Data Center Informational Page
What are Data Centers?
Data centers are physical facilities that organizations use to store their computing machines and related hardware. This includes information technology (IT) systems infrastructure like servers, data storage drives, and network equipment1. Data centers have accompanying accessory uses such as utilities, external mechanical equipment, water towers, and security facilities that may be located on the same site. Data centers form the backbone of the digital world. They support typical everyday tasks such as internet usage, online shopping, gaming, and streaming services. Businesses need data centers for complex processes such as cloud computing, cybersecurity, ecommerce, communications, data processing, and artificial intelligence (AI) driven uses. There are several types of data centers that provide different services for customers2. Aside from building and lot size, the data center types are similar from the land use perspective as internal equipment, ownership, and operations are outside of typical zoning regulation. However, understanding the types of data centers provides context when a development proposal arises in a community.
· Enterprise data centers are owned and operated by individual businesses and used to solely support that company’s data and information technology needs.
· Managed data centers are third party service facilities that manage another company’s computer hardware, data, and infrastructure.
· Colocation data centers enable businesses to rent space for their servers and other computing hardware. Aside from providing physical space, these facilities also offer a range of services including maintenance, backup power systems, and multiple network connections.
· Cloud data centers are third party owned facilities where hardware is run and managed by the cloud company. Customers can run websites and applications using the servers hosted in the facility.
· Edge data centers are smaller facilities located close to the populations they serve to increase data processing speed and decrease data transmission delays. They deliver cloud computing resources and cached content to end users and typically connect to a larger central data center or multiple data centers.
· Hyperscale data centers are massive facilities that house critical computing and network infrastructure that provides scalability and high-speed processing for large volumes of data. Consuming several hundred acres of land and including several million square feet of building space, these facilities allow big companies like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to deliver key services to customers worldwide.
Other data centers may be an accessory use to commercial or industrial land uses. Microdata centers are smaller version of edge data centers that may include a single room to handle the computing needs in a specific location. Modular data centers are mobile pre-engineered and prefabricated buildings, complete with power and cooling infrastructure, used to house computer servers and network equipment. Modular data centers reduce the time and cost associated with deploying a new data center.
The main consumer uses that require data centers include e-commerce, streaming services, social media, cloud storage, and online banking.3
E-commerce & Online Retail
· Processing transactions: Data centers handle the high volume of online purchases, credit card payments, and other financial transactions.
· Inventory and customer management: They provide the infrastructure to manage product inventories and customer service for online platforms.
Entertainment & Media
· Streaming: Data centers deliver high-quality streaming video, music, and other multimedia content, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
· Online gaming: They host and manage online gaming communities and services, handling real-time gameplay and interactions.
Communication & Social Media
· Social networks: Data centers store and process data for platforms like Facebook and Instagram, allowing users to share content and connect in real-time.
· Video conferencing and calls: They power video and voice communication services, a demand that grew significantly during the pandemic for remote work and social connection.
Cloud Services & Data Storage
· Cloud storage: Data centers provide the infrastructure for cloud-based storage solutions like Google Drive or iCloud, enabling users to back up and access their files from any device.
· Productivity and collaboration: They host a wide range of productivity and business applications, such as email and file-sharing services.
Financial Services
· Online banking: Data centers are critical for processing bank transactions, managing accounts, and providing secure access to online banking services.
· Big data and analytics: They power the analysis of financial data for services like fraud detection and market trends. These technologies depend on data centers to store and process vast amounts of data, manage transactions, and ensure real-time access to content and information for users.
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