Photos: How data centers are cooling down

NetApp is one of an increasing number of IT corporations turning to cooling systems that use outside air instead of water, an attractive option for drought-prone regions. Building filtration systems protect digital equipment from floating particulate matter.

Air-side economizers help to keep heating and air conditioning costs low. When indoor and outdoor temperatures are close, such systems bring in and condition outside air rather than recirculating and treating indoor air.

NetApp also has infrastructure for a chilled water system, including rooftop tanks, to support the data center, but it won't be used during most of the year.