FINAL WORD
this is often not possible with an HDD storage solution .
Data centres can take a sustainability leap with better , more efficient cooling techniques , but backup generators , for example ones which use fuel cells based on green hydrogen instead of diesel , can also be more sustainable . Of course , this hydrogen has to be generated green ; here lies a big role for the energy sector .
More energy from renewable sources is needed because semiconductor manufacturers , especially of the GPUs that form the basis of many AI systems , are making their chips increasingly powerful , requiring more power to run . For instance , 25 years ago , a GPU contained one million transistors , was around 100 mm 2 in size and did not use that much power .
Today , GPUs contain 14 billion transistors , are around 500mm 2 in size and consume 200W of power . So , there are more powerful GPUs , as a result they consume more energy . So , the semiconductor industry needs to bet a lot on energy efficiency , something that is already happening .
Telecom operators are essential for fast and reliable data exchange . This is relevant because the effectiveness of AI largely depends on data generated somewhere and then having to be transported to the data centre where the AI is running . For example , consider an AI application that needs input from sensors in a factory . Telecom operators can become more sustainable in various ways , such as by focusing on innovation or reducing emissions in the supply chain .
AI will have an impact on the environment , but initiatives such as switching to flash storage or improving data centre sustainability can reduce this impact . Every sector can take concrete steps towards a more sustainable course . This is already being done on a large scale , but it can always be done faster . It is important to keep investing to combat climate change ! •
How to ditch bill shock from the cloud
The cost of cloud can often come as a surprise . Bill shock , says the latest Ofcom report , is a common complaint thanks to limited pricing visibility and cost transparency . The report also highlighted how egress fees , limited interoperability and complex data reconfiguration challenges are affecting how organisations approach their cloud strategies .
As far back as 2021 , Gartner found that 60 % of companies through to 2024 would underestimate the infrastructure , services and consumption rates required for their organisations resulting in increased costs and reduced return on investment . IDC agreed , saying that up to 6 % of a company ’ s cloud storage costs were due to planned and unplanned egress charges .
Companies have been told that their move to the cloud and their total cost of ownership are significantly cheaper than their on-premises solutions of the past . However , there are other costs that slide into the bottom line . Ingress and egress charges , for example , add up quickly as data is moved across platforms or out of the cloud .
Yes , cloud delivers almost flexibility and agility , but with multiple models , approaches , tools and capabilities it will only deliver cost benefits if it is designed properly . And designing the cloud correctly requires an essential step – ticking the boxes .
Ditching bill shock means embracing a slower and meticulous approach to cloud investment and architecture . The cloud can fundamentally deliver on these expectations but it needs to be right-sized . To further refine any cloud approach , companies should also unpack how they want to use the cloud to benefit their customers .
A cloud architecture capable of optimising for the customer is one that delivers a measurable return on investment . Enterprise units have different goals so understanding how cloud optimises achieving these goals is key . It must always come down to understanding an organisation ’ s goals and building the best solution for achieving them .
• Is the server the right size , is the service the right fit ?
• Another box to tick is due diligence ?
• What problem is the business trying to solve with the cloud and why ?
• Is it agility ? Time to market ? Innovation ?
• What is their endgame for service delivery and customer engagement ?
• What about the business units ?
Cloud still delivers on its promises . It allows for a rapid and effective shift from legacy end-of-life technology to solutions that deliver next-generation capabilities . It delivers improved service delivery , innovation , customer service and speed . However , achieving this potential comes down to knowing the exact cloud combination that will unlock these benefits for the business realistically and within cost expectations .
Ashley Bruyns , Head of Engineering , Altron Systems Integration
Stephen Bottger , Executive Operations , Altron Systems Integration
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