F E A T U R E
DECODING DATA CENTRE INFRASTRUCTURE PRIORITIES IN 2024
Embarking on a transformative journey into 2024 , the data centre landscape gears up for unparalleled growth and innovation . From a relentless focus on power and energy to the intricate interplay of geopolitics and green reporting , the industry faces a pivotal year where strategic choices will shape the future of infrastructure . Mark Kidd , EVP & GM , Iron Mountain Data Centers and Asset Lifecycle Management , tells us more . t ’ s been an exceptional
I year for data centre growth , and it looks like 2024 will be the same but with new and more creative approaches to supply . Power will continue to be the primary focus , with pressure on electrical grids driving new investment in generation components , hubs and energy sources . Geopolitics will also enter the equation , combining with climate reporting legislation to make granular reporting of everything from raw materials to CUE an urgent task .
Digital momentum
According to Cushman & Wakefield , early investment in power-hungry Generative AI drove phenomenal growth last year with as much as 50 % in additional global capacity delivered in a single year . A lot of negative economic forecasts failed to come true and business fundamentals are still strong .
On top of this , Gartner forecasts an 8 % uptick in IT spending after a sluggish few years which will drive hardware consumption , while organisations look towards practical benefits from AI – such as streamlining and productivity . Particular growth sectors to look out for in 2024 include government , defence and healthcare , which for the first time ever accounts for over 10 % of global GDP .
The ‘ Great Power Grab ’
How will supply match demand this year ? The last 6 – 12 months ’ available data centre capacity , which was already limited , has been soaked up by the giant power sponge of AI planning . It ’ s inevitable that AI will lead to design
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