THE EDGE
automation remains attractive to CIOs , the reality is that automated controls are much less able to accommodate the continual , inevitable workload changes that always happen in data centres . So , rather than treat Machine Learning and AI as a universal solution , we expect to see data centre teams in 2022 focusing on those areas – such as cooling optimisation and airflow management – where these technologies can be applied and deliver significant results . But rather than rely on unwieldy automation solutions , we see a light touch DCIM approach – with operations teams provided with AI-powered , actionable recommendations – proving a smarter choice in 2022 and beyond .
5 . Secure measurable net zero contributions – At COP26 , both countries and leading brands signed up to ambitious net zero targets , and 2022 will start to see a much tighter link between financial and carbon budgets . In the UK , proposed Treasury rules suggest that financial institutions and companies with shares listed on the London Stock Exchange will need to come
up with net zero transition plans that detail their greenhouse gas emissions targets and the steps they will be taking to achieve them . Unfortunately , it ’ s difficult for data centre teams to deliver a precise carbon reduction on their operations if they don ’ t know exactly how much energy they ’ re using in the first place . Our own research at EkkoSense suggests that very few teams really know how their rooms are performing from a cooling , capacity and power perspective . This will need to change if data centres are to make a significant contribution to corporate carbon reduction activities .
“ The good news for data centre teams looking to support both increased workloads while also securing quantifiable energy savings in 2022 , is that pursuing a software-enabled approach to data centre performance optimisation can help achieve these goals ,” said Boyle .
“ Combining the collection of granular real-time data , understanding the zones of influence that exist between specific cooling assets and the racks they ’ re cooling , and unlocking the potential of AIpowered optimisation recommendations will help to put control back in the hands of data centre teams . Our experience suggests that following this kind of approach can help keep data centre teams on track in their journey to achieve cooling energy savings – with average savings of 30 % already achievable .” ◊
FOR 2022 , THE FOCUS WILL NEED TO BE ON SMARTER RESOURCING , DATA GRANULARITY , VISIBILITY , EMPOWERING OPERATIONS WITH AI , AND MEASURABLE NET ZERO CONTRIBUTIONS .
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