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’. Research is currently underway on how to improve the safety and protection of data centres. With this, data centre operators need to think about improving their facilities to be more efficient and cost-effective to align with the best practices outlined by the government.
Adapting the data centre environment
With many data centres being built over 30 years ago, they now face challenges of outdated structures and inefficient layouts.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 infrastructure 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 will be able to adapt 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. They need to adopt 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 building areas: For example, entering the building through the façade there will be a set of speed gates to prevent those without authorisation 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 detect unusual movement and 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. It can be configured to suit a building’s security needs 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 set to create new secure interlocks by integrating them with existing door sets within a data centre. Alternatively, the versatile range of sizes 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.