Traditional data centers have long been the default, offering design flexibility and proven operating models at scale. Modular facilities, by contrast, promise speed, predictability, and tighter cost control through prefabrication and standardized deployment. What Is a Data Center? (At Its Core) A data center is a dedicated facility that houses computing systems, including servers, storage, networking, power, cooling, and management to support mission-critical applications and services. These facilities are typically built for 15–25 year operational lifespans and optimized for large.