Why would you want only one good thing, when you could have two?
A dual-site data centre strategy isn’t just a convenience – it’s a competitive advantage. At Datum, we’ve embraced this approach with our flagship Farnborough data centre (FRN1) and our Manchester facility (MCR1 and MCR2 – currently under construction), positioning us in two of the UK’s most economically significant regions. Here’s why having two is so much better than one.
With two locations focused on our ethos of flexible colocation and outstanding service, we are able to provide our clients with more of what we’re good at – this means more capacity (with more in the pipeline at both locations) to help our clients:
Our multi-site footprint offers increased geographic resilience in the event of a localised outage, which provides a firm basis for our clients’ disaster recovery strategies.
By distributing business-critical IT across more than one location, organisations can ensure that their data is backed up and protected in the event of a localised outage. This type of geographic resilience is essential for businesses that rely on data to operate and cannot afford to have their operations disrupted. In the event of an outage at one site, traffic can be routed through the other sites to keep the business running.
Our dual-site status means that we can provide our clients with primary and secondary systems in the two most economically active regions of the UK without having to partner with other data centres. Instead, our clients can spread their infrastructure and workloads across facilities that are under our control, which offers peace of mind for our clients that they are going to receive the service and performance levels they have come to expect.
And for those clients who haven’t already embraced the dual-site approach, a proportion of their equipment can now be moved easily and painlessly to one or other of our sister sites to spread the risk and ensure resilience.
Our dual-site strategy unlocks new opportunities.
When it comes to safeguarding business-critical IT, together is unquestionably stronger. Our dual-site colocation offers the capacity, resilience, and service excellence your organisation needs to thrive.
Want to see the benefits up close? Talk to us or arrange a tour of our Farnborough or Manchester facilities today.
For IT professionals navigating the complexities of hosting and infrastructure management, a well-operating data centre is crucial. But even the most advanced technical specifications are rendered ineffective without a skilled support team to back them up. Whether you’re running mission-critical systems or hosting applications in the cloud, data centre support teams ensure security, reliability, and resilience – every step of the way.
A data centre’s technical infrastructure may boast impressive redundancies and cutting-edge technology, but achieving true resilience requires more than state-of-the-art hardware. Skilled support staff and management play a pivotal role in addressing challenges quickly and efficiently.
Qualified support teams impact:
For businesses relying on cloud environments, having access to high-quality support is non-negotiable. When downtime can mean lost revenue or damaged customer trust, investing in a data centre with a robust support offering is always worth it. Performance and availability problems can arise unexpectedly, and in many cases, only those with direct communication lines to data centre engineers can resolve such issues effectively.
However, not all data centre providers offer this level of access:
For businesses using colocation services, the importance of a skilled support team becomes even more evident:
Advice: look for a provider dedicated to colocation as a core offering if that’s what you need. If your prospective partner hesitates or tries to steer you toward bundled services, this may indicate colocation is no longer a priority for their business.
Even organisations seeking minimal interaction with their data centre must critically evaluate the quality, cost, and accessibility of support services. Here’s why:
Industry experience can influence the quality of service provided by a data centre support team. Even if you’re not pursuing an industry-specific solution, such as PCI-compliant colocation for financial services, a provider familiar with your sector’s common challenges will be better equipped to meet your needs efficiently.
What to ask potential providers:
Flexibility in support offerings is essential. Your ideal partner should offer multiple options, adapting as your IT strategy evolves – not attempt to force a specific approach onto you. Providers offering a wide portfolio of related services (in our case through our network of partners, allowing us to focus on our core colocation offering), can help future-proof your organisation by keeping all options open.
Data centres aren’t just about hardware or software – they’re about partnerships. A great support team doesn’t just fix problems; they help you maximise your infrastructure’s potential. From ensuring uptime to providing personalised solutions, the right data centre team can make or break your IT strategy. Remember, the best technologies don’t run themselves – experts do.
Our UK-based data centres offer tailored services designed around your business needs. Our dedicated team works closely with all our clients to build a custom colocation solution, whether you need full engineering support or on-demand access. With 24/7 emergency response, proactive reporting, and detailed performance reviews, we provide the transparency and reliability you can count on.
