The Data Center industry is experiencing key changes as businesses increase the use of new technologies to offer their services. So, what are the connectivity challenges for Data Centers? There are many indeed, and in this article, we will explain the most relevant ones.
According to the Global Interconnection Index (GXI) – Volume 2, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for interconnection bandwidth is expected to increase to 48% by 2021, reaching over 8,200 Tbsp. capacity. Those figures predict a growth that doubles that of the global IP traffic.
High data demand requires constant updating to remain at the forefront and to be operationally efficient. Each innovation resulting from the digital transformation we are experiencing, raises the minimum IT infrastructure requirements, forcing businesses to invest in state-of-the-art data processing and storage devices.
Connectivity is a big challenge for Data Centers, as they themselves are the basis of connectivity. Transmission speed is expected to double by 2025, compared to current levels, and those Data Centers that can adapt, will live up to the technologies of the present and the future.
Which technologies pose a challenge for Data Centers?
As digital transformation moves forward, there is a need for low-cost technology, efficiency, agility, sustainability, and high availability to respond to the demands of:
- 5G
Although 5G is not yet fully implemented, data centers should pay attention to this technology in order to provide a broader wireless bandwidth.
- IoT
In order to support the use of IoT applications, the network infrastructure requires very low, predictable latency and very high reliability.
- Artificial intelligence
This technology requires faster server speed and higher network capacity in order to accommodate a greater volume of services. The construction of data models will require the processing of massive data groups and networks with broader capacity and speed in order to facilitate communication and proper system operation.
- Big Data
The Big Data increase requires optimum performance by IT systems and more energy, which increases operating temperatures. This, in turn, calls for increased cooling at Data Centers.
- Cloud Computing
Cloud Computing implies delivering data to the user, which should be processed in an operational and efficient manner. Data Centers should be prepared to do this in real time and with fast response times in order to meet the customer’s expectations.
- Industries 4.0
Industries 4.0 began to increase their bandwidth and require faster response times. Data Centers should therefore adapt to the performance needed by each company through preset and standardized modules.
- Smart Cities
Data Centers are a fundamental pillar in this technological trend since they balance the energy and technology supply and demand required for a connected city.
A data center-oriented strategy
This large increase in data demand, boosted by the above-mentioned technologies, highlights the importance of developing infrastructure solutions for the future. Here, a strategic data center-oriented vision, will offer businesses significant IT advantages and, consequently, more possibilities for growth.
One of the keys to business growth will be flexibility, agility, and robustness to adapt to change and, at the same time, to continue operating without negative impacts caused by the transformation process. The 4th Industrial Revolution is already here and implies big changes for Data Centers.
In short, Data Centers face the demands of the Digital Transformation and the need to create the right strategy so that organizations can rely on state-of-the-art infrastructure. In order to respond to these fast-paced changes, Data Centers should be permeable, secure, agile, scalable, and customizable to go along with evolution.