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DATA CENTER ALLY / COURSE 01

Data Centers 101

What data centers do and why they exist.

4 lessons · About 10–15 minutes

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LESSON 01 / 04

The work behind the screen

When you send a message, open a business application, or save a file online, computing equipment handles the request. Data centers bring servers, storage, and networks together in a controlled place.

A local building may serve one organization or many customers.

Ask what services a proposed facility will support before drawing conclusions about its design.

Check your understanding

What is a core job of a data center?

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

Course source library

Original research and public resources for further reading. Local permits, utility agreements, and current job requirements provide the details for your situation.

U.S. DOE — Energy-efficient data center designenergy.gov (opens in a new tab)Virginia JLARC — Data Centers in Virginia (2024)jlarc.virginia.gov (opens in a new tab)EIA - Electricity explainedeia.gov (opens in a new tab)

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