 Have you ever wondered what exactly is a data center? It is a building where there are several computer systems along with other related components such as telecommunications and storage systems. Now the foundation of the data centers of today can be found in the massive computer rooms of the 1940s which were quite complex to maintain. It was during the 1980s that IT operations began to grow exponentially and the term data center started to gain a lot of popularity. A vital aspect of a data center is information security so that there are no chances of a data breach happening. Some basic network security elements which are used are firewalls, VPN gateways and other such systems. A co-location center is a specific type of data center where equipment, space and bandwidth can be rented out to retail customers. Customers have control over their equipment but the day-to-day management of the data center is taken care of by the co-location provider. Now you may have seen some of these centers in movies or on YouTube videos but not many people have actually been inside one and even if you do there are various security protocols which need to be followed like you will not be allowed to take your cell phone inside certain restrictive and secretive areas of the center. It almost reminds you of being in a Hollywood sci-fi movie and I'm not even exaggerating. I can say so after being inside one.