Cool floors

IBM's "green" data center was designed with a specific air flow to optimize the cooling system. Cool air is pumped in from below this raised floor so that it flows to the front of server and storage systems. Alternating with these "cold aisles" are "hot aisles," where the backs of server and storage racks are facing. In the hot aisles are vents to pull that hot air out through the ceiling. Rather than pile all manner of cabling below the floor, this facility has only power cords below the floor and only networking cables on top--set up to ensure that there aren't blockages to air flow.