathways are available to minimize downtime in the event of a power outage.
2. Security
   A good data center will have stringent and extensive security systems in place to protect data from cyberattacks such as viruses, hijacking, DoS, and DDoS attacks, as well as physical threats like break-ins or intrusions. Therefore, it is essential for data centers to implement strict security protocols, including the latest generation of firewalls and data recovery services in the event of a natural disaster. Additionally, physical security protocols are also very strict, featuring electronic access cards, continuous monitoring, CCTV cameras, and vehicle access barriers.
3. Reliability
   By utilizing a data center, organizations can ensure that their business needs are met through reliable access to digital services and high-capacity data storage, along with superior performance.
   
   

Users of Data Center

1. Enterprise
   Numerous companies and organizations in Indonesia have utilized data centers to maximize the efficiency of their IT infrastructure. By having data storage that allows for quick access to information, organizations can improve the effectiveness of their business activities.
2. MSMEs
   To initiate business digitalization with complete facilities at an affordable price, one of the strategic moves for MSMEs is to utilize colocation data center services, which involve renting racks or space to meet operational needs.
3. Government
   As an official institution that stores citizen data, the government requires computing and storage equipment with massive capacities. Additionally, government services are expected to remain connected at all times with fast loading times, low latency, and maximum uptime. Therefore, data centers can be a solution for the government to enhance the quality of its digital services.

Considerations for Choosing Data Center

1. Reliability
   Reliability in the data center industry is measured as uptime, which refers to the duration that a data center can operate without interruptions or downtime. A reliable data center achieves 99.999% uptime, meaning that over one year, downtime or disruptions do not exceed 6 minutes.
   
   
2. Location
   Location is arguably one of the most crucial aspects of choosing a data center. The reason for this is the ease of access from a company to the data center location, which significantly impacts the ability to upgrade or manage equipment. Additionally, the location of an area also determines the potential risks posed by geological factors such as natural disasters.
   
   
3. Scalability
   As an organization grows, the required IT infrastructure will also expand. Therefore, it will be a strategic move for organizations to choose a data center that already has plans for future expansion, enabling it to provide resources and access quickly when needed.
   
   
4. Network Ecosystems
   A well-managed data center is typically carrier-neutral, meaning it operates independently and is not controlled by any specific service provider. This offers organizations greater flexibility in choosing various connectivity options without being limited to a single network. Carrier neutrality also plays a key role in risk mitigation; with multiple operators connected to the data center, organizations can continue their business operations even if one operator experiences a power outage, as other operators remain connected and keep the network active.

The aspects discussed above are crucial for companies and organizations to consider before determining the type of data center they need and the data center provider. In Indonesia, there are several data center providers offering world-class services and facilities, one of which is neuCentrIX by Telkom Indonesia. As one of the largest data center providers, neuCentrIX offers trusted and reliable solutions for all organizations’ digital needs.