An exploration of data center information systems

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore what information systems are used within the data center industry and to develop a data center information systems classification framework for facilitating the investigation of the dimensions, operational characteristics, and value attributes of the data center information systems.Design/methodology/approach – A preliminary data center information systems classification framework is proposed based on a comprehensive review of existing information systems research. A case study of five data centers in Australia and a review of the practitioner literature in data centers are conducted. An open coding method is adopted for facilitating the analysis of the data using existing content analysis techniques.Findings – In total, 19 different types of data center information systems are identified in data centers. These information systems are being used for managing the information technology and the facility infrastructure in the data center and for improving the...