October 2023 | datacentremagazine.com
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The DataCentre Team EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MAYA DERRICK CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER SCOTT BIRCH MANAGING EDITOR NEIL PERRY CHIEF DESIGN OFFICER MATT JOHNSON HEAD OF DESIGN ANDY WOOLLACOTT LEAD DESIGNER JULIA WAINWRIGHT
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October 2022
FEATURE DESIGNERS SOPHIE-ANN PINNELL HECTOR PENROSE SAM HUBBARD MIMI GUNN REBEKAH BIRLESON ADVERT DESIGNERS JORDAN WOOD CALLUM HOOD DANILO CARDOSO VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER KIERAN WAITE
SENIOR VIDEOGRAPHER HUDSON MELDRUM
MARKETING MANAGER ALICE PAGE
DIGITAL VIDEO PRODUCERS ERNEST DE NEVE THOMAS EASTERFORD DREW HARDMAN SALLY MOUSTAFA
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PRODUCTION DIRECTORS GEORGIA ALLEN DANIELA KIANICKOVÁ PRODUCTION MANAGERS JANE ARNETA MARIA GONZALEZ YEVHENIIA SUBBOTINA KENDRA LAU
MEDIA SALES DIRECTORS JAMES WHITE JASON WESTGATE MANAGING DIRECTOR LEWIS VAUGHAN CEO GLEN WHITE
FOREWORD
Addressing the labour shortage and shaping the data centre workforce of the future “ THERE’S HOPE THAT BACKGROUNDS NOT TYPICALLY REPRESENTED IN THE DATA CENTRE INDUSTRY AND STEM SUBJECTS ARE PRESENT IN THIS EVOLVING INDUSTRY AS IT EXPANDS”
DATACENTRE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY
As the data centre industry grows, as does the need for skilled manpower - and plugging the ever-expanding skills gap is something data centre leaders are set on fulfilling Uptime Institute data shows more than half of data centre operators are struggling to get top talent in the door, with 42% finding it hard to retain their labour pool. There’s no denying that this issue is at the forefront of the minds of industry leaders. And data from the same advisory organisation indicates that the two million-strong talent pool is on track to grow to 2.3 million by next year, with hope that backgrounds not typically represented in the data centre industry and STEM subjects are present in this evolving industry as it expands. Nurturing and upskilling existing talent and obtaining people from outside the industry, as well as supporting entry programmes - themes addressed in this month’s edition of Data Centre Magazine - are just some of the ways ensuring facilities and the population they serve flourish and grow, while integrating training with more traditional forms of education and generally raising the profile of data centres ensures this as emerging young talent steps up to the plate. Now is an exciting time for the sector, which hopefully will encourage new talent - whether those embarking on their first career or making a shift - to join on the rollercoaster journey.
MAYA DERRICK
maya.derrick@bizclikmedia.com
© 2023 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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CONTENTS UP FRONT 14 BIG PICTURE
16
22
Inside atNorth’s SWE01 data centre
16 INTERVIEW WITH...
President & CEO of CNet Training Andrew Stevens
22 LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT
Nabeel Mahmood, Co-Founder and Co-Host of the Nomad Futurist podcast
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000 30 8
October 2023
OCTOBER 2023 54
CONTENTS 30 TOP 10
42
Data centre companies
42 DATA CENTRES
The future of hyperscale data centres: exerting influence
54 STACK INFRASTRUCTURE
Leaders in driving ESG, growth and community relations
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72 SUSTAINABILITY
Women in the data centre industry: getting girls into STEM
82 CLOUD EDGE
Optimising private cloud performance, efficiency & security
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IS YOUR DATA CENTRE AI READY? What will the AI-compute demand look like tomorrow? What will this mean for infrastructure? These questions, and more, loom large over data centre designers facing AI ‘Judgement Day.’ Read our eBook to learn why a holistic approach to design is key to deal with changing demands. DOWNLOAD EBOOK
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CONTENTS 92 TECHNOLOGY
Schneider Electric: the future of air and liquid cooling datacentremagazine.com
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The Portfolio
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BIG PICTURE
atNorth’s SWE01 data centre facility in Stockholm, Sweden IMAGE: ATNORTH
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October 2023
Inside atNorth’s SWE01 data centre Kista, Stockholm, Sweden
Reported to have cost US$72 million, SWE01 opened in March 2022 as atNorth’s first facility outside of Iceland. Since then, the brand has expanded into Finland to solidify its position as a leading pan-Nordic data centre operator. The state-of-the-art facility spans 6,400sqm in Stockholm’s Kista suburb, the largest ICT cluster in Europe, and offers 2,800sqm of white technical space. The highly connected and secure colocation data centre is powered by energy from renewable sources. In partnership with Swedish utility company Stockholm Exergi, the Stockholm campus reuses the heat outputs generated by the site’s data halls, recycling all residual heat through the district heating plant to provide heat and hot water for local residents. datacentremagazine.com
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INTERVIEW WITH...
ANDREW STEV ANDREW STEVENS TITLE: PRESIDENT & CEO
EXECUTIVE BIO
COMPANY: CNET TRAINING
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Andrew Stevens is the President & CEO of CNet Training. Joining as Sales Director in 1997 just a year after CNet Training’s foundation, he has been at the helm as CEO since 2004. Previously Stevens worked within the manufacturing and distribution arenas. Passionate about the digital infrastructure industry, Stevens has grown CNet to be the global leader in technical education for the industry. With organisations now putting a greater emphasis on investing in employee development, he curates programs to shape the data centre workforce of the future. In 2022 Stevens was awarded The Jedi Award for Exceptional Willpower in recognition for his passion in uniting the industry by educating the younger generation to tackle the skills shortage. He is a trustee of two charities; independent education charity The Edge Foundation and the community sport-focused Ipswich Town Foundation.
October 2023
President & CEO of international technical education company CNet Training Andrew Stevens discusses how CNet is tackling the data centre skills gap head on Q. WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF EDUCATION IN THE DATA CENTRE INDUSTRY?
» The skills shortage and the issue
around attracting talent has masked the need for current education. There’s a lot of conversation about recruiting and training the workforce of the future, but organisations are neglecting to look at their internal systems and processes to build an education function within their business. Organisations need to continue educating the people they already have and use it as a recruitment tool for drawing people in.
Q. COULD YOU EXPLAIN THE CURRENT STATUS OF THE DATA CENTRE SKILLS GAP/ TALENT SHORTAGE?
» It’s very murky and not completely
understood. I don’t think we really have clarity as an industry about exactly who we are looking for and what the long-term goal is. At the moment there’s a mass panic to fill existing gaps.
VENS
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INTERVIEW WITH...
The supply chain is also struggling with recruitment. It’s a vicious circle that’s going to take several years to settle down. The growth is still exponential – how are we going to fill that? The problem is exacerbated by HR and recruitment who put on job adverts that DC Technicians need a BSc – we don’t need that. It would be better if operators took time to highlight what knowledge, skills and behaviours they’re looking for in that individual, because they’re putting people off by requesting qualifications that aren’t right for the role.
Q. HOW CAN EDUCATION RESOLVE THE CURRENT SKILLS GAP CRISIS?
» There are a lot of organisations
who are talking about education but are trying to tackle it as an individual entity, rather than an industry conversation. We’ve got to look outside of the current training providers, ourselves included, and at what other education streams are available. The solutions differ in every country but, essentially, it’s about education partnering with industry and collaborating properly. Education is there to provide whatever industry it serves with talented, motivated, educated and well-rounded individuals. But if industry doesn’t show education what it’s looking for, what chance has education got? We must look at initiatives like University Technical College (UTC) Heathrow and see how successful it’s already been. That’s a true collaboration between education and industry, and it’s been so successful that we have three more UTCs in the pipeline. Those four 18
October 2023
Four UTCs will bring
600
students each year into the industry having been around, aware of and working on data centre projects for four years
UTCs will bring 600 students each year into the industry having been around, aware of and working on data centre projects for four years. Six hundred people aren’t going to fix the skills gap but it’s a lot of people that will come into careers and start a ripple effect. We need to work together to raise awareness of the industry as a whole. The majority of people who work in a data centre today have ended up there by chance. There’s a need to spread the word to schools, colleges, careers advisors – with the right buzz that
“ WE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER TO RAISE AWARENESS OF THE INDUSTRY AS A WHOLE”
piques interest the more they will talk about it. It will not happen on its own. And if the industry works together to do this, the message will be stronger and further reaching. No one single company collaborating with a single school will solve the problem, we must leverage the power of collaboration to do it.
Q. WHAT INDUSTRY EDUCATION DOES CNET OFFER?
» We are proud to be the largest education provider in the world
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INTERVIEW WITH...
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dedicated to this industry and the only provider to award internationally recognised Pearson qualifications and professional certifications, which are directly applicable to careers in this industry. Our framework starts at entry level, one-day programs, such as our Data Centre Fundamentals programme through to a level 7, three-year master’s degree in Data Centre Leadership and Management.
Q. WHAT AREAS DO YOU THINK ARE OF THE MOST IMPORTANCE, IN TERMS OF ADVANCING DATA CENTRE EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES?
» A lot of the new schemes in the UK
incorporate work placements that focus on getting young people into the workplace. We need to treat these 20
October 2023
young people on work placements the same way as we would a customer and make an effort to be more open and welcoming as an industry. The industry needs to broaden its horizons and view of what we can work with. We need to stop worrying about this perceived idea that a young person coming in is going to break the data centre because there’s a lot of people already in the industry who are more likely to break it.
