Why the cloud is operated in professional data centres

The question of where IT systems should be operated has been occupying companies for decades. Whereas in the past it was almost taken for granted that servers would be located in the company’s own basement or technical room, today it is becoming increasingly common for them to be operated in professional data centres. This development is not a trend driven by convenience, but a logical consequence of increasing demands on availability, security, scalability and efficiency. This article highlights the advantages of professional data centres over local operation at the customer’s site, points out sensible exceptions and explains why OPEN CIRCLE deliberately operates its Swiss Business Cloud in highly redundant data centres.

What makes a professional data centre

A professional data centre is much more than just a room with a few server racks. It is a highly specialised infrastructure designed to ensure the stable and secure operation of IT systems around the clock. This includes multiple redundant power supplies, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), emergency power generators, sophisticated cooling systems, early fire detection, gas extinguishing systems and a strict physical access concept with zones, video surveillance and logging.

This is complemented by professional operating processes, 24/7 monitoring, clear responsibilities, documented emergency plans and regular tests. A modern data centre is therefore an industrial IT production site – not comparable to a server room at a company’s premises.

Advantages over local operation

Greater availability and reliability

One of the key advantages of professional data centres is availability. Power failures, network interruptions and cooling problems are among the most common causes of IT failures in local operations. In data centres, these risks are mitigated by redundancies: multiple power supplies, UPS systems, diesel generators and redundant cooling circuits ensure that operations remain stable even in the event of malfunctions.

A typical customer location can hardly justify this expense economically. Even if emergency power is available, there is often a lack of redundancy, maintenance and regular testing.

Professional physical security

Physical security is often underestimated in local operations. A server room with a key, badge or combination lock offers only limited protection. Professional data centres rely on multi-level access controls, separate security zones, video surveillance, logging of every access and trained security personnel. Access is strictly limited and can be traced at any time.

This is a decisive advantage, especially for companies with high compliance and security requirements.

Optimal network connection and performance

Professional data centres are hubs of the internet. They have direct connections to multiple internet providers, carriers and internet exchanges. These so-called peerings enable short distances, low latencies and high bandwidths – a clear advantage for cloud services, modern workplaces and international access.

At the customer’s location, however, you are dependent on one or a few lines. An excavator, a fault at the Internet provider or a faulty configuration can massively impair operations.

Scalability and future-proofing

IT requirements are changing. More users, more data, new applications. In a data centre, resources can be expanded flexibly without structural measures or prolonged downtime. New server, storage or network capacities can be provided quickly.

In your own server room, on the other hand, you quickly reach physical limits: space, power, cooling and noise become a problem.

Cost-effectiveness and focus

Operating your own infrastructure ties up resources: hardware procurement, maintenance, spare parts, testing, documentation, security concepts. Professional data centres bundle these tasks and make them available to many customers. This reduces costs and increases quality.

Companies can thus concentrate on their core business instead of investing time and energy in operating infrastructure.

When on-site operation can be useful

Despite all the advantages, there are legitimate reasons for local operation at the customer’s site. Two scenarios are particularly common:

Firstly, in the case of highly sensitive, confidential or government-regulated data, where legal, contractual or security policy requirements preclude external operation. In such cases, the focus is not on technical security, but on organisational or legal security.

Secondly, in the case of machine connections and operational technology (OT), such as CNC machines, production facilities or industrial control systems. Here, extremely short response times, direct connections or operation without external dependencies are crucial. Cloud or data centre connections can be technically or organisationally impractical in this context.

However, it is important to note that even in these scenarios, many companies benefit from hybrid models in which critical parts are operated locally and other systems are operated in the data centre.

Conclusion

Operating IT systems in professional data centres is now standard practice – not because it is fashionable, but because it offers tangible technical, economic and organisational advantages. High availability, strong security, excellent connectivity and scalability are difficult to achieve locally at a comparable level.

On-site operation remains useful in specific scenarios, but is the exception. For the majority of applications and companies, the cloud in professional data centres offers a more stable, secure and future-proof foundation.