Servicing an information technology revolution

This paper contrasts the changes in approach to the design of large data and dealing centres since the mid 1970s, from complexes dependent upon continuous power generation and mechanical cooling, to the quiescent centres of the 21st century. The paper describes some of the design lessons encountered in the quest to establish transient free services within such centres, including one with embedded base load generation. The paper highlights the benefits obtainable from the application of robust technical specifications, a full value engineering analysis and an audit of service resilience at an early stage of a project. The paper discusses power system design, protection and potential failure modes, cooling systems design, and downtime reduction