Dublin represents a new level of operations even for operations giant Microsoft . This facility will run the majority of the company ’ s cloud operations around the world , and will do so in an energy efficient way . While the average Power Usage Effectiveness rating for data centres is 2.0 , the lower the better , and the Dublin centre boasts a rating of 1.25 . The facility ’ s cooling system is free , using air from the outside environment to cool the inside . If warmer temperatures are required , the unique server pod design uses a technique known as hot aisle containment . Microsoft currently has the capacity to run the Dublin centre at temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit , which far outpaces the capability of most data centres .

The Container Data Centre , again by Microsoft , represents a hybrid philosophy in container driven design . The upstairs and downstairs each have a different purpose , with the lower level utilising diagonal parking spaces to fit up to 112 containers with up to 224,000 servers . The upper floor works the traditional outlay of data centres , using a raised floor and cold and hot aisles . This area has the capacity for four 12,000 sq ft pods , which translates into room for many additional tens of thousands of servers . They are used to power the Microsoft Live online suite . 38 October 2017