Singapore: Digital Realty, a major global data centre operator, maintains command centres worldwide, including a key hub in Singapore, to provide 24/7 oversight of its more than 300 facilities across six continents. These centres are crucial for ensuring the uninterrupted operation of critical online services, including banking, messaging, and artificial intelligence (AI) functionalities.Analysts at the Singapore command centre monitor digital maps and dashboards, focusing on early detection of warning signs like sudden temperature increases to prevent disruptions. Daniel Naing, a team member, highlighted the importance of a steady nerve in handling thousands of system alerts weekly, emphasising the indispensable human element in data centre management despite increasing automation.Digital Realty leases server space to approximately 6,000 companies, facing common issues such as power disruptions and equipment failures. The company also implements detailed protocols for natural disasters like earthquakes and typhoons, maintaining readiness for potential threats.
Operational Resilience and Sustainability Focus
The booming demand for data centres, particularly for AI, has raised public concerns about their environmental impact. Serene Nah, managing director and head of Asia Pacific at Digital Realty, noted that data centres are essential infrastructure, almost a matter of national security, requiring constant uptime. She stressed the importance of addressing public misconceptions about carbon emissions and water usage.To counter these concerns, Digital Realty prioritises renewable energy solutions such as solar panels and closed-loop server cooling systems that continuously recycle water. This commitment aims to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of its operations.Terence Tang, head of the Asia Pacific global command centre, stated that human intervention remains vital to verify genuine outages and alerts, as AI and automation can sometimes produce false positives. This highlights the blend of advanced technology and human expertise in maintaining operational resilience.To enhance data centre resilience, organisations should evaluate current operational monitoring and incident response protocols. Additionally, investigating renewable energy integration and advanced cooling systems is crucial for improving sustainability and efficiency.
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