The Internet of Things is Transforming the Data Center

You’ve probably heard of smart thermostats, smart appliances and smart cars. They’re all part of the Internet of Things (IoT), a technology trend that’s revolutionizing consumer habits and the potential for an explosive growth in the use of data, forecasters predict.

The research firm Gartner estimated that IoT will lead to 26 billion units being installed by 2020, generating revenue of more than $300 billion. As a result, Gartner predicts, the IoT will transform the data center – ushering in a new set of challenges.

With 2020 just a few years away, it’s essential to see how this new wave of connected devices will impact the data center.

“The enormous number of devices, coupled with the sheer volume, velocity and structure of IoT data, creates challenges,” said Joe Skorupa, vice president and analyst for Gartner. Those areas include security, servers, storage management, the data center network and real-time business processes.

“Data center managers will need to deploy more forward-looking capacity management in these areas to be able to proactively meet the business priorities associated with IoT,” he added.

Here are 3 ways data center innovations and practices are being developed for the potential surge in demand for processing large quantities of data caused by IoT:

1. Increase storage capacity. New technology is being developed to meet the ongoing demands experienced in the industry. They range from those that focus on increasing efficiency through maximizing infrastructure utilization to high-performing enterprise storage systems. These modernized solutions don’t require using more energy but provide the capacity to satisfy high demand.
2. Ensure consumer privacy. Studies show that consumers are interested in IoT devices, however, they have concerns about how the data will be used or whether they are at risk for identity theft. Data centers are under pressure to address these privacy issues through more sophisticated encryption and access methodologies. Companies are developing more secure forms of access through two-factor authentication, such as combining passcodes with physical objects, including cards or USB tokens.
3. Develop tighter security measures. The physical security of the data center also is being analyzed as a way to ensure the privacy of data. In previous years, this was always a cause of concern when considering how natural disasters could put a data center at risk for downtown. As concerns about privacy increase, data centers are analyzing how well their facilities are secure against intrusions.

With the data center industry facing significant changes, you may have numerous questions about how to handle the expansion of your own data center needs. If you’re considering outsourcing as a possibility, contact Lifeline Data Centers. We’re happy to answer any data center questions you may have.

Other resources:

• Infographic: The 22 Data Center Compliance Acronyms You Need to Know
• White Paper: Why Data Center Compartmentalization is Important
• Lifeline One Sheet: What You Need to Know About Lifeline Data Centers

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.