2019 Data Center Predictions—Part 2

Posted on January 30, 2019 by Gento

Content originally sources from IDC. 

As discussed in Part 1 of this series, traditional data centers must prepare for future changes and challenges within the industry. These changes include the impacts of emerging technologies, higher costs, and environmental concerns. As a direct response to these changes, data centers will need to respond to three influential factors as they seek to increase operational efficiencies in the years to come.

Influential Factor Recap

In the first part of this series, we discussed the three key factors that will influence the future of data centers in the coming years. These three factors include:
 

Factor #1 -- Innovation. It's no secret that data centers must learn how to innovate effectively. What is a lesser and perhaps more influential factor is the fact that innovation must be adopted as a direct response to speed, delivery, and operation demands. Finally, innovation must be to scale; in short, while one stage is completed, the foundation for the next stage must be built and ready to implement.

Factor #2 -- Security and Risk. If data centers are to effectively respond to future challenges, then the new security and risk management landscape must be analyzed and understood. As new risks become a near constant threat, data center managers need to develop thorough risk management and mitigation plans that are both adaptive and reactionary.

Factor #3 -- Value. Data centers must deliver value to their customers from day one. As part of this value, data centers should implement machine learning and AI solutions that will help them transition from traditional models into new-age versions that can leverage multi-faceted solutions.

2019 Data Center Predictions

In Part 1 of this series we discussed how data centers will need to address the rise of multiple colocation facilities, as well as an increase in the adoption of dynamic software solutions. In the second part of this series will explore two additional industry predictions that will impact data centers in the upcoming years.

Prediction #1: Leveraging Smart IT And Facilities Systems. 

It is predicted that by 2022 approximately 50 percent of enterprise-level data centers will use machine learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to create smart IT and facilities systems. This dramatic shift will be accompanied with the need for new skill sets in both internal and colocation data centers. As a response to this potential shift within the data center environment, mangers should turn to trusted platforms and remote management solutions that increase reliability and scalability.

Prediction #2: Embracing Innovation. 

After 2020 it is predicted that the majority of enterprise-level data centers will invest heavily in dedicated cloud platforms. The latter shift will seek to overcome flexibility hindrances that are associated with older traditional data centers. In this vein, the latter investments will also help data centers to more effectively align business goals with technology solutions that leverage flexible consumption models.

Preparing For The Future With The Right Solutions

By developing strategies that effectively respond to predicted changes, data center managers can increase operational efficiencies, respond to environmental concerns, and lower costs. To achieve these goals, data center managers should partner with best in class power technology providers to shore-up their operations, leverage smart IT, and embrace innovative solutions that cater to flexible consumption models. Time will tell if the predictions discussed in this two-part series come to fruition. However, one thing is certain, if data centers are to effectively evolve, then the right tools need to be leveraged in the coming years. 

Learn more about Raritan's solutions here. 

###

Sources:

"IDC FutureScape:Worldwide Datacenter 2019 Predictions"