Reimagining the Data Centre Environment
Reimagining the data centre environment for a more efficient and sustainable space has never been more prominent. Just this year, the UK government launched the consultation ‘Protecting and enhancing the security and resilience of UK data infrastructure’ meaning research is being carried out around how to improve the safety and protection of data centres. With this, its vital for data centre operators to think about how to improve their facilities to be more efficient and cost-effective to align with best practices outlined by the government.
Adapting the data centre environment
With many data centres being built over 30 years ago, some are faced with the challenges of outdated structures and inefficient layouts. And, with highly modern entities such as AI (artificial intelligence) disrupting the space, it’s crucial for the infrastructures to be able to adapt to evolving levels of threat.
A forward-thinking way of adapting to the ever-changing data centre industry is by retrofitting the existing spaces. Doing so eliminates the need to completely replace units, which in turn reduces costs and increases sustainability. Retrofitting also means space can be made for newer in-demand technologies that are power-intensive computing for entities, including AI.
Retrofitting the security of data centres
Upgrading security measures in data centres is a strategy for operators to address the requirements of the UK government’s recent consultation. The government encourages the data centre sector to take a proactive approach by adopting strong security protocols to safeguard against physical, cyber, disaster, and business risks. Therefore, they must uphold and integrate modern technologies that provide enhanced protection.
Ways to retrofit data centre security
- Add further layers of security in different areas of the building: For example, after entering the building through the façade, people can be met with a set of speed gates to prevent those unauthorised from getting through.
- Upgrade internal doors: Replace internal doors with fire and security doors to prevent damage and injury from disaster threats.
- Implement newer technology: Invest in CCTV cameras that pick up on movement to detect any unusual behaviour in and around the building.
- Enhance existing physical security: Swap out glass in existing security portals for those with a higher specification glazing.
- Integrate discreet but enhanced security systems: SMACS (Smart Access Control System) is a highly effective anti-tailgating system that can be configured to suit a building’s security need and allow for the transit of both people and authorised goods/materials. Because it is integrated into an infrastructure, SMACS offers minimal disruption and works perfectly for a retrofit.
- Create new secure interlocks in existing spaces: Security portals can be utilised to create new secure interlocks by integrating them with existing door sets within a data centre. Alternatively, the versatile range of sixes and shapes allows for installing entirely new portals anywhere within a data hall.
Continuously reimagining the data centre environment
Alongside the data centre industry evolving and adapting to new technology, the associated threats and risks are changing. Therefore, reimagining the data centre environment to adapt to this is crucial to protecting and enhancing the security. Areas of a data centre that previously were low risk can now be at greater risk and so need stronger security. However, with adaptable and versatile measures, retrofitting and upgrading spaces can overcome this challenge.