Technology
What is A data center?
A data center is a building full of servers and storage that powers the internet's apps, websites, and cloud services. These facilities run around the clock with massive power and cooling to keep data flowing reliably and securely.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains a data center.
Key things to understand
- 1It's a facility housing many servers and storage systems.
- 2It powers websites, apps, and cloud services.
- 3It runs 24/7 with heavy power and cooling needs.
- 4Redundancy keeps services online if hardware fails.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a data center?
- A facility full of servers and storage that runs the websites, apps, and cloud services we use online.
- Why do data centers need so much cooling?
- Thousands of servers generate intense heat, which must be removed to keep equipment running safely.
- Where is 'the cloud' physically located?
- In data centers around the world — the cloud is really networks of these facilities.