In our interconnected world, data centres serve as the invisible backbone supporting everything from cloud computing and online services to artificial intelligence applications. These sophisticated facilities house the critical infrastructure that keeps our digital economy running 24/7, yet many business leaders lack a comprehensive understanding of how they operate and what makes them successful.

This complete guide explores what data centres are, how they function, and the specialised infrastructure components that ensure reliable performance. We’ll examine different facility types, key design considerations, and the professional services required to build and maintain world-class data centre operations. Whether you’re planning a new facility, expanding existing infrastructure, or evaluating data centre partnerships, this article provides the essential knowledge needed to make informed decisions and navigate complex projects with confidence.

Article Contents

• What is a Data Centre?
• How does a Data Centre cork?
• Core components of Data Centre infrastructure
• Types of Data Centres
• Data Centre design
• Data Centre tiers
• Comprehensive Data Centre services
• Why choose Beck & Pollitzer
• Conclusion: Build your Data Centre with confidence

What is a Data Centre?

In our data-driven world, understanding “What is a data centre?” has never been more crucial. At its core, a data centre is a specialised facility that houses the critical computing infrastructure powering our digital economy servers, storage systems, networking equipment, and power supplies enable businesses and organisations to store, process, and manage vast amounts of digital information.

These sophisticated hubs are the invisible backbone supporting everything from cloud computing and data storage to online services and emerging technologies. Without them, the constant flow of digital information we generate and consume daily would simply cease to function.

The evolution has been remarkable: from small server rooms to massive hyperscale facilities serving global digital demands. The numbers tell the story – the global data centre market was valued at USD 242.72 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 584.86 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%. This explosive growth underscores their increasing importance in our interconnected world.

How does a Data Centre work?

A data centre operates as a highly controlled environment engineered for one primary goal: ensuring uninterrupted access to digital systems. Think of it as a fortress for data, where every component works in harmony to maintain operational reliability and peak performance. Here’s how the core systems function behind the scenes:

• Power supply: The lifeline – Uninterrupted and reliable power forms the foundation of any data centre. This involves robust electrical grids with multiple redundant feeds to guarantee consistent energy delivery. Globally, data centres account for about 1-1.5% of total electricity demand, a figure that is projected to rise with increasing digitalisation.
• Cooling systems: Managing the heat – Computing equipment generates tremendous heat, making efficient cooling systems vital. Advanced HVAC units and chillers maintain optimal operating temperatures, preventing overheating and ensuring equipment longevity. Without proper cooling, even the most powerful servers would fail within minutes.
• Data routing & security: The digital highway – Sophisticated networking equipment routes vast amounts of data at lightning speed, while stringent physical and cybersecurity measures create multiple layers of protection against unauthorised access and threats.
• Backup Systems: The safety net – To prevent catastrophic downtime during power outages, data centres deploy robust backup power solutions. Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems”types-of-data-centres” provide immediate power bridging, while large generators kick in for extended outages, ensuring continuous operation.

What are the core components of the Data Centre infrastructure?

Data centre infrastructure encompasses the physical and digital systems that power and protect IT operations. Every component must work in perfect harmony to maintain uptime and support performance demands. The following components form the backbone of reliable and high-performing data centre operations:

• Electrical Infrastructure: The nervous system – This includes high-capacity Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), switchgears, transformers, and Power Distribution Units (PDUs). Precision in MV (medium voltage) and LV (low voltage) power distribution through components like distribution boards and busbars is paramount for reliable operation.
• Mechanical infrastructure: Climate control – Primarily focused on environmental management, this encompasses HVAC units and chillers, CRAC/CRAH (Computer Room Air Conditioner/Handler) units, and associated pipework and ductwork designed to manage heat effectively.
• Physical housing: Racks, cabling, and busbars – Server cabinets and data centre racks provide the physical foundation for IT equipment. Extensive cabling systems enable connectivity, while busbars offer efficient power distribution within the racks themselves.
• Protection systems: Fire suppression & cleanliness – Advanced fire suppression systems protect valuable assets without damaging sensitive equipment. Strict cleanroom protocols and high cleanliness standards prevent contamination that could compromise operations.

