An unusual request was the NOC didn’t look “techy enough”, whatever that means. Despite the ability to control the entire data center including fuel, security access, and all 40+MW from a single workstation, the place lacked a vibe. So I added some “blinking lights”, people love some blinking lights. I will say the clock was pretty neat, directly GPS connected Stratum 1 time clock!
It’s understandable that the NOC’s appearance may be important to some customers or stakeholders, even if it doesn’t directly impact the functionality of the data center. Adding blinking lights may help to create a more visually interesting and “techy” environment, which could improve the overall perception of the facility.
It’s important to balance aesthetic considerations with functionality and practicality when designing and operating a data center or NOC. While appearance can be important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of security, reliability, or efficiency. It’s possible to create a visually appealing and “techy” environment while still maintaining the necessary levels of performance and functionality required to operate a data center effectively.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create a data center or NOC that meets the specific requirements and expectations of the customer or stakeholder while also delivering on the key performance indicators and operational goals. If blinking lights help to achieve that goal, then it may be a worthwhile addition to the facility.
