$20.6 Billion is Spent Annually on Electrical Mechanical Infrastructure in the United States According to New InterUnity Group Research

(PRWEB) April 27, 2005

The Data Center of the Future: What Is Shaping It?, April, 2005

Each year $20.6 Billion is spent on the electrical mechanical infrastructure that supports Information Technology in the United States according to InterUnity Group research.

The 2005 survey of AFCOM members identifies four major challenges facing Data Center Managers. They are:

1. Preventing the obsolescence of electrical mechanical infrastructure,

2. Supporting new computing technologies,

3. Improving data center security and reliability, and

4. Improving internal communication.

Survey respondents indicated that new computing technology is driving electrical mechanical infrastructure upgrades every three years. To prevent obsolescence, major upgrades will be required by 41 percent of respondents within the next 36 months. Almost one half of these require action in the next 12 months.

New equipment purchases without concern for power and cooling requirements keep 59 percent of Data Center Managers awake. Power densities of new servers and switches concern 49 percent of Data Center Managers. Power requirements are increasing 8 percent per year. Over 40 percent of Data Centers are experiencing annual increases of more than 10 percent.

Insufficient cooling capacity is a major problem facing 43 percent of respondents within two years. Cooling requirements are increasing 8 percent per year. However, 39 percent of respondents are experiencing annual increases of more than 10 percent.

One of the new technologies, Blade servers, has been adopted by 56 percent of respondents. Forty-four percent of respondents have not adopted Blade servers due to one or more of the following reasons:

• No perceived benefits,

• No need for additional capacity, and/or

• Cooling concerns.

Utility computing strategies offer great promise, yet 49 percent of respondents will not employ a Utility computing strategy. Twenty-one percent will implement utility computing for the first time in the coming year. A surprising 11 percent have not yet explored Utility computing.

One of two Data Center Managers have major concerns about reliability or security, even though 81 percent of Data Centers are reported to be more reliable and better protected since the 9/11 disaster. Lack of Business continuity/Disaster recovery plans keeps 37 percent of Data Center Managers awake at night. Data Center Security is a major concern for 31 percent.

Lack of involvement in the planning and procurement of new equipment is the universal concern for three of four (73 percent) Data Center Managers. Forty-five percent are concerned about being incapable of supporting business goals within two years. The underlying reasons are:

• Acquisition of new equipment without adequate concern for power or cooling requirements (59 percent),

• Uncertainty about future IT needs (43 percent),

• Insufficient space (37 percent), and

• Data Center consolidation (35 percent).

Conclusion

New computing technologies are shaping The Data Center of the Future. Data Center Managers are being forced to react and upgrade electrical mechanical infrastructures every three years. To create longer lasting infrastructures, Data Center Managers must become proactive. Active involvement in the planning and budgeting for Information Technology is required.

Data Center Managers face major challenges in order to maintain current levels of service. To be successful in the future, they need to develop the skills to handle political and economic issues in addition to the technical requirements.

About the report

The Data Center of the Future: What Is Shaping It?, April, 2005

Price $495

Complimentary copies for editorial use are available. Please request at 978-287-4480 x701.

About InterUnity Group

InterUnity Group (http://www.interunitygroup.com) provides strategic insights to industry leaders that enable breakthrough performance. Strategic insights are developed through rigorous quantitative competitive intelligence and benchmarking of more than 2000 major companies and vendors in 24 industries. This analysis is backed by a team of seasoned professionals with deep operational experience and proven records of accomplishment.

Contact Information

Richard M. Sneider, Ph.D.

Managing Partner

InterUnity Group

308 Caterina Heights, Suite 100

Concord, MA 01742

Tel 978-287-4480            

Cell 978-273-5333

Fax 978-776-9581

http://www.interunitygroup.com

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