Types of Data Centres: Finding the right fit

Different business needs require specific types of data centres, each designed for particular use cases and operational models. Below are the primary data centre types, each serving distinct business models and technical requirements:

• Enterprise Data Centres: Privately owned facilities often located on-premises, serving single organisations with complete control over their infrastructure.
• Colocation Centres: Shared spaces where multiple clients rent rack or cage space while benefiting from common infrastructure, offering cost-effective solutions for smaller organisations.
• Hyperscale Data Centres: Enormous facilities built and operated by large cloud providers like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft to support their vast global services. In Q1 2024, the number of hyperscale data centres worldwide reached 992, with strong concentrations in the US, Europe, and China.
• Edge Data Centres Strategically located closer to end users, these centres reduce latency and support time-sensitive data processing, crucial for applications requiring real-time responses.

Data Centre Design: Building for success

Effective data centre design considers long-term operational success from day one. Every decision impacts cost, scalability, and performance for years to come. The points below highlight the key factors to prioritise when planning a data centre that delivers both reliability and future-readiness:

• Scalability: Planning for growth – Designing for future expansion, accommodates increasing data demands without requiring complete infrastructure overhauls.
• Redundancy: Building resilience – Incorporating duplicate components for power, cooling, and connectivity ensures continuous operation even when individual systems fail. This aligns with data centre tiers (Tier I to Tier IV), which define levels of redundancy and fault tolerance.
• Energy Efficiency: Sustainable operations – Implementing strategies to minimise energy consumption through efficient cooling, power management, and renewable energy integration. Many data centres now actively pursue renewable energy sources, with major tech companies aiming for 100% renewable energy use.
• Cleanroom Protocols: Protecting sensitive equipment – Design elements that facilitate strict cleanroom protocols protect sensitive equipment from dust and contaminants that could cause failures.

Data Centre Tiers: Understanding reliability levels

Not all data centres offer the same level of reliability. The Uptime Institute categorises them into four tiers based on redundancy and fault-tolerance levels.

These tiers (Tier I to Tier IV) define the level of reliability and redundancy within a data centre’s infrastructure, making them critical for evaluating a facility’s expected uptime and resilience. Higher tiers indicate greater redundancy, fault tolerance, and availability, directly impacting operational costs and performance guarantees.

Comprehensive Data Centre services

Building and maintaining data centres requires a comprehensive range of specialised services, encompassing everything from initial setup to ongoing management.

• Installation services: Core installation services cover initial lifting and rigging, intricate electrical and mechanical installations, server cabinet installations, LV & MV switchboard installations, HVAC setup, cable management and routing, and busbar installations.
• Relocation and migration: Data centre relocation services involve carefully planning and executing the move of existing infrastructure to new facilities, ensuring minimal downtime and seamless transitions.
• Project management: Expert project control and management oversee complex projects, adhering to tight deadlines, adapting to supply chain changes, and ensuring complete client satisfaction.
• Testing and commissioning: Rigorous testing of installations and commissioning support ensures all systems function correctly and meet stringent safety requirements before going live.
• Start-up support & handover: Comprehensive assistance during the initial operational phase and thorough handover support to client teams ensures smooth transitions.
• Health and safety management: Implementing stringent health and safety management and risk assessments is paramount, given the complexity and scale of data centre operations.

Why Choose Beck & Pollitzer for Data Centre projects

We offer a complete suite of data centre installation services, delivered with globally applied quality and health & safety standards, backed by international certifications and recognition. Our expertise extends from initial lifting and rigging to intricate electrical and mechanical installations, with a proven track record of delivering high-performance data centre projects for leading global organisations. Our comprehensive expertise includes:

• MV/LV power distribution with specialist rigging and alignment
• HVAC & chiller installation with cleanroom-standard precision
• UPS system integration, ensuring zero-downtime architecture
• Environmental & safety compliance across all installation phases
• International relocation including packaging, logistics, and reassembly

We deliver comprehensive data centre solutions spanning critical power systems, including generator installations, UPS integration, and MV/LV distribution networks. We specialise in mechanical systems such as HVAC units, chillers, and precision cooling solutions with complete ductwork integration, alongside essential infrastructure components like server racks, cable management, busbar systems, and electrical switchgear installations.

With our full lifecycle project management approach, we ensure seamless execution from initial planning through commissioning and final handover, providing clients with complete data centre solutions that meet the highest standards of reliability and performance.

Conclusion: Build your Data Centre with confidence

Understanding “what is a data centre” is just the beginning of your journey toward robust, future-proof infrastructure. From powering your operations to future-proofing your infrastructure, success depends on partnering with experienced professionals who understand the complexities involved. With a trusted partner like Beck & Pollitzer, you can deliver complex, mission-critical projects on time, on budget, and to specification.

Ready to discuss your data centre project? Explore our Data Centre services to learn how we can support your next installation or relocation.