Data Center
by Jerry Robaidek
Over the last several years the SSEC Data Center has gone through several transformations. One of the biggest changes happened in 2006 when computer staff was moved out of the computer equipment room and into a separate control room to isolate them from the extreme noise and temperatures of the computer room. Monitoring, serving, and archiving incoming satellite data got a lot more comfortable.
Soon after the move, 2 sets of 6 separate 15" LCD displays were connected to linux servers to provide monitoring capabilities for all data feeds, processing and vital server functions. While this worked well for several years, its age had begun to show. As the servers driving the display neared the end of their useful lifetimes, and since several products had been added since those monitors were first installed, an upgrade was in need.
After having great success with a 52" Samsung HDTV for displaying products, four more displays were purchased over the last 6 months to replace the 12 15" displays. To conserve resources, the tops of the original workstation racks were removed so that the workstation workspace could be used in the new configuration.
Many thanks to Dave Jones and crew and the folks down on 3rd for making everything happen smoothly. Also thanks to Liam Gumley and Wayne Feltz, whose projects helped pay for key parts of the upgrade.
