The data center is the beating heart of enterprise IT, yet many channel professionals aren't making it part of the business conversation.

Leading up to Data Center World, which runs from March 14-18 at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, The VAR Guy’s sister site Data Center Knowledge has been reviewing some of the most important ways businesses can optimize their data centers to eliminate inefficiencies and save resources.Register for Data Center World to learn more.

1. What Juniper IT can show us about data center consolidation

Everyone is talking about "reducing footprints," but have you thought about how that applies to your data center? When Juniper transitioned to a cloud-based IT model, they consolidated 18 different data centers into one, which contained less than 60 racks. 

Read More: How Juniper IT Went from 18 Data Centers to One

2. Real-world road maps of transitions to the cloud

You're pretty sure you need to move your data center to the cloud…but what exactly does that mean and what does it look like? Public? Private? Iaas? SaaS? Sometimes it helps to see how others have found success in order to figure out the best path ahead.

Read More: Going to the Cloud: Stories from the Frontlines

3. Data center consolidation could save you big bucks

Here's a stat to make you pay attention: in the past five years, the US government saved nearly $2 billion by consolidating data centers. Considering that, how much money might you be leaving on the table by putting off consolidation?

Read More: Want to Learn about Smart Data Center Consolidation?

4. Attack of the Drones 

The threat is real, according to Adam Ringle. You have to be proactive about protecting yourself from Unmanned Aerial Systems or risk serious consequences.

Read More: Is Your Data Center Protected from Drones?

Want to learn how data center and IT infrastructure professionals are tackling today’s biggest challenges? Register for Data Center World to take part in these conversations and connect with more than 200 solution providers. Use code DCW25SAVE27 to save 25%.