Q. WHAT ARE CNET’S DIFFERENTIATORS, AS AN EDUCATION PROVIDER?
» Everyone at CNet has a deep
understanding of what education means as opposed to training. Training is easy. You can train someone to put cable on a plug and repeat – after 10 hours they’re
CNet Training’s programmes CNet Training is the only industry dedicated education provider to award both internationally recognised Pearson qualifications and professional certifications, starting at entry level through to a qualification level 7 master’s degree program. CNet has been an approved Pearson BTEC centre for over 20 years, authorised by Pearson to design and deliver professional BTEC qualifications that meet the actual needs of the industry as it changes.
incredibly competent but they don’t have a deep understanding of what it does, why it’s done like that and what the results would be if you did it wrong.
Our focus at CNet is purely on designing and delivering the highest quality education. Our approach is to take our customers on a journey with us. They will gain knowledge and understanding all the way through the process. That sometimes requires difficult conversations with those who haven’t made the grade, but our job is to identify the gaps in their knowledge and help them fill them, not fill them for them. As a business, we are very conscious of the learner’s journey and experience. You will come away with a deep understanding of the subject and be able to take your knowledge and skills into your working environment and understand why you’re doing what you’re doing.
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LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT
NABEEL MAHMOOD NABEEL MAHMOOD TITLE: CO-FOUNDER
EXECUTIVE BIO
COMPANY: NOMAD FUTURIST FOUNDATION
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Nabeel Mahmood is a technologist, futurist, board member and keynote speaker. His career spans more than 25 years, and boasts experience leading largescale global technology organisations through seasons of explosive growth, and is passionate about the power of technology to deliver competitive andtransformational change. As well as founding and hosting technology and society podcast Nomad Futurist alongside Phillip Koblence, Mahmood is a strategic CEO who identifies opportunities that are being underpinned by emerging technologies and is an advisor to CTOs, CIOs, CFOs, and CEOs across a number of industries. He serves on multiple boards of private and publicly traded companies, including United Security Bank, SCB Global and Critical Ventures.
October 2023
Nabeel Mahmood, Co-Founder and Co-Host of the Nomad Futurist podcast, shares his career highlights and expertise with Data Centre Magazine
I
nspired by a deep-rooted passion for understanding how things work, Nabeel Mahmood’s entry into the data centre and technology industries started at a young age. His natural curiosity, which he still carries with him today, has led him to a career exploring the operation background of technology, advocating for, innovating and nurturing his own data centre passions as well as those of other industry C-Level executives. Grateful that his journey to date has allowed him to become a strong advocate for technological innovation, Mahmood holds great pride in demonstrating how passion and curiosity can lead to a fulfilling career. “I am a passionate advocate for the transformative power of technology and its potential to create a better, more equitable world,” Mahmood says. “My main interests lie in leveraging advanced
“The ability to get back on my feet no matter how hard it is continues to motivate me to change and be the change agent”
technologies to drive meaningful change in society. I hope that by leveraging the power of technology, we can help create a fairer, more equitable future for all.” With an extensive and diverse career spanning multiple industries and roles, Mahmood’s breadth of experience has equipped him with a broad and balanced skill set and offered the opportunity of working with diverse teams, something he believes is crucial in today’s everevolving workplace. And this expertise is something he shares with the data centre community and wider technology sector via the Nomad Futurist podcast in a bid to empower and inspire younger 24
October 2023
generations through exposure to the underlying technologies that power our digital world, while encouraging people worldwide to utilise technology for meaningful change. Founded in 2021, Nomad Futurist is a non-profit organisation and through the contributions of its supporters, is launching global programmes in partnership with a range of education providers, NGOs and other non-profits committed to educating children in underprivileged communities. “We have provided a unique global platform that brings together thought leaders and innovators in the data infrastructure sector to drive meaningful,
LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT
Nomad Futurist Podcast: Susanna Kass on Sustainability WATCH NOW
future-focused conversations,” Mahmood shares. “Over the years, we have created a community that fosters innovation and aims to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital world. Our achievements range from facilitating cutting-edge discussions on emerging technology trends to promoting inclusivity and diversity in tech.” Taking pride in their contribution to the industry’s evolution, it’s clear to see how tangible Nomad Futurist’s impact has been – and continues to be – with conversations often leading to initiatives that reshape industry practices and standards.
He adds: “We foster an environment that encourages creative problemsolving, pushing the boundaries of traditional technology solutions. This approach has brought about meaningful, industry-wide change as we continuously strive to rethink and reimagine the future of technology.” And the best way to do this, Mahmood believes, is through equipping the next generation with appropriate skills, knowledge, and tools. He says: “This is paramount as we navigate through an increasingly digitised and interconnected world, the ability to adapt and thrive depends heavily on one’s arsenal of skills and knowledge. The tools we provide to the younger generation can enhance their ability to learn, innovate, and problem-solve. This not only prepares them for future professional challenges but also instils datacentremagazine.com
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LIFETIME OF ACHIEVEMENT
A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Part of empowering the future of the data centre industry comes in the form of promoting sustainability, which Mahmood says is a “crucial component” for the future of the industry in the face of growing demand. “As data centres consume a significant amount of energy,” he explains, “the search for energy-efficient solutions is imperative to mitigate environmental impact. Renewable energy sources, efficient cooling methods, and advanced data management techniques will play a pivotal role in creating sustainable data centres. “Adopting green practices is environmentally responsible and can result in substantial cost savings in the long run. Sustainability is not just an option but necessary for the data centre industry moving forward.”
a sense of confidence and autonomy, enabling them to become proactive contributors to society.” Across his variety of roles, which include being a Board Director for some of the largest names in the technology sector such as SCB Global and United Security Bank, Mahmood highlights how his core mission looking forward remains the same, to continue to push boundaries in technology and leadership, looking towards the horizon of innovation while staying committed to philanthropic efforts and channelling resources into education. “The mission is to bridge the digital divide and democratise access to quality education and healthcare, particularly in underserved communities around the 26
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globe. Hopefully, I can contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future by leveraging technology for social good.” And that is not an empty promise from Mahmood, with past awards and recognition are a testament to his achievements. Among them include being named as a top influencer and leader industry-wide. He is a frequent speaker at forums and conferences across the globe and his insights on trends in business have been featured in leading publications, leading him to be sought out for advice from start-ups and or F1000 enterprises and being asked to mentor. Despite his undeniable success, none of the above are what Mahmood acknowledges as his finest achievements. “My proudest achievement has been the ability to recover
“ By leveraging the power of technology, we can create a fairer, more equitable future for all” from multiple medical, personal, and professional setbacks,” he shares. “The ability to get back on my feet no matter how hard it is continues to motivate me to change and be the change agent. The setbacks and challenges have given me the
opportunity for growth, which has helped me become more resilient and adaptable, skills that have been invaluable throughout my life and career. One of the most inspirational pieces of advice he carries through with him on his rollercoaster career is: ‘Don’t be afraid to try new things and make mistakes. That’s how we learn and grow’. “This simple yet profound statement has propelled me to step out of my comfort zone and venture into new domains, even when the path seems uncertain,” Mahmood reflects. “I have passed on this advice to many of my colleagues and mentees, encouraging them to embrace change, experiment with new ideas, and perceive failures not as setbacks but as stepping stones to success.” datacentremagazine.com
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TOP 10
DATA CENTR COMPANIES Data Centre Magazine compiles a list of the Top 10 companies in the data centre industry, including the likes of AWS, Equinix and Iron Mountain WRITTEN BY: MAYA DERRICK
A
backbone of our digital world, the data centre industry enables the world to be better connected than ever and poses endless possibilities. And in the ever-evolving landscape of technology, few sectors have experienced such a remarkable transformation as the data centre industry. This compilation displays
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some of the most remarkable and influential companies at the heart of this development, the drivers behind change. Following on from our Top 100 data centre companies supplement, released in August, we look back on those featured in the top 10 – and what attributes mean they have secured a well-earned spot at the top of the data centre game. To read the whole Top 100 list, click here.
TOP 10
RE
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TOP 10
10
Iron Mountain Iron Mountain is a global leader in storage and information management services, serving 170,000 customers in 37 countries. Its data centre arm operates a global colocation platform that enables customers to build tailored, sustainable, carrier, and cloudneutral data solutions. The company leads the industry in highly-regulated compliance, environmental sustainability, physical security, and business continuity. Today, Iron Mountain is headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts and the company is headed up by CEO William Meaney.
09 SAP BTP SAP’s strategy is to help every business run as an intelligent, sustainable enterprise. As a market leader in enterprise application software, it helps companies of all sizes and in all industries run at their best, with SAP customers generating 87% of total global commerce. To minimise the negative impact of its internal and external data centres, SAP-owned data centres run with 100% renewable electricity. SAP also achieves a ‘green cloud’ by investing in high-quality, EKO energy-certified Energy Attribute Certificates to foster renewable energy generation.
TOP 10
08
IBM Cloud Renowned for specialising in cuttingedge cloud computing solutions, IBM was founded in 1911 and has established itself as a leading player in the industry. With cloud services tailored to meet customers’ unique needs, it caters to a broad customer base of enterprises, small and medium-sized businesses and individuals across a variety of industries including healthcare, finance, retail and manufacturing. IBM Cloud’s notable USPs include its robust infrastructure and the company’s extensive network of data centres enables seamless integration and efficient data management.
