The technology trends shaping the future of the data center
Vertiv Frontiers provides a lens on the future – an exploration of the technologies and trends reshaping digital infrastructure.
The data center industry is being reshaped by macro forces fueled by the rise of AI and accelerated compute. These forces are influencing every layer of digital infrastructure, spanning technologies, architectures and industry segments. In response to these forces, Vertiv has identified five key trends reshaping the technology landscape.
The technology trends defining market impact
These trends are already impacting advanced data center operators and will likely be adopted by the wider industry as the underlying technologies and drivers mature.
Hybrid AC and DC systems will be pervasive for the near term, but as full DC standards and equipment mature, higher-voltage DC will become more prevalent as rack densities increase.
AI will become increasingly critical to businesses but how, and from where, AI services are delivered will depend on the specific requirements and conditions of the organization.
Operators are expanding on-site generation despite the grid being the preferred option for many. Investment in on-site is likely to continue as the grid evolves to meet data center demand.
Data centers will be mapped and specified virtually, using digital twins, and the IT and infrastructure will be integrated and deployed as units of compute. This approach will be key to achieving the gigawatt-scale buildouts required for future AI advancements.
Over time, liquid cooling will become analogous to circulatory systems with the ability to monitor and adapt. New forms of liquid cooling will emerge as the technology continues to evolve.
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