Are you ready to elevate your IT infrastructure? Talk to us today!
For many organisations – small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular – keeping ahead in the rapidly evolving IT landscape can feel like an uphill battle. Growth is exciting, but it often brings with it new challenges, especially when it comes to IT infrastructure and scalability. What worked when your business was smaller may no longer be sufficient as you expand. To ensure your IT systems don’t hold you back, you’ll need to be proactive, strategic, and ready to adapt.
Here are three key ways SMEs can stay ahead of the game when navigating IT growth:
One of the biggest challenges SMEs face during growth is the struggle to keep their IT systems resilient and responsive. Growth often catches businesses off guard, especially when servers fail under the pressure of increased demand or websites slow down due to a sudden surge in traffic. It’s these reactive moments that lead to stress and, often, costly downtime.
The solution? Proactive planning. Mapping out potential scenarios that could strain your IT systems might seem daunting, but it’s critical to avoid unexpected issues. If there’s even the slightest chance of a problem occurring, it’s your responsibility to plan for prevention.
A good rule of thumb is to spec your IT infrastructure for at least 50% more capacity than you think you need. While some may suggest 30%, we’ve seen first-hand that aiming higher reduces the risk of bottlenecks and ensures your servers can scale with demand.
Finding the right data centre provider is more than just ticking boxes about technical specs – it’s about building a relationship with a partner who truly understands your business. We often hear from companies whose previous providers didn’t go beyond the basics. There was no proactive engagement, no foresight into capacity issues, and – most importantly – no real effort to align strategies with the business’s goals.
Your data centre partner should do more than offer a ‘set it and forget it’ solution; they should collaborate with you to identify infrastructure upgrades and suggest viable alternatives as you grow. They should not only be familiar with emerging solutions but also be able to recommend options that complement your strategic goals. By leveraging their expertise, you can ensure your IT architecture remains both robust and adaptable.
Ask yourself:
The right data centre provider will work with you to ensure your systems keep up with your evolving business, all while understanding the unique challenges you face in your industry. And, importantly, the implementation process matters as much as the technology itself. A well-planned adoption strategy minimises disruption, maximises ROI, and positions your business for future growth whilst avoiding common pitfalls, such as underutilised solutions or unnecessary complexity.
The world of IT never stands still. Every year brings new tools and technologies that can revolutionise the way businesses operate. For organisations looking to maintain their competitive edge, staying informed of the ways to improve efficiency and scalability is critical – whether this means a focus on hybrid solutions to combine the benefits of both cloud and physical infrastructures for maximum performance, next-gen server upgrades to phase out reliance on outdated hardware and increase reliability, or one of the many other IT advancements.
The key here is instinct. If you’re proactive in assessing trends and innovations, you’ll naturally spot opportunities to future-proof your infrastructure and optimise your IT setup for better performance.
Planning, strategising, and partnering with the right provider aren’t just recommended – they’re essential to IT growth and, by extension, business growth. Reactive decision-making rarely works in IT; by the time you notice an issue, it’s often too late. Conversely, proactivity stops problems before they start and ensures your organisation is in the best possible position to thrive, no matter how fast you grow.
We specialise in helping our clients overcome their IT challenges, and future proof their infrastructure, while minimising growing pains. To speak to us about the ways in which we can support your organisation as it grows, get in touch with a member of our team.
If your business is considering data colocation or hosting services, one crucial decision it must make is choosing between a carrier neutral data centre and a carrier-specific (or single carrier) facility. The type of data centre you select can significantly impact your connectivity, flexibility, and costs.
A carrier neutral data centre is a facility that allows its customers to choose from multiple network carriers and internet service providers (ISPs). These centres offer an open marketplace where businesses can connect to whichever providers best suit their unique needs. This allows carrier neutral data centres to offer a diverse network infrastructure to their clients.
Conversely, a carrier-specific data centre is tied to a single provider. All network connectivity within these facilities is handled by one carrier, leaving customers with fewer options and less control over costs and performance. While carrier specific data centres have limitations, they may make sense in certain cases. For instance, if you already rely on a specific carrier and don’t anticipate switching providers, a carrier-specific data centre might suffice. However, businesses that value flexibility, reliability, and long-term cost-effectiveness are likely to benefit more from a carrier neutral solution.
