F E A T U R E

and ensuring critical data is preserved . By analysing network traffic patterns , user behaviour and system logs , algorithms can identify suspicious activities , enabling data centres to take proactive measures to protect themselves .

Embracing AI for a sustainable and resilient digital future

Data centre integration is now a necessity , not a choice . Early adopters that utilise AI to optimise operations , enhance resource management and bolster security can gain a competitive advantage in the industry .

However , it ’ s not just about jumping on the AI bandwagon . It ’ s about doing it right . Transparency , accountability and sustainability are crucial . We have a responsibility to ensure that implementations of AI are ethical , explainable and aligned with sustainability goals .

While AI can be challenging to manage and understand , it does not have to be implemented alone . By embracing collaboration and knowledge sharing , the industry can learn from each other ’ s challenges and successes to deliver fully optimised data centres .

Looking ahead , it ’ s clear that those who embrace AI early and prioritise transparency , accountability and sustainability can flourish .

They will be ideally positioned to address challenges while delivering a more resilient and sustainable industry . It ’ s an exciting time to be in the sector , and AI is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping our future .

hardware and connectivity demands of AI clusters present new challenges for bandwidth , capacity and network speeds . For example , AI has increased the difficulty of identifying new locations for data centres that can support its higher power demands . So too the labour and expertise needed to keep pace with the physical installation as well as maintenance of essential components , such as new chips , servers and cabling is rising .

And of course , this is all taking place against the backdrop of climate change that has data centre operators assessing how each step in their supply chain and network lifecycle affects their organisation ’ s sustainability targets . This is yet a challenge aggravated by compute-heavy AI workloads .

Malcolm Howe , Technical Partner , Critical Systems , Cundall

ith almost every industry looking to digitally

Data centre providers are having to rethink how they plan , design , construct and refurbish new facilities . However , the

All signs point to efficiency being the key to solving these challenges . From a sustainability standpoint , data centres can leverage AI to help pinpoint and address power-intensive compute hotspots . Meanwhile moving to cradle-to-cradle from traditional cradle-to-grave product lifecycles will help limit waste . Additionally , careful consideration of their AI cluster cabling will help data centres save cost , power and installation time , potentially easing construction and maintenance pressures . �

THE NEW AI-POWERED WORLD IS HAVING A DRAMATIC EFFECT ON DATA CENTRE CONSTRUCTION AND DEPLOYMENTS , AS WELL AS NETWORK ARCHITECTURE DESIGN IN GENERAL .

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