07 Meta Meta’s network of global data centres helps bring its technologies and services to life, along with future immersive experiences like the metaverse. Operating numerous data centres globally, Meta’s facilities utilise cutting-edge technology and energy efficiency. Meta is committed to playing a positive role and investing in the long-term vitality of the communities in which it operates. With its data centres among the most efficient in the world, Meta is focused on renewable energy, efficiency, eliminating waste, boosting employee wellness and incorporating greener products. datacentremagazine.com
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TOP 10
06
Oracle Cloud Oracle Cloud provides the full breadth of business cloud services, including storage and applications. Its services have grown hugely in recent years, placing it amongst the long-standing industry giants. The cloud technology company provides organisations around the world with computing infrastructure and software to help them innovate, unlock efficiencies and become more effective. Oracle Cloud created the world’s first – and only – autonomous database to help organise and secure its customers’ data and offers higher performance, security, and cost savings.
Name Surname This is the job title
Company name
05 Equinix
A key player for 25 years, Equinix enables digital leaders to harness a trusted platform to bring together and interconnect the foundational infrastructure that powers its success. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, the multinational company specialises in internet connection and data centres. Equinix is a leader in global colocation data centre market share, with 248 data centres in 27 countries on five continents. Equinix interconnects industryleading organisations such as finance, manufacturing, retail, transportation, government, healthcare and education across a digital-first world. datacentremagazine.com
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04 Digital Realty San Francisco-headquartered Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data centre, colocation and interconnection solutions. Digital Realty enables its customers with the connected data communities that matter to them – with a global data centre footprint of more than 300 facilities in more than 50 metros across 27 countries on six continents. The core of Digital Realty’s DNA is to be the safe and open meeting place for companies, technologies and data of all shapes and sizes.
03 Google Cloud Platform Using the same infrastructure as Google end-user products, Google Cloud Platform is a suite of cloud computing services. Google Cloud’s data centres are available in specific regions across five continents – with a region being a collection of zones. As of 2022, Google Cloud Platform is available in 34 regions and 103 zones. Google Cloud actively focuses on reducing its environmental impact through energy-efficient data centres, carbon offset programs, and sustainable practices and enables customers to run their workloads on a green and environmentally responsible platform.
02
TOP 10
Microsoft Azure
Founded in 2010, Azure is Microsoft’s public cloud computing platform. With 160 active data centres in 60 regions around the world – more than any other cloud provider – the Azure cloud platform is now made up of more than 200 products and cloud services designed to help bring new solutions to life, solving today’s challenges and shaping the future. Its cloud services include compute, analytics, storage and networking. Headquartered in Redmond, Washington, USA, Azure’s robust infrastructure and
comprehensive suite of services allows it to offer a secure and scalable cloud platform for deploying applications, storing data, and accessing computing resources. The Azure platform, Microsoft says, can be up to 93% more energy efficient than using a traditional enterprise data centre. Microsoft has been carbon neutral since 2012 and is committed to being carbon negative by 2030, with the commitment by 2050 to remove all the carbon it’s directly emitted since its founding in 1975.
How we keep the Microsoft cloud up and running WATCH NOW
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Knowledge Partners
THE TOP 100 COMPANIES IN DATA CENTRE Discover the companies leading the way, setting the pace and inspiring global business change.
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01 TOP 10
AWS
Launched in 2006, Amazon Web Services (AWS) began exposing key infrastructure services to businesses in the form of web services, in today’s world widely known as cloud computing. A prominent data centre company, AWS’ cloud computing allows the ability to leverage a new business model and turn capital infrastructure expenses into variable costs. In the last 17 years AWS has grown and now comprises more than 200 products, with hundreds of thousands of businesses in 190 countries around the world using AWS to lower costs, become more agile, and innovate faster – compared to the 150,000 developers who
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signed up to use AWS at its cloud computing inception in 2006. With data centre locations in the US, Europe, Singapore, and Japan, customers across all industries can take advantage of AWS’ low cost, elastic, open and flexible, secure platform. Notable AWS customers include NASA, Netflix and Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign.
TOP 10
Working in an AWS Data Centre | Amazon Web Services WATCH NOW
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DATA CENTRES
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October 2023
THE FUTURE OF HYPERSCALE DATA CENTRES: EXERTING INFLUENCE With digital business growing, hyperscale data centres are expected to dominate the market. Leaders in the sector give their insights into their future WRITTEN BY: MAYA DERRICK
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D
ata Bridge Market Research estimates that the hyperscale data centre market size will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 26.93% between 2021 and 2028. This is thanks to the exponential growth of digital businesses which rely on the need to scale quickly and the quality of resilience that hyperscale facilities have to offer. Created to meet increased demand for cloud services and the ever growing need for capacity – which, with growing adoption of power and space-hungry 5G, AI and IoT means more reliable and efficient capacity is required – these outsourced massive business-critical facilities are designed to efficiently support robust, scalable applications. The majority of these facilities are owned and operated by technology giants, including the likes of Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google, IBM and Apple. There are just 700 of these facilities globally, but this is double both in number of facilities and capacity that there was five years ago. Growing demand for hyperscale data centres “The escalating demand for hyperscale data centres arises from the rapid and ongoing digitalisation of business and society, resulting in a need for more and more computing and storage,” Dan Pointon, Group Chief Technology Officer of ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) explains. As one of the world’s fastest-growing data centre providers, since 2014 STT GDC has worked to power a sustainable digital future, offering colocation that enables businesses 44
October 2023
to thrive within its scaled interconnected infrastructure. “Cloud computing, big data analytics and IoT applications have all been instrumental in supporting digitalisation,” he adds. “And data centres have been at the core of enabling the efficient management of data, supporting global connectivity and offering scalability.” The recent rise in generative AI applications has emerged as a new demand driver for a different type of computing, placing fresh demands on data centres to
DATA CENTRES
be able to provide immense computing power for processing and analysing vast and complex datasets. This is echoed by professional services, data centre specialists and consultancy firm Arup’s Global Science, Industry, and Technology (SIT) Leader Jennifer DiMambro, who adds: “The simple answer to the growing demand is the ever-increasing demand for data at all levels – from the individual, through organisations, and up to public infrastructure. It is clear that hyperscalers provide internet, cloud, and network access in a highly efficient and resilient model. “We’re observing that cloud computing, IoT, 5G, and the growth of edge computing along with the huge increase in demand for access to data are all driving the massive growth.” This expansion, she explains, was exacerbated by the pandemic with much of the global workforce relying on platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, as well as the increasing reliance on streaming services.
“ Hyperscalers are reshaping the data centre market with new opportunities” HATO ZHOU
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE DESIGN, TENCENT
Hyperscalers to dominate the data centre market “Hyperscalers are reshaping the data centre market with new opportunities,” Hato Zhou, Deputy Director of Architecture Design at leading global technology and entertainment giant Tencent – the company behind WeChat – adds. “As business data gains more importance, technologies such as data storage, mining, and analysis are becoming increasingly mature, and businesses leveraging data analysis, algorithms, and applications continue to grow.” datacentremagazine.com
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DATA CENTRES
As historical technological accumulation grows and there continues to be an investment in new technologies, hyperscalers are poised for new growth – leading to further demand for data centres. But as DiMambro adds, while historically organisations may have owned and operated their own data centres, increasingly they are turning to hyperscalers to provide them with a cheaper, more secure, and reliable service. “Hyperscalers also constantly invest and innovate in infrastructure, ensuring reliability and high performance,” she states. “I believe hyperscalers will continue to dominate the data centre industry, but with growth in the colocation/developer market. We expect to see hyperscalers relying more on developers as a way to meet growth demands in the short- and medium-term due to a faster speed-to-market.” Pointon adds: “The rise in generative AI applications is causing a significant shift in the nature of computing workloads,
Jennifer DiMambro TITLE: GLOBAL SCIENCE, INDUSTRY, AND TECHNOLOGY (SIT) LEADER COMPANY: ARUP INDUSTRY: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES LOCATION: NEW YORK, USA DiMambro has been with Arup for 27 years, with experience both in the UK and US. Her role includes managing the overall success and financial performance of the SIT business, cultivating business development and building client relationships while also developing Arups’ team and their skills. DiMambro’s passion is figuring out ways to guide clients to meet the ever-increasing demand for data while simultaneously addressing the huge environmental impacts of this growth.
DATA CENTRES
The pressure of AI on hyperscale data centres The computational demands of AI, coupled with the substantial data volumes required for applications like model training, are propelling the need for hyperscale data centres, Pointon adds. “These data centres are uniquely equipped to deliver the immense compute, storage, and networking capabilities essential for AI applications.” A report by IDC highlights the remarkable trajectory of the worldwide AI market, predicted it will post a CAGR of 18.6% in the 2022-2026 period to reach the US$900 billion mark in 2026. This is expected to lead to huge opportunities for AI in the future. Pointon demonstrates: “The AI boom is also catalysing fresh opportunities for hyperscale data centre operators. Those capable of addressing the distinctive infrastructure prerequisites demanded by high-performance computing workloads, while continually advancing sustainable energy practices, are positioned advantageously. Meeting the escalating demand for AI infrastructure and services positions these operators for substantial success in the impending years.” DiMambro alludes to how AI is increasingly a disruptor in the data centre market as clients and the industry itself recognises how AI is changing the way services are delivered – although the nature of exactly how remains unclear. “We do expect rapid changes in our clients’ requirements and reference designs as they work through this transformation. With AI demanding high performance processors, liquid cooling is the preferred technology. We have not yet seen a dominant technological solution in this sector as multiple different.”
