Data centers without people as a new trend


    Inside the EdgeConneX data center serving content providers

    Server Farms “Without Light” is a long-standing dream of futurists reflecting on the future of telecommunications. True, the reality is that such data centers are not very readily developed. So, HP added an item to the agenda on the creation of automated data centers 10 years ago. A cart, as they say ... So far, the company has only a concept of such a DC.

    The list of companies that created fully automatic data centers, where there are no round-the-clock working groups of technical specialists, is very small. There are semi-automatic DCs, where dozens and hundreds of servers are served by one administrator. At the same HP company, one administrator serves about 200 servers. AOL was also going to create a DC of this type, but so far no progress has been seen. Although, stop - there is one company that already implements all this in practice. This is EdgeConneX .

    Moreover, not one fully automatic data center is being built, but a network of such data centers of 20 objects. They are located in the USA and Europe. EdgeConneX itself delivers content. EdgeConneX DC has a sophisticated automation system with remote control.

    Right now, the EdgeConneX network of data centers is the most ambitious project of its kind.

    Standardization as a recipe for success


    A key element in the implementation of the EdgeConneX project is a template for modifying a conventional DC to automatic. “Homework” allows you to turn a standard data center into a Tier III class DC that can withstand high loads of 20 kW per rack. In 2014 alone, the company opened 18 new data centers.


    Inside the DC of a company located in Jacksonville

    “Our main building is a 2 or 4 MW data center. We always build with the expectation of expansion, ”says a company representative. Moreover, the company always has a tenant even before it enters the market.

    This is usually a cable MSO (multi-system operator) like Comcast and Liberty Global.

    When choosing a data center, which will then be converted into an automated one, EdgeConneX conducts a thorough study of objects. Such work includes studying the local network and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as finding a building that can be modified. After all this is found, the company begins to deploy on-site energy, network and other infrastructures. This is a standard patented procedure.

    How to manage all this remotely?


    To do this, use its own operating system for data centers, which is called EdgeOS. Thanks to this software platform, the company can remotely manage the energy infrastructure of each data center.

    Management is from headquarters, an operations center located in Santa Clara. When direct human intervention is required, Salute Mission Critical, a company that provides technical specialists on request in 50 US states, begins to work.

    Now 20 of the company's 24 data centers are automatic, there are no people in them. Nevertheless, at each object a multi-level access system with biometric scanners, codes and access cards, "traps for people" and video surveillance is used.

    Equipment in such centers is installed very tightly and can withstand loads of 20 kW per rack, as mentioned above. In some cases, even 30 kW, with increased loads.

    What's next?


    In the future, the company plans to build several more automated DCs. One thing is for sure - automatic data centers have ceased to be science fiction, and have become a reality. And this reality helps deliver video from Netflix and YouTube to users ’devices.

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