Getting in touch with (augmented) reality – DCD

With the introduction of new technologies such as Edge computing, artificial intelligence, and crypto-mining, however, upholding uptime and operational reliability has become an even more critical undertaking for data center operators.

Based on the 2022 Outage Analysis conducted by the Uptime Institute, over 60 percent of reported data center outages have resulted in financial losses of at least $100,000, with 43 percent of these service interruptions caused by power-related issues.

Prolonged downtimes, or outages that have lasted more than 24 hours, have also increased by 22 percent over the last three years. The same analysis also determined that roughly 40 percent of these major outages were due to human error, particularly employees’ non-compliance with specific policies and procedures.

Data centers of today have changed considerably in size, functionality, and complexity, in response to the massive demand for information.

These alarming statistics indicate that while data centers may have taken steps to reduce downtime and improve resiliency, strategic complementary measures must also be implemented to ensure that outages are reduced, especially as the industry continues to grapple with an ongoing shortage of skilled professionals.

Underscoring the need for regular maintenance

Similar to vehicles that need regular maintenance to ensure that they continue running smoothy, data centers must conduct regular monitoring of their equipment to guarantee the reliable provision of services.

Because data center equipment is heavily and intensively used, they must also be regularly monitored to identify potential inefficiencies that can affect their performance. This is where the need for digitalization comes in.

Intelligent devices facilitate real-time detection and communication of component and system inefficiencies, including environmental aggressors that may affect the health and efficiency of both electrical and IT equipment.

By collecting and providing important data on essential processes, digital solutions empower data center managers to make swift and definitive actions that can prevent potential system failures and safety hazards.

To maintain uptime and optimal operational productivity, it is imperative that operators and managers have comprehensive visibility on system and equipment health and performance. Having access to real-time analytics can mean a world of difference between being able to create contingency measures to avoid service interruptions and significant financial and reputational losses due to outages.

Using technology to improve service and sustainability

In the past, data center operators needed to assign skilled service personnel to perform on-site assessment or repair on their electrical networks and equipment.