Legacy Tech in Modern Data Centres: Navigating the Risks of Outdated Hardware

In our increasingly digital world, data centres have become the backbone of modern society. The explosive growth of this industry, driven by cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence, is reshaping our technological landscape. The scale of this expansion is staggering: the global data centre market size reached $187.35 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow to $517.17 billion by 2030. 

While this growth is essential for our digital future, it brings with it a host of critical challenges and hidden dangers that demand immediate attention. Top among these is the often-overlooked issue of aging infrastructure, which sets the stage for potentially catastrophic failures. 

The Age Problem: A Multifaceted Challenge 

The reality of the data centre industry is stark and concerning. According to IDC, the average data centre is nine years old. Gartner highlights this concern further, stating that any site more than seven years old is considered obsolete by current standards. A closer look at the industry reveals that one-third of data centres have at least some proportion of their facilities aged between six and ten years old. Adding this to alarm, approximately 17% of operated stock is ten years old or more. 

This aging infrastructure is not just an optimal performance issue; it's a ticking time bomb that compromises efficiency, reliability, and safety in the following areas: 

Inefficient power utilisation: Older equipment often requires more power to operate, driving up energy costs and potentially overloading electrical circuits. This increased power consumption not only impacts the data centre's carbon footprint but also puts additional strain on already aging electrical systems. 

Diminished performance: The deterioration of IT infrastructure over time leads to slower processing times, reduced storage capacity, and increased latency. These performance issues have far-reaching consequences, affecting employee productivity, customer satisfaction, and the overall ability of businesses to meet the demands of modern operations. 

Increased risk of failures and downtime: Perhaps the most critical issue with aging infrastructure is the heightened risk of equipment failures. This can lead to unplanned outages and downtime, resulting in lost productivity, missed deadlines, and direct revenue losses. Moreover, frequent outages can cause lasting damage to a company's reputation and erode customer trust. 

Safety hazards: Aging infrastructure sets the stage for one of the most dangerous potential outcomes: arc flash incidents. 

 A Shocking Danger: Arc Flash Incidents 

Among the most serious threats facing modern data centres with aging infrastructure is the increased risk of arc flash incidents. These explosive electrical failures can cause devastating damage to equipment and pose severe risks to human safety. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that across industries, there are 5-10 arc flash incidents daily, with OSHA estimating that 2,000 workers are admitted to burn centres annually due to these events. 

The risk of arc flash incidents in aging data centres stems from several factors: 

Deteriorating insulation: Over time, the insulation on electrical components can degrade, increasing the risk of electrical arcing. 

Outdated safety mechanisms: Older data centres may lack modern safety features designed to prevent or mitigate arc flash incidents. 

Increased electrical load: As data centres expand and add more equipment, the electrical load on aging systems increases, potentially pushing them beyond their safe operating limits. 

DCIM: A Transformative Solution 

Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) technology emerges as a crucial solution to these challenges. DCIM is redefining data centre management by integrating cutting-edge technologies to streamline operations, predict and prevent electrical failures, and address industry-wide challenges. 

Key benefits of DCIM include: 

Predictive maintenance: Leveraging AI and machine learning to predict potential equipment failures before they occur, significantly reducing the risk of arc flash incidents and other catastrophic failures. 

Real-time monitoring: IoT sensors provide continuous data on equipment performance, power usage, and environmental conditions, allowing operators to identify and address issues promptly. 

Optimised resource allocation: Comprehensive insights enable data-driven decisions about resource allocation, ensuring efficient distribution of power and cooling across the facility. 

Extended equipment lifespan: DCIM often reveals that existing equipment can be optimised or repaired rather than replaced, reducing costs and environmental impact. 

Enhanced safety protocols: Detailed insights into equipment status and potential risks enable more effective safety measures. 

Talent shortage mitigation: Automation of routine tasks and provision of insights help less experienced staff make informed decisions. 

Scalability for edge computing: Effective management of distributed infrastructure for evolving technological landscapes. 

The Path Forward 

As the data centre industry continues its rapid growth, addressing the challenges posed by aging infrastructure is crucial. Modern DCIM technology offers a comprehensive solution, providing the visibility and control necessary to ensure both the safety and efficiency of data centre operations. 

By embracing DCIM, data centre operators can effectively mitigate risks associated with aging equipment, optimise resource utilisation, improve overall performance and reliability, and enhance safety measures. This not only protects personnel and assets but also ensures that data centres can meet the ever-increasing demands of our digital world. 

In an era where our digital infrastructure is more critical than ever, investing in modern DCIM solutions is not just a matter of operational efficiency—it's a fundamental requirement for building a resilient and sustainable digital future. As we look ahead, the integration of DCIM technology will play a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of data centres, empowering operators to navigate the challenges of rapid growth while maintaining the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and reliability. 

Jad Jebara is a co-founder and the President and CEO at Hyperview, where he oversees sales, business development and operations. He is an entrepreneur at heart who thrives under intensity and relishes in bridging the gap between finance and technology. Previously, Jad was the SVP of Finance and Administration at Peer 1 Hosting where he led finance, supply chain and IT for 5-plus years. He played a pivotal role in the organization’s corporate turnaround that led to it being acquired by Cogeco Cable Inc. for $650MM. Prior to that, Jad led another successful corporate turnaround as the financial leader at IDS Software that ultimately resulted the company being acquired by PDF Solutions. He also ran a successful consulting firm focused on ERP implementations, business process design and optimization. Jad is a Fulbright Scholar, holds an MPA degree from the University of Texas at Austin and several accounting designations–CPA (CA), and CMA, CFM.