What’s next for data centers? Here’s how OEMs can stay ahead

[MattQuirk]

As workloads evolve, so must the data center infrastructure needed to support them. From compute capabilities and specialized accelerators to power usage and sustainability requirements, the bar for data centers has risen drastically over the last few years. McKinsey predicts that global demand for data center capacity could more than triple by 2030, with 70% of that demand driven by advanced AI workloads. OEMs need to be ready to meet these changes head-on with modernized, adaptable infrastructure—ahead of the competition.

I'll cover the four biggest ways data centers are changing and outline strategic priorities for OEMs who want to capitalize on these transformations. 

    1. Distributed cloud infrastructure

Traditional data centers host every workload in a single location, but critical applications need to be run from a variety of locations. A manufacturing plant, for instance, may use edge-based computing to gather operational analytics and at the same time use a public cloud platform to power its business intelligence unit.

Customers need cloud solutions that are fully manageable under a single pane of glass, with applications that easily integrate with their native systems. Pre-configured solutions are ideal—with IT teams stretched thin, plug-and-play offerings are more appealing than ever.

OEM priorities: 

• Deliver edge-ready hardware that can operate anywhere, whether it’s a factory floor, a cell tower, or even a racetrack
• Embed cloud-based management like HPE GreenLake to retain full control over your services and offer customers greater flexibility
• Back it all up with global SLAs that guarantee quick replacements and diagnostics for minimal downtime

For instance, Veritas Technologies is able to offer distributed infrastructure as a result of HPE’s Virtual OEM solution (V-OEM). Through V-OEM, Veritas could integrate and deploy HPE’s best-in-class containerized backup solutions across both on-site and public cloud, all managed through a single interface, and deliver this to its end customers.

    2. Private cloud AI 

Every competitive business is racing to answer a single question: “How can AI enhance what we do?” But general-purpose data center infrastructure isn't built to handle the demands of AI workloads like model training and analytics; nor can it easily scale GPUs or cooling solutions to meet those growing demands. At the same time, public cloud solutions may offer scalable compute power, but they can come with higher security risks—and businesses in highly-regulated fields like finance or healthcare can’t afford to expose their data. 

That’s where private cloud AI shows its value: it offers the capability of full stack AI software, the reliability of optimized hardware, and the security that comes with dedicated infrastructure. On-premises solutions are more viable than ever with turnkey modules that arrive ready-to-run and offer more efficient, adaptive cooling. Running AI solutions in secure colocation sites with dedicated racks and single-tenant hardware is also a strong option. 

OEM priorities: 

• Adapt to growing workloads by bundling compute, networking, and software into a dedicated AI rack, with a turnkey solution like HPE Private Cloud AI
• Protect your margins with a consumption-based model (e.g. HPE GreenLake), so your costs don’t outweigh your capital
• Unify your AI data across every source with a platform like HPE Ezmeral

Take computer vision company Fogsphere, for example. By working with HPE OEM Solutions, its turnkey AI solution for workplace safety can run real-time analytics on edge-based dedicated serves tailored to offer low latencies and data privacy.

    3. Modular data centers

Building and expanding traditional data centers can be prohibitively expensive and inflexible. It can take months—if not years—and cost businesses millions in capital.  

Modular data centers circumvent these challenges. They can be delivered, snapped into place, and fully integrated with existing infrastructure in a matter of weeks. With their capability for on-site deployment, modular data centers offer an agile method of achieving low latencies for edge-based use cases.

Plus, they offer the flexibility to scale with changes in demand, such as with seasonal traffic spikes or compliance-driven upgrades—without the need for massive project budgets and lengthy timelines.

OEM priorities:

• Embrace modular solutions that combine compute, storage, and cooling
• Offer customizable configurations, so you can tailor modules to each customer’s specific workload and environment
• Secure a reliable supply line, letting you confidently deploy modules anywhere in the world with minimal lead time

HPE OEM partners gain access to a global network of trusted suppliers, enabling quicker deployments and faster time-to-value.

    4. Quantum computing

Quantum computing stands to completely change how we process information and approach the most complex tasks, like discovering new medicines, building intricate global supply chains, or modeling molecular structures for materials science. It all comes down to qubits, which can exist in multiple states at once—unlike bits, which represent either 1 or 0.

But if we’re to achieve quantum computing at an enterprise level, the way we operate data centers needs to change. Quantum processors require ultra-low temperatures and ultra-stable power supplies, far beyond what traditional server rooms currently provide.

There is still some way to go with quantum computing, but recent research is delivering promising results, including HPE’s quantum research partnership with NVIDIA. OEMs must be ready to adapt their infrastructure when quantum computing becomes available to enterprises. 

OEM priorities:

• Consider quantum computing’s impact on your industry, and prepare your R&D accordingly
• Stay aligned with a quantum innovator such as HPE Labs for early access to quantum resources
• Explore accelerators available now that are tailored to your specific workloads for more efficient compute and energy usage

TAURIA is already preparing for a world with quantum technology, using HPE OEM to build security solutions with specialized accelerators that fit its customers’ needs. 

How do you plan to approach data center change? 

By gathering knowledge about changes on the horizon, you’re already ahead of the game. Start laying the groundwork for evolving data centers now to maintain your competitive advantage.

We’d advise doing it with a strategic partner who can offer more valuable insights into what’s to come, and the right resources to help you prepare. Get in touch with our OEM specialists now and discover the most effective way to future-proof your infrastructure.