FEATURE
metering and monitoring , data centres will focus on refining their sustainability targets and optimise efficiency across operations . Data will be the backbone of greener decision-making and closer management of sustainability targets .
On top of this , geopolitical tensions will drive greater investment in cybersecurity and compliance for data centres – they face growing threats through ransomware , espionage and more . Staying resilient requires comprehensive strategies combining staff training , policies and nextgeneration software tooling .
Finally , the talent shortage will remain a pressing issue in data centres , furthering transformation towards automation and next-gen tools to support data centre management . This challenge persisted through 2023 and will be no different in 2024 and 2025 . Generative AI will present itself as a potential companion to employees , aiding in bolstering productivity and bridging the staffing gaps . This trend isn ’ t confined to data centre operators alone ; we can expect all sectors to capitalise on AI and smart assistants ’.
In summary , 2024 will see data centres become more distributed , complex and AI-driven as hybrid becomes more popular . At the same time , climate awareness and geopolitics will put more focus on sustainability , security and compliance across these hybrid environments . Data centres will remain an essential foundation of our digital lives , but their model will continue evolving .
Terry Storrar , Managing Director , Leaseweb
All those operating in the data centre industry will currently be reflecting on this year and planning for the next . Although there are unlikely to be radical changes in the current climate , with many business sectors in survival mode , data centre operators and service providers are having to invest and innovate to achieve stringent environmental goals .
Undeniably , sustainability will stay firmly in the hotspot throughout 2024 . It is a
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