New data centre developments from Cisco, APW President

18 July 2008

Cisco introduces new products; Indian company in foreign collaboration

There have been two recent developments in the world of data centres, both with an India connection. These are India-based APW President Systems' tie-up with London-based Global DataCenter Management, and the introduction of new products and professional services under its Data Centre 3.0 portfolio by networking leader Cisco.

To all those confused about what a data centre actually is, it can basically be defined as a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. It generally includes redundant or backup power supplies, redundant data communications connections, environmental controls (e.g., air conditioning, fire suppression), and special security devices.

The main purpose of a data centre is running the applications that handle the core business and operational data of the organization. Such systems may be proprietary and developed internally by the organization, or bought from enterprise software vendors. Such common applications are ERP and CRM systems.

Data centres are also used for off site backups. Companies may subscribe to backup services provided by a data centre.

The new Cisco products include Cisco Wide Area Application Services (WAAS), Cisco Application Control Engine (ACE), Cisco VFrame Data Centre, New Cisco Data Centre 3.0 professional programs and services.