Data centres are purpose-built facilities that organizations use to house their critical systems and data. These facilities typically include redundant power sources including generators, redundant data communications connections, advanced environmental controls (e.g. air conditioning, fire suppression) and extensive security systems. Data centres are typically used by organizations that require a large amount of data storage, processing power, and networking capabilities, such as large companies, cloud providers, government agencies, and educational institutions.

Most data centres are located in geographically stable and near central metropolitan areas to reduce the risk of disruptions caused by natural disasters and close to population centres where the resources are needed.

While many data centres use to look like brick featureless buildings, most notably 33 Thomas Street (former AT&T exchange) or lifeless non-descript warehouses, a large number of newer facilities look like any other modern building.