A hyperscale data centre in the Netherlands IMAGE: GETTY
leading to a substantial increase in highperformance accelerated computing demands – versus general purpose computing workloads – which, in turn, creates distinct requirements for data centre environments, particularly in terms of cooling. As such, hyperscale data centres will have to evolve to meet these unique requirements. “The market will remain diverse, accommodating a range of providers to meet the varied needs of businesses and industries.” Hyperscale growth’s impact on the wider data centre industry AI demand is pivotal in the development direction of IT and, through AI, work
Hato Zhou efficiency improves. Though one point that must be acknowledged is how imperative security remains in a bid to tackle and mitigate cybercrime. “The growing demand for cloud/ AI is reshaping the industry landscape, presenting a dual scenario of opportunity and challenges,” Pointon expresses. “The energy consumption of the data centre sector and the broader computing industry raises concerns regarding environmental sustainability issues. This prompts a critical need for enhanced efficiency and real sector-wide action on sustainability measures.” He feels embracing renewable or lowcarbon energy sources for powering data centres and integrating more technologies
TITLE: DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF ARCHITECTURE DESIGN COMPANY: TENCENT DATA CENTER INDUSTRY: INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY LOCATION: SHENZHEN, CHIN Zhou is Deputy Director of Architecture Design at a leading global technology and entertainment company Tencent, founded in 1998. He has been at the forefront of the evolution of China’s data centres and is proud to have participated in the process of its rapid development. Zhou was responsible for the design of the Tencent Data Center and the invention of T-block, a fully product-oriented data centre.
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DATA CENTRES
A glimpse of Internet giant Tencent’s ‘information factory’ in Shanghai WATCH NOW
is a pivotal step that must be taken to lessen environmental impact. In recognition of this, STT GDC initiated its ESG strategy three years ago, showing its commitment to environmental responsibility alongside others in the industry and a dedication to actioning meaningful change. “The accelerating demand is sparking a surge in job opportunities across the tech sector,” he continues. “Proficient professionals are in demand to oversee the establishment and operation of data centres, alongside the development and deployment of AI applications. This offers a promising avenue for career growth.” DiMambro agrees that a key challenge facing the market that needs to be addressed is sustainability. Despite leading hyperscalers making significant commitments in this space, there has been pushback worldwide against major hyperscale developments. 50
October 2023
STT Loyang data hall IMAGE: STT GDC
Data Bridge Market Research estimates that the hyperscale data centre market size will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of
26.93%
between 2021 and 2028 There are just
700
hyperscale data centres globally, but this is double both in number of facilities and capacity that there was five years ago AI adoption in the Asia Pacific region is making notable strides, with more than
55%
of companies utilising such technologies
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DATA CENTRES
She explains: “We are observing significant opportunities to work with our clients to select sites that enable them to make a step change in sustainability including looking at cleaner sources of electricity and considering alternative sources of energy. There are opportunities for greater community engagement with an emphasis on addressing equity and biodiversity issues at the outset of these projects.” The future of hyperscale data centres and AI growth Although the future remains uncertain – like in any other facet of life – one thing that can be said with confidence is that AI will play a pivotal role. “I believe that the future of hyperscalers will involve more roles related to AI,” Zhou confidently says. “As for data centres, which serve as the fundamental infrastructure of the internet business, Tencent has been progressively building the fourth generation of data centres, known as T-block data centres, in China since 2009, which boast industry-leading PUE design and operation. With solar power deployed and used in data centre parks, the proportion of data centres powered by renewable energy is steadily increasing year by year, and we expect to see lots of focus on sustainable development in this area in the future.” And over at STT GDC, future expansion plans revolve around continual geographic expansion throughout Asia Pacific and in the UK and Europe, as well as augmenting its technological capabilities to become a prominent infrastructure player in the AI and high-performance computing domain. This is driven by data on AI adoption, as, for example, the Asia Pacific region is 52
October 2023
“ The market will remain diverse, accommodating a range of providers to meet the varied needs of businesses and industries” DAN POINTON
TECHNOLOGY OFFICER, STT GDC
making notable strides in many business sectors, with more than 55% of companies utilising such technologies, Pointon details. “By investing in sustainable computing power, advanced cooling solutions, and strategic partnerships,” he says, “we aim to address the growing demands of AI-driven workloads in a forward-thinking and impactful manner. For data centres to be future-ready, they need to be equipped to support high-performance computing workloads including artificial intelligence, machine learning, and highcapacity visual computing.”
DATA CENTRES
Dan Pointon TITLE: GROUP CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER COMPANY: ST TELEMEDIA GLOBAL DATA CENTRES INDUSTRY: DATA CENTRE SERVICES PROVIDER Geography remains important at Arup, too. From DiMambro’s viewpoint, the future of hyperscale data centres will be shaped by how they are situated in relation to urban cores and the related tax incentives and policies. “My colleagues and I are focusing on how we can better integrate hyperscale data centres into an urban environment with considerations for transportation and accessibility, as well as the ways we can physically design these facilities to better integrate into the fabric of a city.”
LOCATION: SINGAPORE Pointon oversees the strategic leadership and oversight of the technical aspects of STT GDC and works closely with partners STT GDC group of companies to ensure the consistent delivery of the brand’s approach and technical excellence He also leads the R&D function to ensure STT GDC is best positioned to innovate and respond to the global mega-trends such as climate change, AI and ML.
LOGO
STACK INFRASTRUCTURE
LEADERS IN DRIVING ESG, GROWTH AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS WRITTEN BY: MAYA DERRICK PRODUCED BY: LEWIS VAUGHAN
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STACK INFRASTRUCTURE
STACK’s EMEA leadership team explores its growth over the last 18 months and how it’s hyper-focused on sustainability and creating positive relationships
D
elivering growth while maintaining a positive environmental and social impact is at the heart of STACK Infrastructure’s operations. As a leading global developer and operator of data centres, STACK provides digital infrastructure to scale the world’s most innovative companies. It’s acutely focused on doing so in an environmentally and socially positive way, through measures such as powering all facilities with 100% renewables, piloting innovative projects like heat reuse, and engaging relevantly with local communities. This is embodied by STACK’s EMEA Vice President of ESG, Michillay Brown. Proudly South African born and raised, she is motivated by the beauty and complexity of her homeland to drive change and make a real, positive impact. “Data centres are the foundations of the global digital landscape and building critical infrastructure with respect for our planet and its people is essential,” she says. “Sustainability strategies that deliver tangible results is something I’m incredibly passionate about.” Encouraging and inspiring the data centre workforce of the future Reducing carbon footprints, circularity principles and delivering benefits to communities is what drew Brown to the data
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From left: STACK’s Michillay Brown, John Eland, and Amy Daniell
“ OUR ESG AND DE&I PROGRAMS ARE PIVOTAL TO ENSURING WE PROVIDE A WELCOMING AND THRIVING WORK ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR PEOPLE” JOHN ELAND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, STACK EMEA
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centre industry and especially to STACK following a career in mining. Amy Daniell, STACK’s Senior Vice President of Strategy and Development in EMEA, shares how the industry has evolved at an exponential rate over the last 15 years, and that the scale of STACK’s projects never ceases to amaze her. Amid the growth, the company’s focus on sustainability and its workforce is also moving forward at pace. “Eight to 10 years ago, a big data centre in Europe was five or six megawatts,” Daniell explains. “Now, it’s more like 50 or 60 megawatts. It’s a very different scale. The key evolution is that we are reaching a talent saturation point in our industry, and we’re having to look to other industries for new talent.”
STACK INFRASTRUCTURE
JOHN ELAND TITLE: CEO, EMEA COMPANY: STACK INFRASTRUCTURE
The STACK team at the Milan Marathon
Daniell, who studied law and worked in construction before entering the data centre space, works closely with local schools to encourage young people from all backgrounds to consider careers in data centres and STEM subjects. But Daniell doesn’t work alone to shape the workforce of the future; across EMEA, STACK runs several local education programs with a range of benefits for students, from learning about and interacting with data centres, to internships and apprenticeships. Though STACK operates in three distinct regions – Americas, EMEA and APAC – John Eland, the Chief Executive Officer of the EMEA business, explains that client focus, speed, agility and excellence in delivery unite STACK worldwide.
John Eland is the EMEA Chief Executive Officer at STACK. He joined the company in April 2022 to oversee its expansion across the EMEA region. Prior to joining STACK, John served as Chief Strategy Officer of the Global Data Centres division at NTT Ltd where he led strategy and corporate development in existing and new markets. Early in his career, John served as the CEO of Data City Exchange, a modular data centre solution innovator. From there he transitioned to the investment side of the industry, joining AXA Investment Managers in 2014 to oversee the deployment and management of AXAIM’s £1billion data centre investments programme.
