Expanding IoT Market Demands Better Performance From Data Centers

Data center uptime is at the top of every IT professional’s priority list. Keep it running 24/7, and you’re assured that your company is capable of meeting client needs and, of course, staying profitable. However, instead of uptime getting better, it appears to be getting worse in the industry if 2015 was any indicator.

And that comes at a time that there’s an increasing demand for high rates of uptime. Consumers are increasingly relying on the ability to be connected as part of their day-to-day lives. According to statistics, sales of smart home devices — which operate through a connection to the Internet — is expected to hit $58.7 billion by 2020, up 20.38 billion in 2014.

Improve data center uptime

Getting your data center running continuously — with the exception of planned downtimes to address maintenance issues — requires a balanced approached. In most cases, that means that you’ve scheduled regular testing and maintenance procedures, you’re updating equipment, and established redundant components.

Here are key areas to take into consideration when taking the steps to improve or maintain high levels of uptime.

Do routine checks. Maintaining your equipment is key to keeping operations running smoothly. It’s also important that you go over your processes to ensure that you’re not running into downtime caused by simple human error.

Upgrade your equipment. Technology has led to data center equipment that can sense issues before they can cause substantial damage, including smoke detection and moisture protection. Also, many have built-in monitoring systems.

Establish sound backup systems. In the event of a power outage, you should have a solid generator unit and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems. Again, stay on a regular schedule of checking this equipment to ensure that it does automatically kick in during a power outage.

Use colocation. Even with your equipment operating at peak performance, your operations can still be susceptible to natural disasters, including fires, storms and floods. An extended power outage or damage to your building can lead to extended periods of downtime. Many companies are establishing redundancies with cost-effective colocation centers located away from their main operations. Talk to potential providers about their uptime rating as well as an special equipment they use to minimize downtime.

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Rich Banta

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Rich is responsible for Compliance and Certifications, Data Center Operations, Information Technology, and Client Concierge Services. Rich has an extensive background in server and network management, large scale wide-area networks, storage, business continuity, and monitoring. Rich is a former CTO of a major health care system. Rich is hands-on every day in the data centers. He also holds many certifications, including: CISA – Certified Information Systems Auditor CRISC – Certified in Risk & Information Systems Management CDCE – Certified Data Center Expert CDCDP – Certified Data Center Design Professional