The growing demand for computing power due to digitalization poses challenges for data center operators. The three key points here are sustainability and environmental protection, reducing operating costs and a shortage of skilled labor. How can these problems be solved?
Challenge 1: Sustainability and environmental protection
The high demand for data center services presents operators with various challenges, particularly in the area of sustainability. This applies not only to energy consumption and CO2 emissions, but also to the careful use of resources such as water and the recycling of IT components. Further requirements could be added in the future, such as the use of IT systems that are easy to repair.
Some countries, such as Ireland, the Netherlands and Singapore, have already introduced detailed sustainability plans for the construction or expansion of data centers. Singapore has even imposed a moratorium on new projects and requires companies to provide convincing evidence of compliance with environmental standards. In Germany, especially in regions with many data centers such as Frankfurt am Main, the increasing demand for electricity is being discussed. The city of Frankfurt is planning to concentrate data centers in clusters and is calling on operators to improve energy efficiency in order to reduce power consumption.
Stricter requirements for data centers from 2026
A new energy efficiency law stipulates stricter requirements, including a PUE value for new data centers from 2026 and the use of green electricity from 2024. Operators must also use waste heat in other ways. In the industry, these requirements are generally considered difficult to implement. However, rising energy prices and a possible CO2 tax make long-term sustainability planning necessary.
Challenge 2: Reducing operating costs
Data center operators are faced with the challenge of coping with rising operating costs, particularly as a result of mergers and acquisitions that lead to different sizes and structures of data centers. Many operators therefore rely on standardized designs (“blueprints”) to reduce costs, but encounter different local construction and safety regulations. One solution is globally compliant solutions that simplify design and increase operational efficiency.
Another way to reduce costs is to optimize and automate operating processes. Cross-platform monitoring and management tools not only simplify data center operations, but also building management. Automation relieves the burden on technical staff and reduces the error rate, which is particularly important as human error often leads to serious failures.
Challenge 3: Skills shortage
Many companies in the data center industry have difficulties filling vacancies with suitable specialists. This is due to a number of factors. For one thing, there are only a limited number of specialists who have the specific knowledge and skills required to operate and maintain data centers. On the other hand, many of these specialists prefer to work in other IT areas that are considered more attractive or future-proof.
To make matters worse, many companies in the data center industry have undergone a series of takeovers and mergers in recent years. These company movements are often associated with waves of redundancies, which further reduce the number of available skilled workers.
The workforce is ageing, there is a lack of young talent
Many of the specialists still employed are also approaching retirement. Over the next ten years, a considerable number of specialists will leave the data centers. This means that a considerable amount of experience and know-how is lost. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to inspire young talent to work in data centers. For many, working in data centers is less attractive than a job in other technical areas. The reasons for this are seen in the high work intensity, the steep learning curve and the high qualification requirements of the tasks. In addition, there are other factors such as shift work that make data centers less attractive.
The consequences of this shortage of skilled workers can be serious. Without sufficiently qualified personnel, data centers cannot provide their services efficiently, which can lead to downtime, performance problems and security risks. This in turn can affect the business success of the customers of these data centers.
Holistic solutions are required
Sustainability, efficiency and a shortage of skilled workers are real challenges for data center operators. Data center infrastructures must be made more sustainable, operating costs must be optimized and the shortage of qualified staff must be overcome at the same time. This requires holistic strategies that take both ecological and economic aspects into account.
With the Kentix Physical Security System, data centers and their operators can meet the need for holistic solutions. The IoT-based system offers considerable advantages with automation, integration and centralization, which can significantly simplify processes in the data center.
Fewer components ensure greater sustainability and lower costs in data centers
When it comes to security technology for data centers, KentixONE simplifies handling by integrating intrusion detection technology, access control and video surveillance in a single system. Compared to conventional individual systems, this significantly reduces planning and hardware costs. Interfaces are minimized and the costs for planning, operation and software updates are reduced. Installation and coordination are also simplified. By using combined security systems, Kentix reduces the general operating costs and the number of hardware components required, thus contributing to the sustainability of the entire data center.
The Kentix system works flexibly and modularly like a construction kit. Extensions or even downsizing are easy to implement. Hardware adjustments during operation can be carried out safely and without interruption, supported by regular software updates. This reduces the maintenance effort. Personnel, coordination and material costs are significantly lower with Kentix than with conventional systems.
Simplify workflows in data centers with easy integration
The expectations of employees in data centers have changed significantly in recent years. The younger generation in particular finds analog or non-integrated systems a hindrance. This is one of the reasons why working in data centers is considered unattractive.
Here too, Kentix can help to make work in the data center more efficient with its IoT technology: Kentix integrates seamlessly into the existing IT infrastructure and can be used in both analog and digital environments thanks to a wide range of interfaces. It is intuitive, easy to use, saves resources and adapts to existing processes. And while the web front end enables flexible configuration of the entire system, the app for smartphones and smartwatches meets the expectations of remote control via app. Kentix thus not only simplifies many processes in the data center and helps to reduce the workload of employees, but also contributes to a reduction in acquisition and operating costs.