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GET IN TOUCH
Kohler delivers power solutions to keep data centres on Lenaik Andrieux, GM EMEA & India of Power Systems at Kohler, explains why its production increase is paramount for enabling reliable energy for data centre businesses In a digital age where continuous power is non-negotiable, Kohler emerges as a beacon of reliable energy solutions for various sectors, from healthcare to the rapidly expanding data centre market. Kohler’s diverse portfolio ranges from kitchen and bath businesses to entertainment and golf. Yet, its heart lies in the power industry, offering engines, generators, switch gears, and uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) globally. Lenaik Andrieux, GM EMEA & India, emphasises, “Power systems is really almost an energy insurance business. We are here to make sure that your line never goes off.” This dedication has led to a 30% production capacity increase, especially targeting the data centre sector. Beyond generators, Kohler’s switchgear segment stands out. As Andrieux explains, “Switch gears distribute energy effectively, ensuring it reaches the right spot in your process or organisation.” Kohler’s commitment goes beyond products; they deliver total power
solutions, a comprehensive approach covering design, execution, and long-term support. Sustainability is integral to Kohler. The company has slashed its carbon footprint by 60% using renewable fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). Innovative programs like Conscious Care™ further demonstrate their eco-focus, aiming to reduce the operational maintenance activity hours of large power plants, hence the environmental impact. When questioned about challenges transitioning to HVO, Andrieux reassures, “It’s easy to substitute with the same parameters as GNR. As demand grows, supply will match.” Andrieux foresees Kohler making significant strides in the data centre realm. “We have a strong brand and take direct ownership of projects with our customers from start to finish,” he states. A cornerstone of Kohler’s success in the sustainability space is its many partnerships with companies and organizations that align with their vision. They value collaboration with other entities when it is firmly rooted in trust as well as technical expertise.
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STACK INFRASTRUCTURE
Heat reuse pipes at a STACK data centre
“ DATA CENTRES ARE THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE GLOBAL DIGITAL LANDSCAPE AND BUILDING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WITH RESPECT FOR OUR PLANET AND ITS PEOPLE IS ESSENTIAL” MICHILLAY BROWN
VICE PRESIDENT, ESG, STACK EMEA
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“We want to ensure that STACK resonates with people, both inside and outside the industry, for the right reasons,” Eland shares. “Our ESG and DE&I programs are pivotal to ensuring that we not only strive to deliver excellence in data centre development and operations, but we also provide a welcoming and thriving work environment for our people along with developing strong connections with the communities in which we operate.” Giving back to communities STACK serves What STACK is cognisant of, Brown highlights, is that operating around EMEA presents its own challenges when it comes
Use more image captions as often as possible
STACK campus beehives datacentremagazine.com
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components managed with control logics. Moreover, the Vertiv™ Liebert® iCOM™ monitoring and control logic is strategically at the heart of such tailor-made cooling systems as it not only enhances efficiency but also provides the necessary redundancy for cooling continuity, even during power outages. A key advantage offered by Vertiv is the opportunity to undergo witness tests, benefiting from comprehensive consultations with engineering and application specialists. Vertiv’s Thermal Management Customer Experience Centre includes seven innovation labs on one site, where customers can witness and verify the quality, functionality, and performance of their tailor-made solution. The holistic approach ensures that the entire bespoke solution, not just individual units, meets the agreed requirements and expectations. To complement its cutting-edge solutions, Vertiv offers a comprehensive suite of services which are essential to enhance efficiency and performance. By providing key insights on how the equipment is being used, Vertiv services can help improve uptime and reliability, lower operating costs, increase energy efficiency, and ultimately reduce the data centre’s environmental impact.
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STACK INFRASTRUCTURE
John Eland, EMEA CEO at STACK, on 18 Months of Growth, Sustainability, and Positive Relationships WATCH NOW
to ESG and delivery, with local laws, boundaries and obligations varying from location to location. STACK’s approach to ESG is global at its core, but flexible so that when implemented at a local level it serves the needs of communities. “We unlock so much value when our global regions are collaborating and sharing best practices with different yet regionally relevant initiatives,” Brown explains. STACK has implemented a number of progressive ESG initiatives on a local level, such as heat reuse solutions and rainwater harvesting. One of its most pioneering projects is in Oslo, Norway, where heat 66
October 2023
from STACK’s data centre is reused to warm up to 5,000 city homes. Brown adds: “STACK is also factoring in local biodiversity as part of our basis of design. This means looking to incorporate low-maintenance green facades which cover the building with native species of vegetation. It’s very attractive for the aesthetics of an industrial area and attracts wildlife as well. Conservation efforts with campus beehives is another initiative we’re particularly proud of.” In 2024, STACK will launch its new global ESG framework and commitments, bringing a holistic approach to ESG across all areas of STACK worldwide.
Heat from STACK’s Oslo data centre is reused to warm up to 5,000 city homes. Native plants are incorporated into the design of the facade STACK operates in
United through solving complicated problems with people of different backgrounds Eland is a firm believer that STACK’s success and continued growth EMEAwide is well supported by its strong dynamic culture and diverse workforce, with more than 30 nationalities represented in this region of STACK alone. “STACK is present in 23 markets and counting,”
23
markets across EMEA, APAC, and the Americas Globally, STACK boasts
2.5+GW
of built and under development capacity and
4.0+GW
of planned and potential development More than
30
nationalities are represented in STACK’s EMEA workforce
he says. “And of course there are logistical considerations that come with adding new markets, new regulations and new members of the workforce. We’ve been driving harmonisation while remaining highly focused on growth and maintaining that strong growth trajectory,” he adds. “Over the last 18 months we’ve been focused on integrating three legacy regional businesses and have successfully brought it all datacentremagazine.com
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The clock is ticking in the race for net zero infrastructure. European data center operators are embarking on a quest to power the path to a sustainable digital future, but only through collaboration, digitalization and electrification can the vision become a reality.
T
oday we are at an inflection point. In recent times, businesses and consumers have lived through one of the worst energy crises in living memory, while the fundamental challenge of our generation, climate change, is being compounded by energy issues. It’s estimated that 80% of the world’s emissions come from the production, generation, and transmission of energy. If businesses can begin to reduce or eliminate energy waste, humankind can begin to benefit on a global scale, and make significant steps forward in the mission to combat global warming. Looking back to the energy crisis, the reality away from media headlines is fundamentally, different. Indeed, there were no blackouts, no outages, and today the cost of energy is gradually coming down. However, the fallout remains high, with energyintensive industries such as petrochemicals being mothballed, data center operating costs peaking throughout the winter, and Europe becoming less attractive for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with greenfield investment projects falling an estimated 15% to-date. The good news, however, is that while 12 months ago 70% of the European Unions (EU) energy came from fossil fuels, the continents’ renewable energy production capabilities have accelerated at a dramatic rate, with almost 40% of all energy now being generated from renewables. What’s clear is that to drive the green transition forward we must continue to prioritise investments in green infrastructure, renewable energy, and sustainable digital transformation – all of which will be vital to address global warming and solve the challenges presented by the energy crisis.
For businesses and consumers alike, energy security and sustainability are two sides of the same coin and it’s estimated that 60% of all energy produced is lost or wasted. The challenge, therefore, is to find new ways to minimize waste across all critical industries by investing in highly resilient and energy efficient technologies, many of which exist already today. As the winter fast-approaches, this becomes even more important for data center operators, where geopolitical issues and grid constrains will have an immediate impact on costs, power supplies and increase the risk of downtime. The reality is that the pace of digitization over the last few years has truly been transformative, and the data center industry, which is the backbone of the digital economy, is becoming increasingly accountable. By 2025, the electrical footprint of data centers is expected to increase by 50%, and we anticipate a 500% growth in data globally. Clearly our digitized world requires an exceptional amount of processing and storage, causing exponential demand for data centers and IT infrastructures. Ultimately, this growth means energy efficiency and sustainability are paramount to the future of the sector, and as the world becomes more dependent on digital infrastructure, we must encourage the responsible consumption and production of data - ensuring we embed a culture of sustainability in our data center designs, buildouts and operations. To unlock the new efficiencies and improvements will require new insights hailed from the creation of data. Therefore, the data center sector itself can act as a catalyst for sustainable change, empowering the world to do more, with less, while reducing the amount of energy and resources wasted, and minimizing carbon emissions.
Powering the Path to a Sustainable, Digital Future
MARC GARNER
SVP SECURE POWER EUROPE, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
At Schneider Electric, we believe the convergence of digitalization and electrification, something we call Electricity 4.0, presents us with the fastest path to net zero, and a world which is more sustainable and more resilient. This is inherently important for the data center sector. Electricity, for example, makes energy green and is proven to be 3-5x more efficient than other energy sources, while digital technology helps makes the invisible visible, driving new efficiencies and eliminating energy waste. Today the data center industry has made great progress in driving energy efficiency and sustainability, but it’s clear that more must be done in the quest to build a net zero future. If we can find new ways to reduce energy waste, we can reduce consumption, costs, and carbon emissions, and place ourselves right at the heart of the green transition.
Today Schneider Electric is partnering with STACK Infrastructure to help the organization power the path for a more sustainable, digital future. As part of an ongoing collaboration at its MIL01A data center, Schneider Electric has provided some of the foundational physical infrastructure and software, helping the organization achieve its ambitious energy efficiency and sustainability objectives. STACK, for example, has created a powerhouse of sustainable, efficient, and resilient colocation data centers, providing customers with unparalleled, flexible expansion capacity and a sustainable platform for growth. Its MIL01A facility delivers an annualized operational PUE of ~1.3, with a water usage effectiveness (WUE) of ~0.8 - all while meeting ASHRAE TC9.9 thermal guidelines. To achieve the highest levels of efficiency, STACK utilizes Schneider Electric’s Galaxy™ VX UPS with Li-Ion batteries, which offers up to 99% energy efficiency in eConversion™ mode, alongside Schneider Electric racks, Computer Room Air Conditioning (CRAC) units, electrical distribution, and switchgear. Software is also critical to its operations and in Milan, it utilizes Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ platform to gain granular levels of insight and control into the operating environment. Key modules include Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Data Center Expert, EcoStruxure IT™ Expert and Power Monitoring Expert modules – connecting the data center, electrical, mechanical and key critical systems together via DCIM and BMS to deliver reduced energy consumption, and a more efficient and holistic operation. Through a meticulous approach to design and operations, and by harnessing the power of Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Data Centers™ portfolio, STACK is delivering unmatched levels of sustainability and efficiency to clients in Italy. To learn more about the benefits of EcoStruxure Data Center Solutions, click here.
