5 Common Data Center Specifications Problems

Data centers are now vital to our daily lives, whether in the business world or the general public.

With the growth of the Internet of Things (IoT), data centers will only increase in importance and rapidly multiply worldwide. However, building and managing open the door to many data center specifications issues.

Not only is it an expensive project to undertake, but it’s also a massive challenge to operate without any unforeseeable disruptions.

Every data center is different and has its own unique problems. What works well at one location may not suit another. As a result, data center engineers constantly need to adapt and manage available resources to resolve specification issues. However, some problems are common across the board. Although there is no one-size-fits-all solution, we can gain much insight from common data center specifications problems. 

1. UPS Battery Failure 

The most common cause of unplanned outages is a result of bad planning and UPS battery failure. This, coupled with UPS exceeding capacity, can result in huge downtime expenses.

Avoid it by planning and investing intelligently in the right UPS that can handle the expected load.

Further, batteries must be routinely checked and maintained.

2. Inadequate Infrastructure Planning

When you start consolidating old and new servers, it is important to note that new servers (like blade servers) use much more power than their older counterparts.

Newer servers can consume almost five times more power than old servers. This, in turn, increases your cooling needs within the facility, so it is also necessary to consider it when adding new equipment.

3. Incursion of Water in the Facility

It might seem obvious that water shouldn’t come into contact with electronic equipment like servers, but it does happen and causes major disruptions. The types of water-related incidents are as follows:

• Leaky valves
• Soda and coffee were brought into the data center by technicians

The solution to this problem is simple, monitor the valves and ensure that all drinks are checked in at the door before entering a facility. 

4. Lack of Real-Time Reporting

Regarding data center specifications, colocation operators often overlook establishing a real-time reporting system.

Manual readings taken weeks ago can’t help you make important decisions for something as complex as a colocation center. The only way to optimize capacity and power loads is to have reliable, up-to-the-minute readings.

5. Insufficient Planning to Handle Demand

Depending on the clients served, data center demand will peak and valley. If you’re catering to the financial sector, for example, demand will be high during business hours and next to nothing overnight.

The holiday season will be another time when there will be a significant rise in demand for retail clients.

As a result, data center operators need to plan and be ready for fluctuations in demand.

Have you experienced any data center specifications problems? How did you resolve them? Share your thoughts in the Comments box below.

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