> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/~/revisions/AMiYziCllTKB2y2lmONY/getting-started/basic-tutorials/data-center-basics.md).
# Data Center Basics
Your IONOS Cloud infrastructure is set up in [Virtual Data Centers](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#vdc) (VDCs). You will find all the building blocks and resources required to configure and manage your products and services here.
{% hint style="info" %}
**Prerequisites:** Make sure you have the appropriate permissions. Only contract administrators, owners, and users with the **Create Data Center** permission can create a [VDC](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#vdc).
{% endhint %}
## Create a new VDC
1. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Data Center Designer**. A drop-down window will open up.
2. Provide the following information:
* **Name:** Enter an appropriate name for your VDC.
* **Description:** *(Optional)* Describe your new VDC.
* **Region:** Choose the physical location of your data center that will host your infrastructure.
3. Select **Create Data Center** to confirm.
Alternatively, go to the **My Virtual Data Centers** list and select **Create new**. You can also use the **Start Center** option to create new data centers. For more information, see [Manage Start Center](#manage-start-center).
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** The data center is now created and can be opened in the workspace. The newly created VDC is added to the **My Data Centers** list in your **Dashboard**.
{% endhint %}
## Data Center Designer Elements
You can set up your data center infrastructure by using a drag-and-drop visual interface. The DCD contains the following elements:
| **Name** | **Description** |
| ----------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------- |
| 1. Menu bar | Provides access to the DCD functions via drop-down menus. |
| 2. Palette | Movable element icons that can be combined in the workspace. |
| 3. Element | The icon represents a component of the virtual data center. |
| 4. Workspace | You can arrange element icons in this space via drag-and-drop. |
| 5. Inspector pane | View and configure properties of the selected element. |
| 6. Context menu | Right-click an element to display additional options. |
The square elements serve as building blocks for your VDC. Each element represents an IONOS Cloud product or service. Some elements are compatible, while others are not. For example, a Server icon can be combined with the Storage ([HDD](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#hdd) or [SSD](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#ssd)) icon. In practice, this would represent the physical act of connecting a hard drive to a server machine. For more information, see [Set Up Storage](/cloud/~/revisions/AMiYziCllTKB2y2lmONY/storage-and-backup/block-storage/block-storage/add-block-storage.md).
 
### Palette and workspace
The palette is a dynamic sidebar that contains VDC elements. You can click and drag each element from the palette into your workspace and position it as per your requirements.
All cloud products and services are compatible with each other. You may create a Server and add Storage to it. A LAN Network will interconnect your Servers.
Some elements may connect automatically via drag-and-drop. The DCD will then join the two if able. Otherwise, it will open configuration space for approval.
Right-click an element and select **Delete** from the drop-down menu. You can also select the element directly and hit **Delete**/**Backspace** from your keyboard.
### Context menu
The context menu offers different options depending on the element. To see the context menu, right-click on any element. For example, right-click a **Cube** or a **Server** to update it.
### Inspector pane
When an element is selected, the Inspector pane will appear on the right side of your screen. You can configure the element properties. For example, for a Server element, you can define its **Name** and [Availability Zone](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#availability-zone), **Preset**, **vCPUs** and **RAM**.
This pane allows you to finalize the creation of your data center. Once your VDC is set up, select **PROVISION CHANGES**. This makes your infrastructure available for use.
### Manage Start Center
The **Start Center** is an alternative option for VDC creation and management. You can access the manage the VDCs or create a new one from the **Start Center** window.
1. In the **DCD**, go to **Menu** > **Data Center Designer** > **Open Start Center**.
The following are the available options in the **Start Center** window:
* The **Start Center** lists all your data centers in alphabetical order.
* The **Create Data Center** on the right can also be used to create new VDCs.
* The **Region | Version** are displayed for each VDC. Version numbers begin from 0 and are incremented by **one** each time the data center is provisioned.
* The **Details**, to the right of each VDC, displays all associated servers, [VMs](https://docs.ionos.com/support/general-information/glossary-of-terms#vm), resources, and their statuses. The status of the resources could be on, off, or de-allocated. Here, you can either:
* Select the **Remote Console** using 
* Open the data center using 
2. You can select a VDC from the **Data Center** list to open it.
{% hint style="success" %}
**Result:** You can manage your VDC using the **Start Center**.
{% endhint %}
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/~/revisions/AMiYziCllTKB2y2lmONY/getting-started/basic-tutorials/data-center-basics.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.