# Data centers  ## Traditional data centers The data center approach gained popularity in computing. DCs shift has led to the rise of Software as a Service (SaaS) and its widespread use. DCs also allow for more efficient and cost-effective execution of computationally intensive tasks, like training neural networks. | ADVANTAGES | DISADVANTAGES | | :---: | :--:| | Lower IT costs | Require a constant Internet connection (so not work well with low-speed connections and latency problem) | | High performance, "unlimited" storage capacity and backup | Privacy and security issues | | Device independence (no need to manually configure ...) | High Power Consumption | ## Warehouse-scale Computer From a DCs are moving towards Warehouse Scale Computers (WSCs). Actually WSCs can be considered as a type of DCs, the main concept is that: - DCs consist of a collection of different servers - WSCs use a relatively homogeneous hardware and system software platform to simplify management and reduce cost. The machine is itself this large cluster or aggregation of servers and needs to be considered as a single computing unit. Here the main differences: - Traditional data centers: - DCs usually house many small- or medium-sized applications. - Each application runs on dedicated hardware, isolated from other systems. - Applications within a data center typically do not communicate with each other. - Data centers can host hardware and software for multiple organizational units or companies. - WSCs: - WSCs run few large applications or internet services - There is a common resource management infrastructure which provides deployment flexibility - The main requirements are homogeneity, single-organization control, and cost efficiency.