FAQ

A data center is a highly secure infrastructure for operating servers, storage systems, and network systems. It forms the technical foundation for high-performance, secure, and highly available IT.

A professional data center offers significantly higher standards of security, availability, and quality than an in-house server room. At the same time, companies benefit from a scalable infrastructure, lower capital costs, and professional operations.

Key factors include physical security, redundant power and cooling systems, high-performance network connections, certifications, energy efficiency, and the data center operator’s experience.

High availability refers to the reliable operation of an IT infrastructure with minimal downtime. Redundant systems for power supply, cooling, and networks ensure that applications remain available even in the event of a failure.

Geographic redundancy means that data and systems are operated at multiple geographically separate locations. This allows companies to safeguard their IT infrastructure even in the event of major disruptions or site failures.

Redundant network connections ensure that, in the event of a failure, data traffic is automatically routed through alternative connections. This keeps applications and services accessible at all times.

Multiple independent carriers, along with connections to high-performance Internet exchanges, ensure low latency, high bandwidth, and maximum reliability. They form the foundation of a high-performance network infrastructure.

Protection is provided through multi-layered security measures that include access controls, video surveillance, firewall systems, encryption, continuous monitoring, and regular security audits.

Professional data centers are equipped with uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and high-performance emergency generators. This ensures that operations continue without interruption even in the event of an external power outage.

With colocation, companies operate their own hardware in a professional data center. The operator provides the infrastructure, such as power, cooling, physical security, and network connectivity.

With colocation, the hardware remains the property of the company. Cloud solutions provide IT resources flexibly as a service. Both models can be effectively combined in a hybrid cloud.

A private cloud provides IT resources exclusively for a single company. It offers maximum control over data and applications and is particularly well-suited for environments with high security, data protection, and compliance requirements.

In a public cloud, IT resources are provided over the Internet. Companies benefit from high scalability, flexible usage options, and rapid deployment of new services.

A hybrid cloud connects on-premises IT systems or colocation environments with public or private cloud services. This allows companies to benefit from high flexibility and scalability while maintaining full control over sensitive data.

In a multi-cloud environment, multiple cloud platforms are used in parallel. This allows companies to flexibly distribute applications, reduce dependencies, and use the most appropriate cloud for different workloads.

Yes. Modern data center, cloud, and managed services solutions are flexibly scalable and can be adapted at any time to meet new requirements or accommodate increased capacity.

High-density colocation enables the operation of exceptionally powerful server and GPU systems with high power densities per rack. Specialized power and cooling solutions create the conditions necessary for AI, HPC, and data-intensive applications.

Certifications such as ISO 27001, ISO 27017, ISO 27018, ISO 14001, ISO 50001, or TISAX demonstrate compliance with defined security, quality, data protection, and energy management standards.

Digital sovereignty means retaining control over data, applications, and IT infrastructure. Companies decide for themselves where their data is stored, processed, and managed.

NIS2 is a European directive aimed at strengthening cybersecurity. It requires many companies and organizations to assess risks and implement appropriate technical and organizational security measures.

KRITIS stands for Critical Infrastructure. Operators of critical facilities must meet particularly high standards for information security, availability, and resilience of their IT systems.

The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) sets requirements for the digital resilience of companies in the financial sector. The goal is to better manage IT risks and increase the reliability of digital processes.

GDPR-compliant operations ensure that personal data is processed, stored, and protected in accordance with European data protection regulations.

A sustainable data center reduces energy consumption and CO₂ emissions through energy-efficient technologies, the use of renewable energy, and resource-efficient operations.

PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) is a metric used to assess the energy efficiency of a data center. The lower the value, the more efficiently the energy is used.

The Energy Efficiency Act (EnEfG) sets forth energy efficiency requirements for energy-intensive facilities such as data centers. The goal is to sustainably lower energy consumption and reduce CO₂ emissions.

The use of green electricity improves a data center's carbon footprint and helps companies achieve their sustainability and ESG goals.

Modern AI applications place high demands on power supply, cooling, networking, and computing power. With an AI-ready infrastructure, companies can meet the technical requirements for GPU clusters, machine learning, and other AI workloads.

Backup & Disaster Recovery encompasses strategies and technologies for data backup and the rapid recovery of IT systems following a failure or cyberattack. The goal is to minimize data loss and quickly restore business operations.

A migration is carried out in a structured manner — from analysis and planning through the secure move to testing and deployment. The goal is to transition your IT infrastructure with as little disruption as possible.

Yes. Our experts will guide you every step of the way — from the initial assessment through technical planning to the successful commissioning of your systems — individually, securely and with minimal downtime.

Managed services relieve the burden on internal IT departments by having experienced specialists take over the operation, monitoring, maintenance, and support of selected IT systems. This frees up time for companies to focus on their strategic tasks.

GRASS-MERKUR offers a comprehensive portfolio of Colocation, High Density Colocation, Private, Public, Hybrid and Multi Cloud, Connectivity, Managed Services, Cyber Security and IT Consulting. All services integrate seamlessly and are tailored to the specific requirements of our customers.

Our services are designed for mid-sized companies, enterprise customers, KRITIS operators, public sector clients and organizations in industries such as healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, research, software and IT.

GRASS-MERKUR has more than 30 years of experience in operating data centers and supports companies in the planning, implementation and secure operation of modern IT infrastructures. Customers benefit from a highly available, secure data center in Germany, personal support, certified security and quality standards and a comprehensive portfolio of Colocation, Cloud, Connectivity, Managed Services and IT Consulting.