6.3. Ideal Data Centers

Different people like different features in a data center. To provide some food for thought, Tom and Christine have described the features each would like in a machine room.

6.3.1. Tom’s Dream Data Center

When you enter my dream data center, the first thing you notice is the voice-activated door. To make sure that someone didn’t record your voice and play it back, you are prompted for a dictionary word, which you must then repeat back. The sliding door opens. It is wide enough to fit a very large server, such as an SGI Challenge XL, even though those servers aren’t sold any more. Even though the room has a raised floor, it is the same height as the hallway, which means that no ramp is required.