What does redundancy in data centre design ensure?

Redundancy in data centre design is a critical principle that helps ensure continuous operation in the event of a failure. This involves incorporating additional systems, components, or pathways so that if one fails, others can take over without interruption. For example, using multiple power supplies, network connections, and cooling systems means that the failure of one element does not lead to a complete system failure. This design principle is vital for maintaining high availability and uptime, which are essential in environments where data accessibility is crucial.

While increased cost-effectiveness, reduced energy use, and faster data processing are important considerations in data centre management, they are not the primary goals of implementing redundancy. The primary focus of redundancy is to provide a reliable and uninterrupted service, ensuring that operations can continue seamlessly, even during unexpected failures. This capability is especially critical in environments that demand high levels of reliability, such as financial services or healthcare, where downtime can have serious consequences.