Data Center Industry Trends: Market Insights and Future of Sustainable Infrastructure

We live in the digital era, which means that a great portion of tasks and duties is given to artificial intelligence. Nowadays, network systems are responsible for datum processing, information storage, computing tasks, and others. IT brains are able to cope with complicated calculations quicker and serve as reliable assistants for humans. Thus, the share of artificial intelligence involvement rises annually. That is why, let’s make a detail overview of data center market trends for coming years.

Emerging Trends in System Administration Industry

Today, we observe the digitization of our lives. More and more duties are delegated to artificial brains. The following trends are expected to enter the IT sphere in the near future.

Increased adoption of cloud computing

Cloud storage and datum processing is not a novelty nowadays. Clouds have become a common case for shared information usage, storage, and processing. Thus, data center storage trends include further integration of clouds into the IT sector. In particular, the following tendencies are observed:

• environmental control sensors send indicators to clouds, where technicians study them;
• processing info is stored in clouds and processed online without the necessity to create folders on PCs;
• system management, setup, and adjustment are carried out via clouds;
• shared access to information between corporate clients.

Cloud services stand as an easy and convenient way to store information and access it from anywhere in the world. This feature allows for monitoring and configuring systems remotely.

Edge computing and its impact on data centers

As for data center networking trends, edge computing seems to become more and more popular. The demand for such technologies grows due to the distribution of systems not only in business environments but also in everyday life spheres. Thus, the introduction of edge computing will help reduce latency because the information will be processed closer to its source. Consequently, this will lead to the emergency and development of mobile centers for data processing, which improves the availability of data processing tools.

Such systems can be set up in a matter of an hour and improve the quality and speed of data transfer. For instance, when it comes to big concerts, large matches, or broadcasting events. Edge computing through mobile DCs also helps eliminate problems with connections in remote areas.

Sustainability and energy efficiency initiatives

According to the research of modern scientists, DCs used to consume just 1% of the world’s total energy stocks. However, this indicator augments daily, while the level of energy stocks does not. For example, this consumption level increased from 1% to 6%, starting from 2010 to 2020. Thus, it means that the ratio is negative and leads to stock depletion. Due to the modern sustainability movements, businesses started to implement data center technology trends. For instance, Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) is used.

Still, the IT industry seeks ways to become more sustainable. In this regard, data center cooling trends are improved. The modern sphere features the application of air and liquid (passive) cooling strategies. Yet, air strategies are too source-consuming and low-effective in comparison with passive ones. Thus, liquid cooling will be the leading and only way to reduce temperature and extract heat from server cabinets in the future. Liquid cooling systems act instantly, consume less energy, and withstand higher temperatures.

Another tendency in data center growth trends is a wise choice of facility location. For instance, placing and deploying DC facilities in colder countries to eliminate the need to cool down equipment forcedly. Here’s a bright example: Google, Amazon, and Facebook bought land in Sweden for a new DC settlement. This condition is an easy way to avoid extra expenses on cooling and reduce the level of consumed power.

Automation and artificial intelligence in data centers

The pandemic forced businesses to switch to online activities, which has shown that it is possible to cope with many operations without employees. This finding gave rise to data center security trends. Businesses adopt AI and Robot Process Automation (RPA) solutions, reducing the number of employees engaged in server system maintenance.

Server racks and cabinets as an efficient way to house IT equipment

As for data center construction trends, the construction of server racks and cabinets may undergo some changes. But, generally, the tendency is the same. It is easy and convenient to store hardware in specialized furniture. The following benefits are observed:

• tech slots for fans, cables, and other server cabinet accessories;
• reliable fasteners for durably hardware holding;
• multiple mounting options;
• multi-level constructions improve room ergonomics.

DCs will be furnished with multi-level open-frame racks and floor enclosures.

Future Outlook for the DC Industry

The issue of power supply is a real concern. It has already doubled over 10 years. Experts predict the growth in the server power supply to 7000W by 2032. The situation is challenging and requires prompt consideration.

The demand for DC capabilities rises constantly. Yet, the resources to power systems and support their lives are not endless. Thus, multiple data center future trends are to be implemented. The main task is to reduce the level of consumed power and recourses and make the industry more sustainable. The introduction of the above-mentioned techniques will help slow down the consumption pace, make IT technologies more available for ordinary users, and provide wider opportunities for their application.