Data Center Design Remains a Key Area of Interest

DCK 2011 Data Center Market Insights

Data Center Knowledge recently conducted its 2011 survey of enterprise class data center operators and found that data center design is still the top area of interest. The survey has be conducted in each of the last four years, and in 2010 data center design moved to the top of the list and remains a key topic of interest for 2011.

Having the proper design infrastructure eases the challenges associated with operations and scalability. Data center operators are charged with simultaneously saving money and making their facilities more sustainable to comply with corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies. Design is the key tool that can incorporate both objectives and deliver results.

Power and cooling has moved up the list from number three to the second position on the list. Power is often the number one cost to operate the data center so it’s no surprise this is an area of strong interest. Cooling projects are often the easiest way for data center operators to realize short-term savings in optimizing their data centers, so decision makers are keenly focused on identifying the best cooling solutions.

Likewise, Green IT (74%) ties in with power and cooling as part of the larger focus on energy efficiency as a cost management strategy. Strategies such as cold aisle containment, and free cooling (economization) are all part of a holistic infrastructure approach to optimize data center performance and operational cost.

The newest and fastest rising area of interest at 70% is Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM). This technology helps integrate the management of facilities and IT ensuring the optimal use of the overall facility. DCIM plays an even more strategic role for operators with multiple data centers that leverage cloud technologies and real time energy pricing.

Click here to read more articles about the other findings from Data Center Knowledge 2011 Data Center Market Insights Survey. If you prefer, you can download a PDF of the complete report courtesy of Vantage Data Centers, by clicking here.