STACK INFRASTRUCTURE
“ THE ORGANISATIONS WE COLLABORATE WITH SHARE OUR SUSTAINABILITY PRINCIPLES AND WANT TO ACHIEVE THE SAME GOALS. WE ALL WANT TO BE ON THE SAME JOURNEY” AMY DANIELL
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, STRATEGY AND DEVELOPMENT, STACK EMEA
together. We’re one STACK organisation in EMEA, one team, applying STACK’s global delivery principles to serve as a trusted partner to our clients.” Partners with common values central to STACK And although STACK is in a strong position to make positive change and significantly grow, it can’t do this on its own. “Partnerships are at the forefront of our business practice. We want to develop long-term relationships which are key to consistency and sustained success,” explains Daniell. “So to continue to deliver at pace and serve as a partner to our own clients, building strong relationships with our supply chain is essential,” Daniell stresses. “Trust is key. It’s a matter of building a strong supply chain and collaborating with them to achieve 70
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STACK’s data centre in Oslo
our goals of delivering excellence in service, on time and on budget, sustainably.” Daniell details how STACK’s partner companies are carefully selected. Shared core values, including the sustainable sourcing of raw materials, is non-negotiable. She admits that while many of STACK’s valued partnerships are already established, the company continues to seek alliances with those who also put sustainability and respect for the planet at the heart of their offering. “We’re looking at all of their processes because they’re part of our value chain,” she adds. “We’re making sure that once our buildings are fully operational,
we’ve worked diligently to understand the origin of every single component. The organisations we collaborate with share our sustainability principles and want to achieve the same goals. We all want to be on the same journey.” A phase of hypergrowth The term ‘sustainable future’ has more than one definition for Eland - to him, it applies to both the planet and the business. “Our entire industry is in a phase of hypergrowth. We were already experiencing a phase of strong growth driven by core compute requirements, but with the advent of AI – particularly over the last year – there
are larger-scale demand requirements coming to market that show no signs of slowing,” he details. Eland sees the next 12 to 18 months focused on ensuring STACK’s growth trajectory in EMEA continues to match that of its hyperscale clients, ensuring successful and safe delivery. “We see no evidence of these requirements diminishing. We are ensuring that we are well-placed, well-served and properly structured to support them as they arrive.”
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WOMEN IN THE DATA CENTRE INDUSTRY:
GETTING GIRLS INTO STEM
A
ccording to the Uptime Institute, almost half the data centre workforce today has 20 years of experience or more, and by 2025 half of existing engineering staff will retire despite the number of staff needed to run the world’s data centres predicted to grow from around 72
October 2023
two million to nearly 2.3 million by 2025. The global digital infrastructure authority also stated in 2021, more than three-quarters of data centre operators surveyed said less than 10% of their staff members were women, unchanged since 2018. And just two years before, in 2019, a report on privately owned enterprise data centres found that 25%
Data Centre Magazine speaks with leading industry women to talk about their experiences and to highlight what more can be done to improve DE&I sector-wide WRITTEN BY: MAYA DERRICK
of managers surveyed had no women among their design or operational staff, with just five percent of the respondents saying women made up 50% or more of their workforce. With calls to fill the skills gap with a diverse workforce made up of all races, sexes and backgrounds, it is more important
than ever to ensure that the workforce is as resilient and future-proof as possible, while ensuring the industry can put its best foot forward with the top tiers of talent. And this is not just as part of a tick box exercise. There are countless benefits to having women in the workforce, and in the data centre workforce specifically. datacentremagazine.com
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INNOVATION FOR SURE.
GREEN DATA CENTERS DATA CASTLE designs, plans, builds and operates energy-efficient, highly available data centers
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Bringing in different perspectives “Women think differently than men, and that in and of itself, is important,” Dr Kelley Mullick, Vice President of Technology Advancement and Alliances explains. Dr Mullick, who joined Iceotope earlier this year following more than a decade at Intel, feels as a female engineer, she can look at a project from both a detailed and big picture perspective – an added benefit which complements the skill set of her male counterparts. She adds: “I also think women are more collaborative in general. Research shows that diverse teams with diverse thinking creates higher performing teams with better business results.”
“Evolving away from a macho environment can certainly contribute to a healthier workplace” SOPHIA FLUCKER
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, MICIM
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Dr Kelley Mullick TITLE: VICE PRESIDENT OF TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT AND ALLIANCES COMPANY: ICEOTOPE INDUSTRY: DATA CENTRE LOCATION: OREGON, USA
“ Women think differently than men, and that in and of itself, is important” DR KELLEY MULLICK
VICE PRESIDENT OF TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT AND ALLIANCE, ICEOTOPE
Dr Mullick is responsible for spearheading the advancement of technology initiatives and fostering strategic alliances with leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and technology partners at Iceotope. As a dynamic and results-oriented systems engineer, her primary focus is to drive the evolution of Iceotope’s liquid cooling technology, ensuring its continued innovation and relevance in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
This sentiment is echoed by Sophia Flucker, Technical Director at MiCiM Ltd and Managing Director at IT consulting firm Operational Intelligence Ltd. “It’s difficult to make generalisations about half of the population,” she starts, “however it has been demonstrated that a diverse workforce is more effective as different experiences mean that people bring different perspectives which can help avoid blind spots and groupthink. 76
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“Evolving away from a macho environment can certainly contribute to a healthier workplace.” How these data centre leaders were drawn to work in the industry Both Mullick and Flucker acknowledge that their paths into the data centre industry were far from purposeful. Flucker jokes: “I fell into the data centre industry by accident when looking for a job
as a mechanical engineering graduate. I stayed in it because the pace of change and challenges mean the work is interesting.” Dr Mullick’s engineering-focused background also led her to work in the data centre space, but like Flucker, it was a happy accident. Once she had completed her PhD in chemical engineering, she was recruited by Intel. “I was excited at the prospect of working for a technology rich company
with a deep history and strong engineering background,” she explains. And although the first five years of her tenure were more manufacturing focused, she was eager to learn of the impacts of the products – chips – she was creating. “Through that experience I realised that a systems engineering role that combined both business and technology is ideally suited for my skills and my passions.” datacentremagazine.com
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Improvements to diversity I’ve also ensured I had a diverse pool of in the data centre industry candidates for any role I was hiring for.” Statistics show there are still only roughly Flucker’s attitude is that overall awareness 20% of women in engineering, and as low of DE&I in general has improved, with as 10% in some disciplines, Dr Mullick measures in place to support the female details, highlighting how improvements workforce that she sees first hand at MiCiM. have been made around gender diversity “I have at times encountered some and inclusion programmes – outdated attitudes during my something close to her heart. career, however I have always felt “I’ve been involved with the problem lies with these people There are still developing programmes and training not myself,” she admits. “It can be only roughly to help women progress in their intimidating when you’re young and careers. I’ve partnered with other inexperienced to be the only woman of women executives and led various technical in a meeting again and again, but in engineering, and as low as societies on outreach as the research this is something you get used to. shows these types of programs make On the positive side, people tend a difference. As a hiring manager, in some disciplines to remember who you are.”
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Achievements as women in the data centre industry
“ There is still a long way to go but at least the journey has started” SOPHIA FLUCKER
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR, MICIM
Keeping it positive, Dr Mullick adds how despite some initial struggle to have her voice heard as a young, female engineer, she always works to ensure she has support to ensure her voice – or that of her female colleagues – is not censored.
Flucker is proud of becoming a Chartered Engineer and to have worked as part of an award-winning team. In August 2023, a book she co-authored was published: Data Centre Essentials for the Non-Expert. Reflecting on her achievements, she says: “I wouldn’t say that my gender has influenced these accomplishments, however it demonstrates that it need be no barrier to success.” A specific award Dr Mullick received at Intel in the Data Center & AI business unit was for her work on diversity and inclusion, winning Business Unit of the Year in 2021. “I was very honoured by that as I believe it’s extremely important to create programmes, build communities and develop training to help women and minorities achieve success,” she says. “I want to make it easier for the next generation of women coming up in engineering and to help women who are more senior than me have resources available for any challenges they may still be facing in their careers.”
SUSTAINABILITY
Sophia Flucker TITLE: TECHNICAL DIRECTOR COMPANY: MICIM LTD INDUSTRY: DATA CENTRE LOCATION: LONDON, UK A chartered mechanical engineer with a background in data centres focused on cooling, Flucker is involved with the operational base of facilities at MiCiM, looking at energy assessments and how to make data centres more efficient. She is also Managing Director at IT consulting firm Operational Intelligence Ltd.
A lot gained, but still a long way to go “There is still a long way to go but at least the journey has started,” Flucker details. “Sadly many girls rule out engineering as a career choice at a young age, so one of the areas we plan to look at is outreach in primary schools. With the chronic skills shortage, ongoing growth of the industry and ageing workforce, we need applicants from all backgrounds.” Dr Mullick agrees. She feels that in the short term, there is still a long way to go. “I don’t think we’re going to see huge 80
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progress until we start to see the pipeline of candidates get bigger when our graduates coming out of colleges and universities are better than 20% of the workforce. “In the long term, I do think the diversity and inclusion programs are going to continue to be very important. Despite the charged political climate in the US around these types of programs, the research does show that promoting gender equity and inclusion is a business benefit and an overall indication of success. So, I’m optimistic that in the end, this important work will prevail.”
