Microsoft and Its Data Center Revealed
November 5, 2009
I found the Cnet write up “Inside One of the World’s Largest Data Centers” interesting. The text provided some useful factoids; for example, the giant data center “will eventually occupy 700,000 square feet” and this comment in the story:
Microsoft originally intended to open the Chicago facility last year, but the company has slowed its data center pace some amid the weaker economy and an array of cutbacks companywide.
The plus for me was the inclusion of photos. The detail which interests me was not visible, but the photos provide a good idea of what Microsoft’s approach is at this time. I was able to get an idea about cabling, server size, and device density.
Does the information disclosed suggest that Microsoft has sped past Google’s data centers? Based on what was visible in the article’s pictures, I believe that Microsoft’s engineers have examined Google’s public information about its approach and added a Microsoft twist. The size and density struck me as distinguishing characteristics. Where the rubber meets the road, however, is in the use of automated methods to provision devices and the sophistication of smart software to deal with hot spots, hardware failure, and the other annoyances that crop up with lots of gizmos operate under load.
The write up is one to read and save in my opinion.
Stephen Arnold, November 5, 2009
To the US Postal Service: I wrote this without any inducement, including one day mail delivery.
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