AI AND DATA CENTRES
AI’s impact on data centres: how the channel can lead the way
With artificial intelligence pushing traditional IT infrastructure limits, it creates challenges for data centres – but resellers can help businesses to overcome theses, says Martin Ryder, channel sales director, Northern Europe at Vertiv
Artificial intelligence (AI) is pushing IT infrastructure beyond its traditional limits, presenting new challenges for the businesses that rely on data centres. For those in the channel, this shift creates opportunities to not only offer more sophisticated solutions but to become strategic advisors in AI adoption. The focus now is on delivering scalable, efficient infrastructure that supports the massive workloads of AI, while helping clients navigate the complexities of this emerging technology. Success in the AI era will require more than just selling products or services, it’s about designing comprehensive strategies that address cooling, energy efficiency and planning for the future. Partners, resellers and operators have a crucial role in transforming data centres to meet AI’s demands and shape how businesses move forward, offering critical support in adapting to this new landscape. Delivering scalable infrastructure AI workloads are demanding, pushing the limits of traditional data centres. Clients are no longer just looking for incremental improvements, they need infrastructure that can handle high-density environments and rapidly evolving technologies. That means moving beyond simple upgrades to providing future-ready, comprehensive solutions. Businesses need to plan, particularly when it comes to managing the demands of AI. To support this, channel partners can help implement scalable solutions that are designed to grow as AI workloads increase. This may include integrating high-density racks and advanced cooling systems that go beyond the capabilities of legacy infrastructures. Rather than focusing on short-term fixes, the goal is to build long-term solutions that can scale with AI’s rapid evolution. By enabling businesses to prepare for the next phase of AI, partners in the channel can not only meet
current demands but set up their clients for continued growth.
Managing the power demands of AI As AI applications grow, the power needed to support them is also increasing. This creates a significant challenge for data centres that are not equipped to handle such high levels of energy consumption. However, the need to balance AI’s power demands with sustainability and cost-efficiency is a priority. In response, innovative power management strategies are critical. Businesses are now looking for partners that can provide energy- efficient solutions and guide them toward integrating alternative energy sources where possible. AI-driven optimisation tools, which help manage energy consumption and reduce costs, are a key part of these strategies. With energy costs and environmental regulations becoming more stringent, businesses need guidance on how to remain competitive while meeting their sustainability goals. Businesses are looking for partners that can provide critical support in developing power management solutions that strike the balance between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility, helping to provide infrastructure that can scale without excessive cost or negative ecological impact. Overcoming cooling challenges Cooling is another major hurdle as AI drives higher heat generation in data centres. Traditional air cooling systems are often insufficient for managing the heat produced by high-density environments, which can lead to inefficiencies and system failures if not properly addressed. Advanced cooling systems, such as liquid or immersion cooling, are becoming increasingly vital, alongside air cooling, to support AI workloads. Instead of relying solely on air-cooling methods, businesses need access to modern cooling solutions that are efficient and more
Martin Ryder channel sales director, Northern Europe
vertiv.com
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With energy costs and environmental regulations becoming more stringent, businesses need guidance on how to remain competitive while
meeting their sustainability goals.
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