CLOUD EDGE
OPTIMISING PRIV CLOUD PERFORM EFFICIENCY & SE With a plethora of cloud solutions on the market and businesses having a unique profile, there is plenty to consider when finding a perfect-fit environment WRITTEN BY: MAYA DERRICK
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espite there being much hype around hybrid cloud – with an increasing amount of businesses migrating to the new wave of computing environment thanks to its advantages being a blend of both that of private and public cloud – there is still much to be said for the benefits of private cloud. The infrastructure of private cloud provides enhanced security with data stored safely in a dedicated and highly secure environment that can be tailored and configured to meet specific needs, allowing for full control over resources, access and management. And, with sharing resources with other organisations avoided, there is ability to expand if needed and performance and security risks are kept to a minimum. But with that being said, how can private cloud be optimised to ensure cost efficiency, high performance and mitigate cybersecurity risk? Private cloud and providing a chance of business success Private clouds primarily lend themselves best to highly regulated industries, thanks to the keen focus on accelerating application deployment cycles, and improving reliability and availability. But as Gartner’s Client Director Lori Perry warns: “Leaders must not plan on building a private cloud with the full capabilities of a public cloud. There needs to be a reduction in the complexity of the private cloud project by avoiding advanced features that do not align with the organisation’s strategy or values.” And with that more sophisticated models are also emerging, including the likes of datacentremagazine.com
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managed private clouds – private cloud systems managed by third-party vendors allowing enterprises without large IT departments to benefit from private clouds. The private cloud is best for highly regulated businesses with large amounts of sensitive data requiring additional security measures to prevent leaks or cyber attacks. However, this all comes at a price, and the total cost of ownership must not be underestimated when IT departments set out to develop a private cloud solution. Optimising private cloud performance and efficiency As Tytus Kurek, Product Manager at Canonical, told Data Centre Magazine’s sister title Technology Magazine earlier this year, when it comes to cloud spend
“LEADERS MUST NOT PLAN ON BUILDING A PRIVATE CLOUD WITH THE FULL CAPABILITIES OF A PUBLIC CLOUD” LORI PERRY
CLIENT DIRECTOR, GARTNER
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What is a Private Cloud? Private vs. Public Cloud WATCH NOW
The difference between private, public and hybrid cloud There is a clear distinction between these three common cloud deployment methods, as explained by Amazon Web Services (AWS). The cloud computing arm of Amazon defines private cloud as a “cloud computing environment dedicated to a single organisation.” • Any cloud infrastructure has underlying compute resources like CPU and storage that you provision on demand through a self-service portal. • In a private cloud, all resources are isolated and in the control of one organisation. So, the private cloud is also called the internal or corporate cloud. This differs to public cloud, which is a thirdparty cloud service provider that manages the underlying computing resources. AWS explains how it is almost impossible to replicate public cloud infrastructure privately.
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• The provider is responsible for resource maintenance and guarantees availability, reliability, and security through service-level agreements. • You don’t buy, own, and maintain physical data centres and servers; instead, you access technology services on an as-needed basis. • Tasks, such as runtime resource scaling, are automated for operational efficiency. Private cloud differs from hybrid cloud as the hybrid model extends private cloud computing models into the public cloud. Hybrid cloud seamlessly integrates a company’s public and private clouds. With hybrid cloud, clients can store data and run your applications across multiple environments without noticing a difference. • Hybrid cloud environment consolidates infrastructure, so that users can provision, scale, and centrally manage compute resources.
specifically, businesses are feeling the pinch. More than half (55%) told a report that they already pay a lot for cloud infrastructure, and more than 80% said they have noticed an increase in their total cost of ownership (TCO) in the past two years alone. “Since cloud infrastructure usually accounts for a significant portion of organisations’ budgets, cutting unnecessary spendings and optimising cloud resources is essential to drive costs down,” Kurek describes. He continues to share how, however a company operates, cloud costs can rapidly increase for a multitude of reasons, whether that be over provisioned resources, unneeded capacity, and poor environmental visibility. “As a first step to optimise cloud
Tytus Kurek TITLE: PRODUCT MANAGER (CLOUD & NFV) COMPANY: CANONICAL INDUSTRY: SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT LOCATION: KRAKÓW, POLAND Kurek has a varied career across the software industry, with experience leading teams and creating products that are compelling to the market.
CLOUD EDGE
Lori Perry TITLE: CLIENT DIRECTOR COMPANY: GARTNER INDUSTRY: TECHNOLOGY LOCATION: COLORADO, US A proven top performer in both sales and sales management positions, Perry is experienced in selling, managing, and training teams on a broad range of technologies, including the likes of managed hosting, cloud computing, IT security services, IT professional services, disaster recovery, and LAN/WAN services.
spending,” he says, “businesses need to understand exactly how much their cloud infrastructure costs. While this may seem obvious, it’s estimated that 20% don’t know exactly what this amounts to. “Only when a company understands their current spending, can it look to the future and begin budgeting for the coming year. For this reason, many organisations are adopting cloud cost optimisation strategies to have greater control over their cloud infrastructure costs while maximising performance and cloud efficiency. “Going forward, organisations need to be more aware of how much they 88
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of businesses said they already pay a lot for cloud infrastructure, with more than 80% saying they have noticed an increase in their total cost of ownership (TCO) in the past two years alone
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of businesses don’t fully understand exactly how much their cloud infrastructure costs
are spending on the cloud, but even more so of the ways in which they can cut these costs. By optimising the cloud and utilising tools to strengthen its impact, companies will be able to unlock its full potential and generate growth, whilst saving money – a win-win.” Oracle Cloud, an industry-leader and one of the largest cloud providers in the world, advises that to build cloud applications that are efficient in terms of performance and cost optimisation, those behind a private cloud environment should ‘architect for efficiency’. This boils down to a simple five-step plan:
Khwaja Shaik TITLE: CTO COMPANY: IBM 1. Understand workload This is crucial when making design decisions. 2. Evaluate requirements Understand what cloud services best support your architecture and requirements. 3. Become data-driven Today’s cloud platforms can provide a large amount of metrics that can be used to drive decisions, and has the capacity provide very detailed insight into performance. 4. Anticipate growth Ensure your architecture and selected services will support your business growth.
INDUSTRY: TECHNOLOGY LOCATION: GEORGIA, US Shaik is an award-winning C-level IT Executive with more than 25 years of technology leadership. He has been instrumental in driving major digital transformations with a drive to create a better future. As IBM’s CTO, Shaik works closely with many of the world’s leading CIOs to address key industry issues. As a global influencer, he frequently blogs on exponential technologies and encourages and nurtures interfaith global talent in STEM.
5. Understand and optimise spending The Cloud allows for rapid provisioning of services and having visibility into the associated costs and how to optimise them is important when your workload increases. Security risks with private cloud Data breaches, malware infections and insider threats are just some of the leading risks that can be posed to private cloud entities. In a LinkedIn article, Khwaja Shaik, CTO at IBM details: “Each day brings news of more sophisticated attacks, as data theft, downed servers, and ransomware [wreak] havoc on organisations. The sheer volume of the breaches makes us think that these attacks are never going to end. So how do we stop this?” Shaik outlines five best ways cyber and digital resilience can be enhanced, but notes that although responsibility lies with all involved, “effective digital resilience starts with the board room”. 1. Understand, measure, and approve risk tolerance Stating how risks can come from anywhere, Shaik stresses that understanding is a key to ensure the strongest defences to keep private cloud spaces safe from unwanted external penetration. “Understand risk tolerance,” he advises. “Bring resilience, security, and trust closer.” 2. Measure the progress, and futureproof the digital resilience through holistic metrics Highlighting how you can’t measure a metric you’re not tracking in the first place, Shaik stresses how having a clear understanding of qualitative and 90
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“ BRING RESILIENCE, SECURITY AND TRUST CLOSE” KHWAJA SHAIK CTO, IBM
CLOUD EDGE
quantitative metrics is not enough. Security is not a check box exercise, and should harm come your way, he warns you will not be best poised to protect if there is no understanding. “If you are not asking the right questions, measuring risks consistently, you have no mitigation plans if you ever get attacked,” he says. 3. Use risk appetite, and business value-driven risk-based digital resilience models “The time to move from maturity based security to risk based security has arrived,” he warns. “Provide cybersecurity optimisation oversight as no one has a blank check.” This can be done by developing clear risk escalation triggers to notify of a business resiliency risk event. 4. Future-proof with industry trends by accelerating the Board, C-suite and ecosystem collaboration As private cloud continues to evolve, as do the threats posed to them. Having cybersecurity and business resiliency expertise on the board is a huge plus, Shaik advises, as us ensuring cybersecurity is part of conversations. 5. Restructure with the skills for tomorrow “Managing for digital resilience starts with managing the talent,” he guides. “Infusing the board with the right digital resilience skills is a continuous process.” Diversity of backgrounds, skill sets and experience will allow an intersection of knowledge and expertise to hit what he calls the “sweet spot” by being savvy with knowledge and gender diversity. “Best-in-class cloud governance is all about architectural decisions, agility and competitive advantage,” Shaik concludes. “Cloud governance is a team sport.” datacentremagazine.com
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SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC: THE FUTURE OF AIR AND LIQUID COOLING Meeting with Schneider Electric in Italy, its Head of Cooling & SVP Secure Power Europe discuss how they are blazing the way toward a sustainable future WRITTEN BY: MAYA DERRICK
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taly is emerging as a key Tier II European data centre hub. Through innovative cooling, software and renewable technologies, operators are reaching new levels of resilience, efficiency and sustainability – and with that, they are flocking to the north of the country where the future of air and liquid cooling beckons. As explained by Silvia Olchini, Schneider Electric’s Vice President of the Secure Power Business Unit in Italy, the Italian data centre market is one of fastest growing in Western Europe, accelerated by digital transformation with data centres at the heart of it. The increase comes from the surge in demand of Italian enterprises. Research and Markets’ Italy Data Center Market Analysis & Opportunities Report 2022-2023 & 2028 predicts that the Italian data centre market is expected to reach a value of US$3.65 billion by 2028, up from US$3.01bn in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 3.29% during 2022 to 2028. It also forecasts that cloud in Italy is estimated to generate revenues of €6bn (US$6.4bn) in 2023 alone.
