Data storage: bigger and faster comes at a cost

03 August 2021

When describing the latest technologies, we use the phrase “state of the art” without being aware that we’re actually referring to a moving target.

Let’s consider high-performance computing (HPC) storage solutions, which help keep pace with the massive volumes of information that need processing.

Increasingly, HPC is central in tackling some of the most complicated tasks, from gene sequencing to vaccine development.

But describing a HPC system as state of the art doesn’t really account for all the factors that customers planning large-scale storage must have in mind. Not only are they expensive to buy, maintain and operate but the costs of downtime and outages are often overlooked until it is too late.

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Data storage: spend wisely, plan for growth…and prepare for problems

22 June 2021

For most UK businesses the last 18 months have brought reality to what had previously been theoretical digital transformation plans.

Automation had already been happening in many parts of the data storage centre, data volumes were exploding and deep learning -- an element of artificial intelligence -- had also started to affect processes. There was the continuous danger of confusion and inefficiency, even complete project failure, unless you could prioritise essential infrastructure, capacity and performance needs under a lot of pressure.

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Design concerns for a micro data centre

04 June 2021

As more computing moves to the edge and away from massive data centres, the need for a new type of data centre is becoming a critical piece of an edge to cloud strategy. Traditionally, large data centres have resided where there is a significant amount of space with easy access to low-cost power and multiple internet connections.

However, new and smaller data centres that serve specific purposes are becoming a requirement for managing and filtering the vast amounts of data generated from 5G and IoT devices. By distributing the collection, analysis, and filtering of data closer to the edge of the network, new services can be created that respond quickly, reduce network traffic, and allow for more intelligent decisions.

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Top tips for micro data centres – vital considerations for successful MDC operation

25 May 2021

There are growing pressures on the technology market, from shareholders, lawmakers and the public, to be more efficient, reduce carbon emission and be more sustainable. Where once data centre performance, at any cost, was the mantra for financial and corporates, this has now started to change.

We already have some of the answers and I’d like to share some top tips when considering micro data centres. These can be of various sizes and complexities and are generally described as self-contained compute centres that have processors, storage, communications and cooling capabilities connected together in a box, cabinet, or container, depending on location or requirement.

Top tip 1: The micro data centre increasingly needs to work in your environment for your needs – in the real world and not an air-conditioned technical space

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Optimising cooling within the data centre

06 May 2021

The world has been catapulted into a virtual reality at a much faster pace than we ever envisaged and the need to move our day to day lives online, in response to the pandemic, has seen the data centre industry having to respond fast to maintain service and match demand.

Since the age of computers began, the need for effective cooling to keep IT operational has been a much debated topic. At Airedale, we invest heavily into R&D to ensure we meet the objectives and solve the issues faced by data centre managers, both at strategic and operational level. With a wealth of expertise in this field, we can share some of our frequently covered topics of discussion and resolutions.

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