Cloud Computing
Data Center
Definition
A data center is a building, a dedicated space within a building, or a group of buildings used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems.
Why It Matters
Data centers are the physical heart of the internet and the cloud. Cloud providers operate massive, highly secure, and efficient data centers all over the world.
Contextual Example
An AWS Availability Zone consists of one or more discrete data centers. These buildings are filled with racks of servers, storage arrays, and networking equipment, with redundant power and cooling.
Common Misunderstandings
- When you use "the cloud," your data and applications are running on a real physical server in one of these data centers.
- Building and maintaining a data center is extremely expensive, which is why the cloud model is so attractive.