Choosing a carrier neutral data centre brings many advantages, making it an ideal option for businesses seeking reliability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency:
Carrier neutral facilities give you the flexibility to select from a variety of ISPs and network carriers. This is especially beneficial for organisations with specific network requirements or those operating across geographically dispersed areas. With multiple carriers available, you can select the one that offers the best pricing, latency, bandwidth, or scalability.
Network uptime is critical. With a carrier neutral data centre, you can create a redundant network setup by using multiple providers. If one carrier experiences an outage or performance issues, your business can seamlessly switch to another, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity.
Having access to multiple carriers within the same facility fosters competition, often driving costs down. If one provider raises their rates or doesn’t meet your needs anymore, you can easily switch to a more competitive alternative.
Businesses grow and change, and their connectivity needs evolve over time. Carrier neutral data centres offer unmatched scalability. Whether you need more bandwidth or want to connect to additional providers to tap into new markets, a carrier neutral model makes it easy.
With the growing adoption of hybrid and multi-cloud environments, a carrier neutral data centre allows businesses to connect to various cloud providers efficiently. This flexibility ensures that organisations can optimise their infrastructure according to current operational needs and future growth.
Carrier neutral facilities connect to multiple carriers’ interconnection hubs. This results in low-latency, high-performance connectivity. You can also mix and match providers to optimise traffic routes or reduce latency to specific regions.
Setting up a Point of Presence (PoP) at a data centre is not a decision network providers make lightly. It requires a financial investment and logistical planning, making it a strong indicator of the provider’s confidence in the facility, especially when multiple providers have made the decision to make the leap. By choosing to establish a PoP, the network provider signals a commitment to quality and reliability, affirming that the data centre meets their rigorous standards. For clients and users, this can be seen as a reassuring sign of the centre’s capabilities and performance.
When deciding on a data centre for your business, the ability to choose and switch carriers, maintain redundancy, and optimise costs is vital. A carrier neutral data centre empowers businesses with the freedom and flexibility to craft a networking strategy tailored to their exact needs.
If your business is looking for true connectivity freedom, scalability, and reliability, a carrier neutral data centre is undoubtedly the way to go. Get in touch with us to find out more.
Another year has flown by, and what a year it has been. 2024 was packed with developments that made a significant impact across our operations, partnerships, and projects. Here’s a look back at some of the highlights from each quarter.
[Image: construction in progress at our new MCR2 facility]
We started 2024 strongly by taking a huge step in our sustainability strategy. The installation of free cooling chillers at our Farnborough facility is set to reduce water usage by up to 70% compared to our previous system. This innovative project forms part of our broader sustainability goals and ensures that resource management remains a core focus for our operations.
In February we announced that MCR2, our new Manchester facility, was being developed with heat re-use capabilities, allowing waste heat generated by the data centre to be recycled to provide heating for the local Wythenshawe community.
Our COO, Matt Edgley, spoke at two panel sessions:
In April we partnered with Bryt Energy, part of the Statkraft group, to ensure our facilities are powered by 100% renewable, zero-carbon electricity. This collaboration is a significant milestone in further reducing our carbon footprint and aligns with our vision for a sustainable future.
Excellence continues to define our operations. Our South East facility successfully renewed four key ISO certifications, reaffirming our commitment to providing secure, reliable, and high-quality data centre services:
We hosted 50 clients and partners at the Farnborough International Airshow in July and took the opportunity to reconnect with our valued network at this auspicious event that celebrates aviation and innovation.
We announced record-breaking figures for the first half of FY24, with sales 4.1% ahead of budget and revenue hitting £8 million. This strong performance reflects the effectiveness of our investment and growth strategy.
Data centres were officially designated as critical national infrastructure (CNI) this year by the UK Technology Secretary. This recognition underscores the vital role that facilities like ours play in supporting society’s digital infrastructure.
