What Is The Lifespan Of A Data Centre?

To give one figure for the lifespan of a data centre is difficult as it contains so many variables. For a start, data centres contain many different components that all age at different rates depending on their frequency of use. Computers, cabling, cooling systems and storage devices will all age at different rates, so it’s easier to look at the lifespan of each to get a better idea. Another factor to consider is how well maintained the components in your data centre are. Regular checking and maintenance will ensure that your technology lasts longer and any signs of ageing can be spotted early to avoid any risk of failure. 

Data centre lifespan also depends greatly on how often your gear is upgraded. This will not only impact how long your technology lasts for, but it will ensure that it performs to a high standard for years to come. Advances in technology are inevitable in the data centre world and there will always be a way to do something better, faster or more efficient. It’s important to upgrade your data centre when necessary and most companies will assess any potential updates roughly every three years.  

How Long Does Your Data Centre Hardware Last?

Different components in your system will need to be replaced at different intervals depending on their importance and frequency of use. Servers are commonly replaced every 3 - 5 years, although they can last for up to 8 years if well maintained. The timescale of 3 -5 years is given as a guideline as any time over that will risk system failure. Other forms of electrical equipment such as UPS batteries and networking gear will typically be used for a similar amount of time. 

Cooling equipment can be replaced much less frequently and a typical air conditioning unit will typically be used for 12 years. A galvanised steel cooling tower will be used for roughly 10 years, whilst your water piping for chillers will have a lifespan of up to 30 years. Other common data centre components include electrical distribution boards and diesel generators, both will be used for roughly 25 years and 30 years respectively. 

We can see from this that a data centre lifespan is impossible to judge. What is more important is knowing the optimum amount of time that your individual components should be used for - the longer they are used past their typical deployment time, the greater the risk to your business. Monitoring risk is a key aspect of data centre management and it can be the difference between having a complete system failure or remaining up and running at all times. Even still, it is all a balancing act. In an ideal world equipment would be kept up to date and renewed every year, but this just isn’t possible. Not only would this cost far more money to upkeep, but it would also be practically impossible to achieve. The environmental aspects of equipment renewal should also be considered.