Summary:
- Research by Onnec shows that geopolitical instability and US tariffs are expected to increase the cost and timeline of building AI-ready data centers, with a shortage of AI skills also causing project delays.
- The rise in AI demand is straining existing data center infrastructure in terms of power, cooling, and space, while supply chain disruptions are a major concern for operators.
- The report highlights critical pressure points for data center builds, including explosive AI demand, shortened lifespans due to AI workloads, and the importance of holistic design principles for building AI-ready data centers.
Article:
In a recent study conducted by IT infrastructure specialists Onnec, it was revealed that the landscape of data center operations is facing significant challenges due to geopolitical instability, US tariffs, and a shortage of AI skills. The research found that 69% of data center operators are anticipating inflated costs and extended timelines for building AI-ready data centers, while 79% believe that the scarcity of AI skills will lead to delays in project completion.
The survey, which involved 250 senior decision-makers from the UK, Ireland, and the Nordics, highlighted the unprecedented strain that the explosive rise in AI demand is placing on existing data center infrastructure. Issues related to power, cooling, and space are becoming more pronounced, with operators expressing concerns about the sustainability of their facilities. Additionally, supply chain disruption was identified as a major worry for almost a quarter (23%) of operators, as AI-ready data centers heavily rely on globally sourced components.
Niklas Lindqvist, a spokesperson for Onnec, emphasized the need for operators to prioritize the longevity and efficiency of their data centers in the face of evolving AI requirements. He pointed out that protectionist policies are forcing operators to make cost-based decisions that may compromise the quality of infrastructure. With the rapid evolution of AI technology, it is crucial for data centers to be built with dynamic capacity and resilient design principles in mind.
The study also shed light on critical pressure points that are jeopardizing data center builds, such as the exponential growth in AI demand, which has stretched existing capacities beyond their limits. Furthermore, the lifespan of data centers is expected to be shortened due to the rapid escalation of AI workloads, necessitating strategic design changes to accommodate these new requirements. Cabling infrastructure emerged as a hidden vulnerability, with poor-quality cabling posing a threat to long-term AI-readiness.
As the data center industry navigates these challenges, it is evident that a holistic approach to design and decision-making is essential for building AI-ready facilities. Operators must consider every aspect of the data center stack, from cabling and cooling to skills and sustainability, to ensure that their infrastructure remains competitive and efficient in the long run. By embracing holistic design principles, operators can future-proof their data centers and stay ahead of the curve in the fast-paced world of AI technology.
