Data Center Strategies for the CIO
The Open Compute Project is an initiative started by Facebook to share more efficient server and data center designs with the general information technology (IT) industry.
Most data centers purchase and use a large number of inexpensive general-purpose servers. This approach, which is sometimes called hyperscaling, eases the need for resilient hardware but causes significant hardware sprawl, as well as substantial power and cooling requirements. In response, Facebook has begun designing its own energy-efficient servers and developing new solutions for improving data center power and cooling efficiencies.
Currently, the Open Compute Project defines designs and standards for dual processor server motherboards, high-efficiency self-cooled server power supplies, a simple screw-less server chassis, designs for 42U server racks and 48 volt DC battery cabinets, an integrated DC/AC power distribution scheme, a 100% air-side economizer and an evaporative cooling system to support the servers.
Although it is far too early to assess the success of the Open Compute Project or its adoption by the broader IT industry, the spiraling need for computing resources and the increasing cost of electricity makes the open compute initiative an interesting paradigm shift for the IT industry -- in this case, industry leaders are driving technological innovation rather than technology vendors.