Why data centers are indispensable today

Can you explain why data centers are so important to our economy?

Roger Süess: «Data centers are the backbone of the digital economy. They enable everything from cloud computing, apps, social media, meeting applications like Zoom and Teams, video and music streaming, shopping, travel, health, medical research, and today's much-discussed artificial intelligence. Without data centers, society could no longer function in this digital age. Everything runs on servers, and they run in a data center.»

Increasingly, we hear that data centers are controversial power guzzlers. How efficient are data centers really in terms of energy consumption?

«Data centers are the most energy-efficient and effective way of all to meet the huge demands of today's data processing. Whether the data is now stored in a modern data center on a cloud platform or co-located on the company's own IT infrastructure. The fact is, a modern data center is up to 46% more efficient than in-house server rooms or outdated data centers.»

Has the pandemic changed the meaning of data centers?

«The pandemic is a fine example of how important data centers have become. The year is 2020: from one day to the next, digitization has experienced a previously unparalleled boost in every area.  Face-to-face exchanges in a store and cash payments were suddenly no longer possible. Analog was equated with danger during the pandemic.

Online shopping boomed. From the virtual fitness center to the menu, which had to be called up using a QR code, and Twint payment in the farm store. Everything went digital. Home offices increased overnight data traffic and the paperless office became a fact. Teams, Slack or Zoom became indispensable apps. The new "normal" probably would have taken years without the pandemic.

The pandemic was one thing. What we are currently experiencing through AI is yet another. Digital acceleration can no longer be stopped. There is no turning back. And those who don't jump on board will lose.»

How do companies benefit from colocation services compared to operating their own data center?

«Data center colocation is the preferred choice for many companies over building and maintaining their own data centers. Regardless of the size needed: from servers in a simple rack, a larger room, a floor, to an entire building housing the equipment. Many companies have found that by outsourcing to a colocation provider, they can increase flexibility and reduce costs, while massivly improving security and compliance requirements.»

More about data center outsourcing

What should companies look for when choosing a data center provider?

«The selection of a data center depends on several factors that can vary depending on a company's requirements. From site selection and scalability to required certifications and processes, the list is long. In addition, whether a data center has comprehensive connectivity offerings with direct connections to the cloud as well as multiple geo-redundant locations must also be considered. This is the ideal way for companies to implement hybrid architectures.

First and foremost, it seems important to take a holistic view of the issue and have the right specialists on hand. That's why we at Green offer an ecosystem with Best of Bread partners for all issues. Because today it's no longer just about storage and infrastructure, but about a wide range of complex issues.

Another big issue is certainly how the data center provider deals with sustainability. A data center has a significant impact on its environment. The ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) decisions a company makes determines whether it is a solution or a problem for the environment, and the impact on stakeholders is corresponding. The days of green washing are long gone. Today, actions and facts count.

An environmentally friendly and energy-efficient data center helps reduce the carbon footprint and improve sustainability. Good governance demonstrates how a data center is run effectively and ethically. Considering ESG factors when choosing a data center can help build a more sustainable and responsible business and reduce the risk of reputational damage and regulatory violations.»

«Overall, the selection of a data center is an important decision that should be carefully considered. With our holistic approach, our awareness of sustainability and our high quality standards, we can say with a clear conscience: customers are certainly in good hands with Green.»