According to research firms IDC and Gartner, revenue in the worldwide server market increased between 15.3%-16.4% percent year over year to $15.0 billion in the fourth quarter of 2010 (4Q10).

Over the past couple of decades, server hardware and technology has evolved rapidly. Here’s a look back at some of the milestones in the evolution of server hardware in the data center:

A blade server is a compact and dense server with its own processor and memory.

A vital part of an efficient data center is a safe data center. To ensure a safe working environment, it is important never to overlook the potential risks the data center and its personnel may be exposed to. These include fire, natural disasters, faulty equipment and outages, electrocution, physical injuries, and the list goes on. These risks can be mitigated and avoided with proper inspections, procedures and/or training.

Efficiency and effectiveness are top priorities in data centers. Attention is given to performance and hardware, including servers, storage, backups, recovery, power, and cooling. The most critical pieces which create a successful data center also create a more dangerous work environment.

Maintaining a safe data operation for all personnel is commonly under prioritized (or overlooked). Work-related injuries can be very costly, so it is vital to spend adequate time, money and planning to ensure a comfortable and safe work environment.

Recently, I came across a forum question asking for a good way to move a fully populated server rack or cabinet. In short it would

In creating an efficient data center, pay special attention to the space and design as well as implementing the right technologies. The success of a data center design is realized through the long-term scalability, flexibility and availability of the facility.