Data center operations comprise the systems and workflows within a data center that keep the data center running. Data center operations include installing and maintaining network resources, ensuring data center security and monitoring systems that take care of power and cooling. The IT requirements of companies that own data centers define many different types of data centers, varying in size, reliability, and redundancy. The growth of cloud computing is pushing data centers to modernize, including updated operations that take advantage of virtualization and automation.

With the increased adoption of cloud computing and growing pressure to reduce IT costs, the automation of data center operations is becoming more critical, with a focus on optimizing processes and systems for cost efficiency and agility.

Data center components include computing hardware, network equipment like routers, a security system, storage, management systems including software and applications and power management equipment, including uninterruptible power supply.

Data centers contain physical or virtual servers that are connected internally and externally through networking and communication equipment to store, transfer and access digital information. Each server has a processor, storage space and memory, similar to a personal computer but with more power. Data centers use software to cluster the servers and distribute the workload among them.

Cloud computing can streamline data center operations and make computing more efficient and cost-effective. Companies use cloud computing so that they spend less on physical resources and infrastructure, offer more remote flexibility and obtain greater redundancy.