As technology advances rapidly, traditional data centers are facing numerous challenges that hinder their ability to meet modern demands. This information is based on the latest bi-annual industry survey conducted by BCS, a leading provider of integrated IT asset consultancy solutions.
The 27th edition of the report sheds light on the complex issues that traditional data centers are grappling with, highlighting the hurdles that organizations need to overcome to stay competitive and efficient in today’s digital landscape. Research from IDC reveals that the average data center is 9 years old, while Gartner suggests that any facility older than 7 years is considered obsolete. A significant portion of respondents reported having data centers that are between six and ten years old, with around 17% operating facilities that are a decade old or more.
Many respondents identified multiple challenges they are facing, with 56% expressing concerns about high operational costs per square meter that could jeopardize their competitiveness in the future. The lack of sustainable and renewable energy sources emerged as the second most pressing issue, underscoring the difficulty in meeting corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets without access to renewable power to support modern IT operations.
Other obstacles include the embedded carbon footprint in legacy data centers, which is crucial in the global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. Inadequate disaster recovery and data backup systems, energy efficiency, maintenance costs, and a shortage of specialized skills to support the facility were also highlighted as challenges.
Jim Hart, CEO at BCS, points out that legacy data centers were not designed to accommodate the technological advancements of today. These facilities struggle to keep up with the increasing demands of modern computing, such as higher data volumes, faster processing speeds, and robust cybersecurity measures. However, there are opportunities to address these challenges, such as retrofitting key mechanical and electrical areas to enhance ESG performance and scalability. BCS has helped numerous clients navigate pathways for transformation and innovation to modernize their digital assets effectively.
Legacy data centers are at a critical juncture where they must overcome various challenges to remain relevant in the digital age. BCS has assisted clients in identifying opportunities for investment, decarbonization, maintenance, and operation to ensure optimal outcomes for their digital assets. The BCS survey gathered insights from over 3000 senior data center professionals in Europe, providing valuable perspectives on supply and demand, expansion plans, drivers of change, power concerns, and the skills shortage in the industry.
For more information, the report can be downloaded here.
