Data centers that are more than ten years old should be modernized. This is what Carsten Elixmann from DeRZ (German Data Centers GmbH) demands.
Because technologies are advancing rapidly around the world, data centers usually no longer meet current requirements in terms of energy consumption and are often oversized, says Elixmann. On average, IT systems are completely replaced three times within a decade because their life cycle has been exceeded.
Modernizing computers also reduces the amount of space required. Despite the changing requirements for the server room, it is rarely modernized or even dismantled, says the expert, adding: “Efficient operation goes hand in hand with appropriate dimensioning of the entire data center and current systems. There is a risk here after several years that the supply of spare parts and the necessary services can no longer be guaranteed.”
Nowadays, with the same or even more performance, less space is needed for cabinets in which the servers are located.
In the past, for example, 60 cabinets were required per data center, but today three quarters of the server cabinets are often empty, says Elixmann.
Enormous hunger for energy
At the end of last year, statistics show that there were almost 11,000 data centers worldwide. The USA, Germany, Great Britain and China are the leaders in terms of the number of locations – also measured in terms of their electricity consumption.
Energy researcher Ralph Hintermann from the Borderstep Institute estimates that the electricity demand of servers and data centers causes just as much CO2 pollution as global air traffic.
ePaper
**Interview Segment on Data Center Modernization and Energy Efficiency**
**Host:** Welcome to the show! Today we have with us Carsten Elixmann from German Data Centers GmbH, who is here to discuss the growing need for modernization in data centers. Welcome, Carsten!
**Carsten Elixmann:** Thank you for having me!
**Host:** You’ve mentioned that many data centers are more than ten years old and need modernization. What specific changes are you advocating for?
**Carsten Elixmann:** Absolutely. Many older data centers do not meet current energy consumption standards and tend to be oversized for today’s needs. With technology evolving so rapidly, we typically see IT systems being replaced every three years on average. Modernizing these systems is essential to improve efficiency.
**Host:** Interesting! How does updating technology impact the physical space within data centers?
**Carsten Elixmann:** Modernizing computers can significantly reduce the physical space required. Previously, a data center might have required 60 server cabinets, but today, many of those cabinets remain empty. This increase in efficiency means we can operate with far less space while still meeting or exceeding performance standards.
**Host:** What are the risks of not modernizing these older data centers?
**Carsten Elixmann:** One major risk is the lack of available spare parts and support services for outdated systems. As technology progresses, ensuring we have the ability to repair and maintain our infrastructure is vital. Otherwise, we can face significant downtime and operational challenges.
**Host:** Let’s talk about energy consumption. How critical is this issue, especially considering the statistics you mentioned regarding data centers worldwide?
**Carsten Elixmann:** It’s enormously problematic. As of last year, there were around 11,000 data centers globally, especially concentrated in the US, Germany, the UK, and China. The electricity demand from servers contributes massively to CO2 emissions. Improving energy efficiency means that we can reduce waste and utilize that energy more effectively in other areas.
**Host:** That’s definitely a pressing concern. Given these issues, what would you recommend as the first step for data center operators looking to modernize?
**Carsten Elixmann:** The first step is an assessment of their current infrastructure. Operators should analyze their energy consumption, the age of their equipment, and the utilization rates of their server cabinets. This evaluation will guide them in making informed decisions on what needs to be upgraded or replaced for a more efficient operation.
**Host:** Thank you, Carsten, for those insights! It’s clear that modernization is not just about keeping up with technology but also about promoting a more sustainable future for data centers.
**Carsten Elixmann:** Thank you for having me! It’s a conversation we need to keep having.
**Host:** And for our listeners, if you’re interested in learning more about energy-efficient practices in data centers, check out the resources available at Energy Star. Stay tuned for more discussions like this!