We achieved a GRESB rating of 90/100 in 2024 – considering our growth as a business (effectively doubling the criteria on which we are judged) achieving a consistently high score demonstrates our steadfast commitment to sustainability, social responsibility, and robust governance in the data centre industry.
The UK budget introduced a series of financial initiatives and policies aimed at propelling the UK towards a more innovative, efficient, and sustainable future. It recognised data centres as key to driving innovation and sustainability.
We rounded off the year by hosting our first ‘lunch with a view’ event at our Manchester site. This provided attendees with the opportunity to find out more about the progress of the MCR2 construction project.
2024 proved to be an incredible year for Datum, filled with growth, innovation, and milestones that set the stage for an exciting future. We remain deeply committed to sustainability, operational excellence, and fostering meaningful partnerships as we continue to power the digital future.
Thank you for being part of this amazing year. Here’s to an even brighter 2025!
The IT landscape is changing at a breathtaking pace, as are the requirements on IT departments. Innovations such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining the traditional IT environment.
IT departments are now more integrated with business operations than ever before, which means a more collaborative relationship between IT and strategic management. IT is now required to understand the goals and requirements of business and act as an enabler in an increasingly hybrid and complex IT landscape. This means implementing infrastructure and technology solutions to improve customer experience, manage costs, reduce the risks of exposure, foster innovation through emerging technologies, and drive business results. The state of constant flux has changed the perspective on managing IT infrastructure, applications and workloads and, amid this evolution, data centres have become a critical component in supporting these dynamic, modern IT needs.
Cloud adoption has accelerated rapidly in recent years, driven in part by the coronavirus pandemic and organisations’ inability to access their on premise server rooms – research suggests that 51% of businesses surveyed believed that their shift to a cloud computing-based business model had saved their company from collapse during Covid.
Colocation supports hybrid strategies by providing connectivity to public and private cloud platforms whilst guaranteeing the security of remaining physical IT assets and workloads that cannot be moved to the cloud for compliance, security, performance, suitability and, increasingly, cost reasons. Importantly, colocation also facilitates scalability, which is something that on-premise facilities are struggling to offer.
The growing complexity and distributed nature of IT set-ups means that it is increasingly difficult for companies to go it alone. Today’s complex IT landscape must facilitate mobile working, an always-on culture, and the achievement of rapid scaling, but most IT specialists would readily admit that they are not experts in all aspects of the data landscape.
As competitive pressures increase, most companies are engaged in (or contemplating) digital transformation at either a tactical or strategic level and are seeking new hybrid delivery models as part of that process. Since the pandemic, many businesses are still relying on technology for remote (or, at the very least, hybrid) working, collaboration and customer service – technology is a prerequisite for business continuity. This has focused attention on digital transformation in a bid to streamline operations, improve efficiency, boost employee performance and productivity, and enhance customer experience. Within this environment, data centres like ours are increasingly coming into their own.
As a starting point, achieving digital transformation requires physical IT infrastructure to be housed in an accessible, secure and scalable location with the required cooling, security and maintenance (difficult for most businesses to achieve on-premise).
But beyond this, our clients rely on us to provide the platform for their strategic technology development – they partner with us to formulate, develop and future-proof evolving bespoke, flexible and scalable technology solutions incorporating access to the enhanced services provided by our network of managed services, cloud, hosting, security, and connectivity partners.
They also expect us to be flexible and support their journey to a destination that may not even involve colocation – which, as with all things client-related, we are delighted to do.
For businesses contemplating or undergoing digital transformation, the partnership with a forward-thinking data centre operator could be the strategic edge they need to achieve sustainable success in a rapidly changing environment. To find out more about how we can support you to future-proof your IT, get in touch to discuss your requirements with a member of the Datum team.
Matt Edgley has been at the helm of constructing our new data centre, MCR2, at our Manchester site. This means he is ideally positioned to discuss what makes the MCR2 project so remarkable, and how it integrates into the local community and the wider Wythenshawe redevelopment process.
Manchester has been crying out for new, high quality data centre space for some years now. With numerous mergers and acquisitions in the region, older sites have been changing hands frequently. Whilst we have witnessed some new build activities (a much-needed response given the lack of supplier diversity in the region), over the past decade Manchester has lacked the development of purpose-built facilities that are both efficient and well-designed.