Inside Schneider Electric’s Cooling Hub in Conselve, Italy
Northern Italy: A hub of data centre growth and future-centric practices Schneider Electric’s technology stack sits not only in the data centre world or within IT infrastructure, but in power distribution, building controls, and industrial automation, shares Marc Garner, Senior Vice President of Secure Power Europe. As a leader in the ever-changing and ever-growing data centre market, the French multinational Fortune Global 500 company works to provide significant value in the design phase, build phase, operation and maintain phase – some of this directly from its Cooling Hub in Conselve, 25 miles outside of Venice. datacentremagazine.com
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“We have a huge software stack that sits across the business that allows us to simulate digital twinning of a build programme to understand what the cause and effect of making some of those choices are and how it impacts the build and the operation and maintain cycle,” Garner says at the facility. Andrew Bradner is the General Manager of Schneider’s Cooling Business, a specialised business within Schneider Electric that encompasses the offers and R&D to develop products, and manages the factories they are designed and
“Our focus isn’t just around how we drive to build a more sustainable data centre, it’s around how we invest in the likes of education, people and gender diversity” MARC GARNER SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SECURE POWER EUROPE, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
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Why Conselve? Situated close to the University of Padua - which boasts a long-standing history of producing high quality mechanical engineering graduates - Schneider, like many of its competitors and colleagues of industry, set up their cooling hub close to the epicentre of home-grown engineering excellence. “There’s an ecosystem in this part of Italy near Padua that has allowed a lot of companies to grow up,” Bradner says. “I give the example that in California you have Silicon Valley - this is considered the Valley of Air. Many people and companies can drive their genealogy back to a single company that drove other companies to grow from it. “There’s a competency and supply chain that exists in this area that is unique, that has grown up around the number of companies that are manufacturing air conditioning here.” As Bradner explains, cooling technology isn’t exclusive to the data centre industry, whether precision for data centres,
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commercial industrial applications, or even for the likes of vineyards and wine making. “Padua has a great university that has a great mechanical engineering programme and thermodynamics,” he adds. “You’ve got an engineering expertise and a labour pool that is trained around some of the mechanical and electrical trades that you need to manufacture. Everything is available here.” And with plenty flocking to Conselve for a slice of this action, Brader highlights how that makes competition healthy and strong. Garner adds how training programmes, held across Schneider Electric including in Conselve, allows the company to facilitate and nurture a diverse workforce to challenge traditional ways of thinking. “It’s fantastic,” he says. “This really helps you to accelerate further and share some best practices that you maybe wouldn’t see traditionally day-to-day if you were just in one geography.”
manufactured in.
With sustainability and efficiency consistent trends for Bradner and the brand in recent years, he and his teams have been working to supply products that handle the changing scale and velocity of deployments for customers – including data centre operators – providing unique and built-tomeasure solutions. “Densities have increased and now we’re talking a lot about generative AI and what that impact is,” he expresses. “So that’s moving the discussion around technologies related to air-based cooling and moving to liquid cooling.” Bradner feels most of the buzz in the cooling industry now surrounds liquid cooling, which he expects to grow faster than the rest of the market.
“Continuing to look at how we drive then adapt infrastructure, the next vector of step change, regardless of whether you’re using a liquid-based or air-based system, is how can we move to an adaptive infrastructure that can understand what the climactic conditions are to understand business needs. “For example, if you’re Amazon and it’s Prime Day, you don’t want to run your data centre for maximum efficiency; you want to run it for maximum resiliency because your business objective is putting marketing dollars into driving people to come to the site to go buy stuff. You don’t want the site to go down. “Understanding the business need of the customer and translating that into datacentremagazine.com
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“ The equipment we manufacture has the biggest impact downstream of what we deliver to our customer” ANDREW BRADNER
GENERAL MANAGER, COOLING BUSINESS, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
Andrew Bradner TITLE: GENERAL MANAGER, COOLING BUSINESS COMPANY: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRY: DIGITAL AUTOMATION AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOCATION: SPAIN Heading up the specialist business inside Schneider Electric, Bradner’s team leads the division’s R&D arm, with Bradner also managing Schneider factories and aiding commercial support in specialised cooling equipment. He has worked in a variety of roles across Schneider in his 13-year tenure.
automated performance in the full system to allow that is the next step, and is where you’ll find that next step change of efficiency – regardless of the technology choice that you have.” And for Bradner and his teams, he appreciates the part the Conselve team plays in maximising efficiency and minimising environmental impact for both themselves and their customers. “We always know that the equipment we manufacture has the biggest impact downstream of what we deliver to our customers. That’s what we focus on every day, and engage with our customers on how they can partner with Schneider Electric to enable that.” Schneider Electric powering sustainability Garner stresses how, despite the wider
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Marc Garner data centre industry historically contributing to carbon emissions, viewpoints on sustainability and availability of power needs to shift. “Data centres are an enabler for sustainability,” he applauds. “We need to stop looking at them as a problem and a challenge for sustainability and work out how we take the 60% of ineffectual use of our energy today that we’re wasting through transmission and through consumption in our buildings. I don’t feel there’s a shortage of energy. The wastage of energy is what we need to address.” And, if that can be addressed, Garner says, data centre locations and build processes can continue to be optimised. “We can still capitalise and drive GDP and social and economic value through data centre building,” he continues. Garner – and Schneider Electric as a whole – hold the view
TITLE: SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SECURE POWER EUROPE COMPANY: SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC INDUSTRY: DIGITAL AUTOMATION AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT LOCATION: FRANCE Garner leads Schneider Electric’s Secure Power Division for Europe. A passionate sustainability leader, he also works to support the continuous development of young talent in the data centre and wider technology and STEM industries, as well as further promoting DE&I in the data centre market.
TECHNOLOGY
Inside Schneider Electric’s Cooling Hub in Conselve, Italy WATCH NOW
that sustainability does not solely to challenge traditional ways have an environmental focus. of thinking. “There’s so many other aspects “It’s fantastic,” Garner adds. Schneider Electric’s Cooling Hub is located to it: social and investment in “This really helps to accelerate people, education, awareness further and share some best around what’s going on and how, practices that you wouldn’t see outside of Venice as an industry and as individual traditionally day-to-day if you The Italian data centre companies, we can start to drive were just in one geography. market is expected to greater presence around the “It’s in the technologies we reach a value of ESG agenda which is critical,” supply, but also how we work with he shares. “Our focus isn’t just our customer base. We don’t have around how we drive to build infinite knowledge in one place or by 2028 from US$3.01bn in one location, so being able to use a more sustainable data centre; 2022, growing at a CAGR of it’s around how we invest in the the skills [and diverse workforce] likes of education, people and we have here in Conselve to talk during 2022 to 2028 gender diversity.” around cooling and where cooling Schneider Electric has may go in the future, and the investment programmes in a bid to obtain different options that may be available for a greater gender balance and more pay different infrastructures, is really important. equity, allowing the company to bring “You share best practices, ideas and you in different cultures and backgrounds come up with something that’s unique and
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differentiates yourselves – and maybe pushes the boundaries of what we have done in the past. Driving a more sustainable data centre – a data centre of the future – is critical. Data centres of the future “When you talk about next generation data centres, it’s going to be more autonomous from an electrical source, removing some of the inherent fossil fuel-driven backup systems like diesel generators,” Bradner explains. “Being able to generate your own energy sources, leveraging that to run your data centre, we’re probably going to see changes in that upstream electrical infrastructure to enable it. Most of it is going to come on the back of implementing AI back into the data centre and make it more adaptive and intelligent. “What we have already is a lot of monitoring. Almost all of our products are connectable, but it’s about how you translate that into a business objective for the customer and then automate the operation of the infrastructure to best optimise efficiency, sustainability goals and the rest. That’s where I think interesting things are happening, and that’s where we’re focusing a lot of our innovation activities, despite the fact that we talked a lot about liquid cooling and the impact of AI for us is to use that to make our systems more intelligent and adaptive.” In December’s Data Centre Magazine, one of Schneider Electric’s partners, STACK Infrastructure, will showcase how they utilise technology – like that provided by Schneider – inside their MIL01 data centre facility in Milan to deliver unparalleled levels of efficiency and sustainability as it works toward a climatepositive future, with people and businesses in the local community at the core of its mission. 104
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“Data centres are an enabler for sustainability” MARC GARNER SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SECURE POWER EUROPE, SCHNEIDER ELECTRIC
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