I, and a group from the WHIR had an opportunity to head down to Dallas earlier this month to host our third networking event. While there we had a chance to visit our friends at SoftLayer Technologies (www.softlayer.com), and to tour their facilities.
SoftLayer’s data center building is extraordinary. The building itself impressed us with open concept areas, glass ceilings and an in-house pool hall and bar. I had a chance to sit down for a WHIR tv interview with Nathan Day, chief technology officer, to discuss what’s happening at SoftLayer. During the interview, Day explains how SoftLayer has created a cost effective high availability and disaster recovery scenario for its customers. He goes on to explain how SofLayer’s private network and its data centers work together to create a diverse infrastructure with low latency.
Next up was CEO Lance Crosby. After indulging in a few Diet Dr. Peppers I was all jacked up and ready to see my first data center (I’m new to the hosting business). Crosby started by showing us SoftLayer’s newest data center and explained the SoftLayer pod concept. The new room is huge and, as Lance later explains, on the cutting edge of “green” data center technology. SoftLayer’s existing efforts and ongoing development, in terms of making its data centers as efficient as possible, are impressive.
The company has gone way beyond changing to LED lights. We eventually made our way to the full data center, a 10,000 square-foot home to 10,000 servers. I couldn’t believe how loud it was. And because it was a bit windy, of course I pretended to be a model for a moment and let it toss my hair. Crosby tried the same thing, but it didn’t work quite as well. After my extremely successful attempt at glamour, Crosby described how SoftLayer’s rack architecture creates a more efficient design. It was a great tour. I can honestly say I learned a lot about data centers, SoftLayer’s in particular. Chief strategy officer George Karidis did an excellent job of organizing the day, and even provided some comic relief throughout the shoot.The day ended with a bit of southern hospitality as Karidis, Crosby and the WHIR tv team went out for some fat Texas steaks. I tried my first chicken fried steak (ok, a bite of someone else’s) and it was complete awesomeness, but I’m glad I stuck to my filet mignon. I think if I had indulged in the chicken fried steak, I would have needed another seat for the flight home.
Thanks to SoftLayer for an interesting and educational tour of the Dallas data center.