MCR2 seeks to fill this gap, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure that not only meets but exceeds current expectations. This strategic expansion aims to cater to the growing needs of businesses seeking reliable and advanced data solutions.
Quality and sustainability are at the heart of MCR2’s design. By conceptualising the facility from the bottom up, we have been able to focus on delivering one of the most efficient data centres possible – integrating features that enhance efficiency and sustainability, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems and heat recovery mechanisms – features that meet the demands of sustainability in today’s enterprise market. We’ve achieved things that are just not possible in refurbished or redeveloped data centres, as every single aspect of the facility has been designed with these elements in mind.
First off, MCR2 is designed with the environment in mind, with the lowest possible emissions, and boasting an impressive PUE of 1.25 – a remarkable achievement for a shared colocation facility with high redundancy levels. This efficiency stems from our ability to specify every component of the building and infrastructure, emphasising environmental credentials in equipment selection.
In addition, we are collaborating with local partners to explore distributing recovered heat from our cooling systems to nearby housing developments via a local heat distribution network.
The MCR2 project is progressing exceptionally well, despite Manchester’s sometimes challenging weather conditions, which have been putting the construction team to the test at times. It’s been a demanding and rewarding project to manage given the extensive amount of design that’s been involved. There have been some interesting developments along the way, including the requirement to construct an Olympic swimming pool-sized attenuation tank, aimed at mitigating flood risks during extreme weather events. This not only enhances site resilience but also contributes to our sustainability goals.
Absolutely! We sincerely expect MCR2 to bring significant benefits. Since 2007, MCR1 has been a source of local employment, offering opportunities that were previously unavailable. With MCR2 we plan to continue this tradition through new technical and back-office apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and highly skilled engineer roles in multiple disciplines.
As businesses in the area begin utilising MCR2 to host their equipment, we should see an increase in the employment of local engineers, and we hope to encourage businesses to establish their primary operations in the wider Wythenshawe area to benefit from the ever-improving technology and transport infrastructure as part of the region’s ongoing redevelopment.
We are confident that MCR2 will serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth, innovation, and community development in the Wythenshawe region. Scheduled to go live in Q1 2025, our new data centre will enhance the local technological landscape, fostering an environment conducive to progress. If you would like to learn more about how MCR2 can support your business development, we invite you to get in touch with us for further information.
As IT environments change rapidly and businesses navigate increasingly competitive business landscapes and budgetary challenges, we’ve noticed an increase in enquiries from companies who are not only looking to mitigate the financial burden of maintaining their own data centre infrastructure, but are attracted by the ancillary services we provide, which help them remain agile and competitive. Notably, a significant number of these enquiries are from organisations looking to move their workloads out of hyperscale data centres in preference for our service-focused colocation; these organisations aren’t just looking for data centre space, but a partnership that supports the development and optimisation of their IT infrastructure.
T infrastructure and workloads are not something that can be simply ‘parked and forgotten’ – they are integral to operational success and require ongoing management and adaptation. Clients value the ‘service wrapper’ provided by our enterprise-focused model, which includes fully in-house engineers and remote hands services, dedicated account managers, flexible service agreements, and access to the services provided by our network of partners (‘Datum Connect’). Importantly, we don’t outsource anything on the service front, which ensures quality of service, rapid response times, and easy points of contact.
In a world where technology and business needs are constantly changing, flexibility is key. Our enterprise-focused model allows for more adaptable solutions, enabling our clients to scale operations, consolidate resources, and streamline processes as needed. We appreciate that workloads change over time, and we remain adaptable at both the contract and service levels to allow our clients to innovate and respond to market demands swiftly.
The ability to interact closely with IT systems is a significant advantage for businesses that rely heavily on digital operations. Knowing that they can come on site at any time and that our engineers are available 24/7 to oversee their infrastructure and report any issues, provides peace of mind and ensures that any problems can be addressed promptly. This ensures they remain connected to their IT infrastructure, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement despite geographic separation from equipment.
