Microsoft's big new shed in Dublin

chunter

Microsoft today opened a BIG data centre in Dublin.
(on Arthur's Day)

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0924/breaking30.htm

But I still don't get it. Why is my data going to be safer in a big warehouse in Dublin than on my own pc?

You're bringing at least two more variables into play - the internet connection and Microsoft's physical storage - neither of which are within your control.

John_Gray

Depends what you mean by 'safer'!

For example, do you think their enormous great data centre, littered with hefty locked doors, alarms and security guards, is safer than your home? Which would it be easier to steal a PC from?

Marty_J

chunter wrote: »

You're bringing at least two more variables into play - the internet connection

That's just a risk inherent in using the internet.

and Microsoft's physical storage

What sort of security is in your house?

Anyhow, don't you already store information online?

You don't have email for instance?

Google have a large data centre in their EU headquarters, which is, as it happens, also in a "big warehouse in Dublin".

alanrowell

How well are you protected if your PC is stolen / burns down / hard drive crashes...

It's the difference between keeping your money in a bank or under the mattress

motorguy

chunter wrote: »

Microsoft today opened a BIG data centre in Dublin.
(on Arthur's Day)

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2009/0924/breaking30.htm

But I still don't get it. Why is my data going to be safer in a big warehouse in Dublin than on my own pc?

You're bringing at least two more variables into play - the internet connection and Microsoft's physical storage - neither of which are within your control.

Its to support services that are already there - and that you are probably already using - email, MSN, etc.

What bemuses me is all the fuss and " Microsoft representatives said up to 35 jobs could be created as a result of the new centre" - i'd say a decent sized mcdonalds employs more.... :rolleyes:

alanrowell

pgilc1 wrote: »

Microsoft representatives said up to 35 jobs could be created as a result of the new centre" - i'd say a decent sized mcdonalds employs more.... :rolleyes:

And chances are the total wage bill at the McDs is way less than for this new centre

Marty_J

pgilc1 wrote: »

IWhat bemuses me is all the fuss and " Microsoft representatives said up to 35 jobs could be created as a result of the new centre" - i'd say a decent sized mcdonalds employs more.... :rolleyes:

So in your ideal country, instead of courting the investment of technology companies such as Microsoft, you'd build McDonald's restaurants?

nickcardwell

the other week i visited a DR data centre site, very impressive.
All servers on main UPS systems , with diesel generators as backup
Main server room had multiple air con units.
Internet line going in, came from multiple phone exchanges + fibre.

As a visitor , they knew i was coming and everything was locked well down. You had to pass through 6 secure doors in order to get at the servers.

Marty_J

nickcardwell wrote: »

the other week i visited a DR data centre site, very impressive.
All servers on main UPS systems , with diesel generators as backup
Main server room had multiple air con units.
Internet line going in, came from multiple phone exchanges + fibre.

As a visitor , they knew i was coming and everything was locked well down. You had to pass through 6 secure doors in order to get at the servers.

My wife works for a networking services company, the techs of which sometimes have to carry out work for the US government. When they arrive at the server farm they're weighed as they enter, and then they're weighed again as they're leaving. If the readings don't match (I assume there's some deviation allowed), they have to be strip-searched. You can't leave so much as a screwdriver behind.