# Evocative's Data Center Glossary

Expert Insights on Common Data Center Terminology and Concepts

Click on each term below to learn more.

## A

[**Architecture**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-data-center-architecture/)

How servers, storage, networking, racks, and other resources in a data center are placed and connected.

[**Bare Metal Server**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-a-bare-metal-server/)

A physical server that runs a single operating system and does not have any virtualization layer.

[**Cloud Connect**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-public-cloud-connect/)

Method for a direct and secure connection to public cloud providers for fast communication.

[**Colocation**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-colocation/)

A type of shared data center where customers rent space for their servers and other hardware from a provider who supplies power, cooling, and connectivity.

[**Cross Connect**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-a-data-center-cross-connect-and-why-is-it-important/)

A private connection between your environment and other network providers, clouds, content, or application providers in the same ecosystem.

## D

[**Data Center Management**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-data-center-management/)

The set of tasks and activities handled by an organization for the day-to-day requirements of operating.

[**Digital Infrastructure**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-digital-infrastructure/)

The foundation of digital operations, comprised of compute, storage, and networking.

## E

[**Edge Data Center**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-an-edge-data-center/)

The foundation of digital operations, comprised of compute, storage, and networking.

## H

[**Hybrid Infrastructure**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-hybrid-infrastructure/)

A combination of on-premises data centers, private clouds, and/or public clouds.

## I

[**IaaS**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-iaas/)

A cloud computing service model that allows businesses to lease IT infrastructure from a third-party provider.

[**IaaS vs. PaaS vs. SaaS**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/iaas-vs-paas-vs-saas/)

The difference between IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS, and how businesses can benefit from each model.

[**Interconnectivity**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-interconnectivity/)

A physical or virtual link between two or more separate networks.

## M

[**Migration**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-data-center-migration/)

The act of moving data and applications between data centers or clouds.

## N

[**N+1 Redundancy**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-n1-redundancy/)

Providing resiliency by adding one more component (e.g. for power or cooling) than is needed to run a data center at full capacity.

## S

[**Service Level Agreement (SLA)**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/what-is-an-sla/)

A contractual agreement between a service provider and a customer that outlines the expected level of service.

[**Sustainability**](https://evocative.com/resources/glossary/data-center-sustainability/)

In a data center, this means using energy-efficient materials and technologies or renewable power sources to decrease environmental impact.