Businesses constantly face pivotal decisions regarding where and how to manage their IT workloads. As part of this, data centre colocation is a popular choice that offers organisations the infrastructure they need to scale effectively.
Before colocation became a mainstream solution, businesses primarily relied on in-house data management, and the need for controlled environments led to the creation of dedicated server rooms within company premises. However, managing these in-house data centres was costly and complex. Organisations had to invest heavily in equipment, maintenance, and staffing.
Colocation emerged as a response to the growing demand for reliable, scalable, and cost-effective data storage solutions. The concept was simple yet revolutionary – businesses could rent space to house their hardware in a shared, professionally managed environment. This meant that companies could maintain control over their hardware while benefiting from the superior infrastructure provided by colocation facilities (without the capital expenditure). Ultimately, providers began offering more than just physical space; they included security, cooling, power redundancy, and high-speed connectivity. This all-inclusive package made colocation an attractive option for a wide range of industries.
Over time, colocation has evolved to accommodate different models catering to varied business needs, from the expansive hyperscale facilities (offering vast resources and scalability but often lacking personalised service) to more tailored enterprise-focused options like ours (aimed at businesses seeking a balance between high-level infrastructure and custom support – providing flexibility, personal service, and partnership opportunities).
From its beginnings as an alternative to in-house server rooms to its current status as a critical component of digital transformation strategies, colocation has come a long way. The shift from hyperscale to enterprise-focused colocation models reflects a broader trend of businesses seeking more than just space – they want a more personalised colocation model and a partnership that enhances their IT capabilities. By choosing a model that offers flexibility, personal service, and a strong relationship with their service provider, businesses can ensure their IT infrastructure evolves with them, driving success and innovation.
If you’re considering making the move or would like to learn more about how our enterprise-focused model can benefit your organisation, get in touch with us today.
In a candid conversation with Seb Graham, we explore what makes the construction of our new Manchester data centre (MCR2) a milestone for Datum, and how it aims to redefine data centre operations in the region.
Q1: From your perspective, what are the key drivers for Datum’s expansion in Manchester?
Manchester stands as the UK’s second-largest economic powerhouse, making it an ideal location for our next expansion targeting those looking for colocation in this region and outside London. While many competitors focus on servicing hyperscalers, we remain committed to providing much-needed colocation to the enterprise market – our hands-on, service-led approach distinguishes us, ensuring a bespoke experience for our clients, and setting us apart from other providers.
Q2: Do you think MCR2 will make a difference to the data centre capacity challenges that Manchester has been seeing recently? If so, how?
Absolutely. Manchester has been crying out for new, modern data centre spaces. With MCR1 at full capacity, the need for quality facilities is pressing. There are a number of smaller ageing facilities in the region, coupled with the likes of Equinix, who are building large facilities focused on hyperscale. MCR2 is designed to cater specifically to the enterprise and mid-sized market, offering a low PUE environment which is ideal for clients seeking efficiency and reliability. We believe that this market is currently underserviced, so we’re pleased to be delivering the colocation services they need.
Q3: What will MCR2 offer to Datum’s clients and potential clients which makes it stand out from other providers?
MCR2 will feature over 1,000 rack footprints with capacities of up to 30kW per rack. Its strategic location south of Manchester enhances its connectivity options due to a rich carrier network. We deliver the same calibre of quality expected from larger industry names but with efficiencies that enable competitive commercial terms to retail, mid-sized and enterprise markets. Our exceptional team, personal service throughout the colocation journey, and the ability to tailor solutions, really set us apart.
Q4: Sustainability has been high on Datum’s agenda through the MCR2 project. How can MCR2’s sustainability initiatives benefit clients?
Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us – it’s at the forefront of what we do. MCR2 will be powered by clean energy, utilising renewable sources and solar PV panels on the roof. The emergency generators will run on renewable HVO biofuel, all contributing to a more sustainable operation, which benefits our clients by aligning with their own green agendas.
Q5: What should clients and potential clients expect from the new facility and how will it compare to MCR1?
