The Use of Cloud Computing and Power Services for Data Centers

Data center technology is constantly changing so IT professionals and data center managers can provide better, faster, and more consistent service to their fellow employees and customers. One such recent technology development is cloud computing.

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is defined as the delivery of computing as a service, as opposed to a product. Resources, such as software, data access, and storage do not require an understanding of the physical location of the system that delivers the services. Many compare the concept of cloud computing to a regional power grid. Consumers of electricity do not know where on the grid their power comes from; they just receive the service and know it works.

This is a new model for delivery of IT services that are based on internet protocols from scalable resources. On the “end-user” side, it is meant to be as simple as accessing the internet and can take the form of web-based tools and applications. The applications are meant to work just as if they were installed locally, but are most often accessed via an internet browser.

Power Services for Data Centers

As more and more companies move to the cloud to meet their computing needs, power services for data centers can be a huge risk and major cost when not planned and implemented correctly. Those who manage the cloud, balancing profits, responsiveness, and power services for data centers is both an art and a science.

Many managers of the cloud are looking to implement green technologies as part of their power services for data centers as a way to both conserve energy resources as well as save money. They also look to better utilize the servers they have, rather than just adding more data space.

Data center managers also need to regularly review fluctuations in customer traffic. For example, Wikipedia can have major fluctuations in their traffic on a daily, if not hourly, basis. When servers sit idle waiting for visitors, they can still consume large amount of power. If it is possible for those servers to “sleep,” they could save some of those valuable power services for data centers. Again, this is a balance of delays to return data to customers versus power costs. If a site visitor knows they will have long wait times to search and retrieve data, they may not visit as often, which could result in lost revenue. This can ultimately be a huge gamble for those who rely on the cloud for their business.

Hardware use also plays a major factor in power services for data centers. Inefficient or older equipment can not only cause frustration when waiting for data, it can use power in a wasteful manner.

By data center managers and IT professionals considering all these different factors, they can develop a solid power plan that will ultimately both provide a positive user experience as well as have efficient power services for data centers. This is the perfect combination for every business owner who relies on the cloud.