What is a Data Centre?

A Data Centre is a specialized facility designed to house computer systems and

associated components such as servers, storage devices, networking equipment,
and infrastructure for power supply, cooling, and security.
It serves as the central hub where organizations store, manage, process, and
distribute their data and applications.
Key Features of a Data Centre:
Servers: Powerful computers that run applications and store data.
Storage Systems: Devices that keep large volumes of data safe and accessible.
Networking Equipment: Routers, switches, and cables that connect servers
and external networks.
Power Supply: Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) and backup generators
ensure continuous operation.
Cooling Systems: Maintain optimal temperatures to prevent overheating.
Security: Physical (guards, access control) and cyber security to protect data
integrity.
• Why Are Data Centres Important?
• Support critical business applications and services.
• Ensure data availability and redundancy.
• Enable cloud computing, big data analytics, and online services.
• Facilitate global connectivity and information exchange.
Key Characteristics of a Data Centre
• Reliability and Availability
• Scalability
• Security
• Power Management
• Cooling and Environmental Control
• Network Connectivity
• Disaster Recovery and Backup
• Compliance and Standards
 Information Lifecycle Management (ILM)
• Definition:
• ILM is a strategy for managing information throughout its lifecycle — from creation to disposal —
based on its value and importance.
• Goal:
• To store, protect, and manage data cost-effectively and securely, while complying with legal and
business requirements.
• Phases of ILM:
• 1. Data Creation/Capture
• Data is generated or collected through various sources (e.g., emails, transactions, forms).
• 2. Data Storage
• Data is stored in databases, file systems, cloud, etc.
• Tiered storage may be used (high-speed for critical data, cheaper options for older data).
• 3. Data Usage/Access
• Data is actively accessed and used by business processes, applications, or users.
• 4. Data Archiving
• Infrequently used data is moved to long-term storage for compliance and reference.
• Ensures lower storage costs.
• 5. Data Retention
• Data is retained based on legal, regulatory, and policy requirements.
• 6. Data Disposal/Destruction
• Data is securely deleted when it’s no longer needed or after retention
period ends.
• Benefits:
• Cost efficiency
• Improved data security
• Regulatory compliance
• Optimized storage usage
• Key Considerations:
• Data classification (sensitive vs non-sensitive)
• Access control and encryption
• Backup and disaster recovery
• Automation and audit trails
 Third Platform Technologies:
CLOUD COMPUTING
Cloud computing is the delivery of computing services like servers, storage, databases,
networking, software, and analytics over the Internet (“the cloud”) to offer faster innovation,
flexible resources, and economies of scale.
• TYPES OF CLOUD COMPUTING
• Public Cloud
– Services are delivered over the public internet and shared across organizations.
– Example: Microsoft Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud.
• Private Cloud
– Used exclusively by a single organization.
– More control and security.
– Hosted internally or by a third-party provider.
• Hybrid Cloud
– Combines public and private clouds.
– Data and applications can move between the two for greater flexibility.
• Community Cloud
– Shared infrastructure for a specific community (e.g., education, banking).
– Managed internally or by a third party.
• SERVICE MODELS OF CLOUD COMPUTING
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service)
– Provides virtualized computing resources over the
internet.
– Example: AWS EC2, Google Compute Engine.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service)
– Offers hardware and software tools over the
internet (used mainly for app development).
– Example: Google App Engine, Microsoft Azure App
Services.
• SaaS (Software as a Service)
– Delivers software applications over the internet.
– Example: Gmail, Microsoft Office 365, Zoom.
 KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF CLOUD
COMPUTING
Characteristic Description
Users can provision computing
On-Demand Self-Service capabilities as needed without human
interaction.

Broad Network Access Services are available over the network

and accessible via standard devices.
Resources are shared and dynamically
Resource Pooling assigned to multiple customers.
Resources can be quickly scaled up or
Rapid Elasticity down based on demand.
Cloud systems automatically control and
Measured Service optimize resource usage with metering.

Scalability Easily scale services up or down as

needed.
Pay-as-you-go model reduces upfront
Cost-Effective hardware/software costs.
 BIG DATA
• Big Data refers to extremely large and
complex data sets that traditional data
processing software cannot manage
efficiently. It includes both structured and
unstructured data gathered from various
sources.
KEY CHARACTERISTICS – 5Vs of Big Data
V Characteristic
Huge amount of data
1. Volume (terabytes to petabytes)
generated every second.

Speed at which new data is

2. Velocity generated, collected, and
processed.

Different types of data: text,

3. Variety audio, video, images, social
media posts, logs, etc.

4. Veracity Accuracy, trustworthiness,

and quality of data.

The insights and benefits we

5. Value gain from analyzing the
data.
• TYPES OF BIG DATA
• Structured Data
– Organized and easily searchable.
– Example: Databases, Excel sheets.
• Unstructured Data
– No predefined format.
– Example: Emails, social media, videos, images.
• Semi-Structured Data
– Partially organized.
– Example: XML files, JSON data.
• SOURCES OF BIG DATA
• Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook,
Twitter)
• Internet of Things (IoT) devices
• Business transactions
• Mobile devices
• Sensors and GPS
• Web logs and clickstreams
Sector Application
Healthcare Predict patient illnesses, medical research
Customer behavior analysis,
Retail
recommendation systems
Banking Fraud detection, risk management
Government Smart cities, traffic management
Personalized learning, student
Education
performance tracking
Crop yield prediction, weather-based
Agriculture
farming decisions
• TECHNOLOGIES USED IN BIG DATA
• Hadoop – Open-source framework for storing
and processing big data.
• Spark – Fast engine for large-scale data
processing.
• NoSQL Databases – Like MongoDB, Cassandra
for handling unstructured data.
• Data Lakes – Centralized repository to store all
formats of data.
 Social networking
• Social networking refers to the use of internet-
based platforms to connect with people, share
information, communicate, and build
relationships online.
 POPULAR SOCIAL NETWORKING
PLATFORMS

Platform Main Purpose

Facebook Connect with friends, share updates
Instagram Photo/video sharing, stories
Twitter (X) Short text updates, trending news
LinkedIn Professional networking, jobs
WhatsApp Messaging, calls, group chats
Snapchat Temporary images/videos, filters
YouTube Video sharing and streaming
TikTok Short-form video entertainment
• TYPES OF SOCIAL NETWORKS
• Personal Networks – Facebook, Instagram
• Professional Networks – LinkedIn
• Media Sharing Networks – YouTube, TikTok,
Snapchat
• Discussion Forums – Reddit, Quora
• Blogging Platforms – Tumblr, Medium
• Messaging Apps – WhatsApp, Telegram
• FEATURES OF SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
• Profile creation
• Friend/follower system
• Posting and sharing content (text, images,
videos)
• Likes, comments, shares
• Messaging and chat
• Notifications
• Live streaming
 USES / APPLICATIONS

Area Application

Communication Messaging, video calls, group chats

Marketing Social media marketing, advertising
Education Online learning groups, webinars
Job Search LinkedIn networking, job postings
Entertainment Reels, memes, live videos
News & Updates Real-time news and trends
• ADVANTAGES OF SOCIAL NETWORKING
• Easy and instant communication
• Builds personal and professional relationships
• Platform for business promotions
• Sharing knowledge and opinions
• Raises awareness and supports causes
• Connects global communities
• ❌ DISADVANTAGES OF SOCIAL NETWORKING
• Privacy issues and data misuse
• Cyberbullying and trolling
• Addiction and time wastage
• Fake news and misinformation
• Reduced face-to-face interaction
• Mental health concerns (e.g., anxiety, comparison)