Clients can look forward to a continuation of the excellent services provided at MCR1 in a cutting-edge, low PUE facility. Located on a campus site, direct links between MCR1 and MCR2 will facilitate seamless expansion for our existing client base, and much-needed space for new clients. Whether it’s shared spaces, cages, or private suites, MCR2 is equipped to meet diverse project needs for retail, mid-sized, and enterprise clients.
The upcoming launch of MCR2 marks a significant chapter in our mission to deliver top-tier data centre solutions. With its focus on sustainability, tailored client offerings, and strategic location, MCR2 is poised to become a pivotal asset for businesses seeking reliable and efficient data management solutions in the Manchester region. To learn more about how MCR2 can benefit your organisation, stay tuned for updates or get in touch with a member of our team.
Our data centre clients need continuous and reliable power to support servers, networking equipment, and other infrastructure that enables the provision of mission-critical applications and services for their organisations. Any interruption or loss of power can result in significant consequences, including data loss, service disruptions, financial losses, and damage to reputation.
For data centres, there’s more to ‘power’ than plugging into the grid, so those coming new to data centres can find some of the terms confusing. Let us unpick them for you….
This agreement between our data centres and our clients guarantees uninterrupted availability of power, network connectivity, and other critical services. In essence, it promises that we will maintain continuous operations without any service interruptions.
Power redundancy refers to the implementation of backup power sources or systems to ensure continuous and uninterrupted power supply to critical equipment or infrastructure. Redundancy is essential in situations where a power outage can result in significant disruptions.
2N power refers to a redundant power configuration in which the power infrastructure is designed with two independent power paths to ensure redundancy and minimise the risk of power failure – even if one power source or power distribution unit (PDU) fails, the critical equipment remains powered and operational. It provides a robust infrastructure for applications that require continuous uptime and cannot tolerate power disruptions.
Power distribution units (PDUs) are responsible for distributing power to the IT equipment – the power from each source is connected to its respective PDU. Each PDU is connected to different power feeds to maintain separation and redundancy.
An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system provides short-term emergency backup power in the event of any disruptions to the main electricity supply – it offers a buffer period for switching to generator power or safely shutting down equipment to prevent data loss. In a 2N UPS system, two UPS systems operate in parallel to support the load, with each UPS capable of independently supplying the entire power requirement.
This is a fundamental concept in ensuring uninterrupted power supply to our data centres and refers to having two independent power feeds entering our facilities. This redundancy is vital for maintaining operations during power outages or maintenance on one of the feeds. By having a dual power source, data centres can switch seamlessly between sources, minimising downtime and enhancing reliability.
These go hand in hand with dual power sources. They are installed within critical equipment, such as servers, to maintain functionality even if one supply fails. Each power supply unit (PSU) is connected to a different power source. This setup ensures that if one power supply encounters a fault, the other takes over immediately, maintaining continuous operation and safeguarding data integrity.
This involves distributing the electrical load evenly across multiple power supplies or circuits. This prevents any single power source from being overloaded, which could lead to equipment failure or inefficiencies. By effectively managing load distribution, we can optimise performance and extend the lifespan of our power infrastructure.
If one power path fails, the equipment automatically switches to the alternate path without any interruption or downtime. This failover can be achieved through automatic transfer switches (ATS) or intelligent power distribution units that detect power loss and switch to the backup path.
Each of our standby generators is capable of independently supplying the full power load to ensure continuous operations during outages. We have rarely had to call on our generators to provide backup power (in fact, the majority of the hours they run is for maintenance and testing), but the generators need to be available in case they are ever needed. In 2022 we made the switch to environmentally friendly Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for our backup generators at our south east facility in place of red diesel.
Active/Active power distribution paths refer to a configuration in which power is distributed across multiple paths simultaneously, with each path actively providing power to the load. An Active/Active configuration includes multiple independent power sources, redundant PDUs, load balancing, and fault tolerance and redundancy, to ensure continuous power availability. These provide a higher level of redundancy compared to single-path configurations, as multiple independent power sources and PDUs are actively delivering power to the load.
There’s a lot going on behind the scenes to ensure that our clients’ business-critical IT and workloads are always on and always available. Luckily, we’ve got all this in hand, so our clients don’t need to concern themselves with the power side of things. To see us in action, book a tour or get in touch to discuss your requirements.