In the Data Center – AI and Connectivity are the Next Big Disruption

You know AI has gone mainstream when South Park does an entire episode on it. I’m not joking, ChatGPT wrote a part of a very recent South Park episode. And it was pretty amazing.

I’m not kidding when I say that modern machine learning and neural network solutions will be a massive driving force for our industry. Just look at OpenAI and ChatGPT. To put this into perspective, ChatGPT reached one million active users in a matter of 5 days. The meteoric rise to one million active users is the fastest that any app has reached this milestone.

ChatGPT Sprints to One Million Users

However, a single ChatGPT session has so much behind it, and it takes over $15-20/hour to run machines supporting GPT functions. And while these systems do excellent time management, they still run 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Let me give you this metric to think about. A single Google search can power a 100w lightbulb for 11 seconds. A single ChatGPT session consumes upwards of 50-100 times more power than a single Google search. That’s a lot of lightbulbs.

However, at the core of our digital world is the heart of this discussion: Data. Let me illustrate the point. A recent Cisco Cloud report indicates that by the year 2023, there will be 5.3 billion global Internet users, 3.6 global devices and connections per capita, and the average global fixed broadband speed will be 110 Mbps. The other critical point is this: Data created is two orders of magnitude higher than data stored.

Related:How ChatGPT Can Help and Hinder Data Center Cybersecurity

This data that's being created isn't benign. It carries precious pieces of information around users, products, services, and even the business. The big question becomes – How do you mine this data and get value out of it?

Before we dive further into the topic – it's very critical to understand, as you read this, that many organizations and partners are already looking at ways to bring AI further into the market. "Intelligent applications based on cognitive computing, artificial intelligence, and deep learning are the next wave of technology transforming how consumers and enterprises work, learn, and play," said David Schubmehl, research director, Cognitive Systems and Content Analytics at IDC. "These applications are being developed and implemented on cognitive/AI software platforms that offer the tools and capabilities to provide predictions, recommendations, and intelligent assistance through the use of cognitive systems, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Cognitive/AI systems are quickly becoming a key part of IT infrastructure, and all enterprises need to understand and plan for the adoption and use of these technologies in their organizations."

Related:Artificial Intelligence Is Booming—So Is Its Carbon Footprint

Here's the big point to understand – Deploying and implementing intelligent systems that learn, adapt, and potentially act autonomously will become the primary battleground for technology vendors and services partners through the next decade at the least. These technologies will specifically replace legacy IT and business processes where functions were executed as predefined instructions. These machines will contextually adapt and help with informed business as well as IT decisions.

That said, do not get complacent around these solutions. Just because ChatGPT might be a foreign concept to you doesn’t mean it won’t impact core data center systems supporting machine learning and data processing. As a data center operator, you must embrace these AI and machine learning solutions. Otherwise, your massive hyperscale and cloud competition will do it for you.

Today, data center leaders are trying to find ways to support their clients doing data models and data training directly within their data center. This helps prevent revenue bleed into the cloud, creates data locality, and improves security and performance.

To that extent – here are some significant AI disruptions to be aware of:

Another applied AI soluion leveraging advanced long-language models (LLM) is, of course, ChatGPT. Earlier, we referenced that ChatGPT reached one million users in 5 days. Well, they rose to 100 million users just two months after they launched. Again, setting all sorts of records along the way in terms of active users and user acquisition. "In 20 years following the internet space, we cannot recall a faster ramp in a consumer internet app," UBS analysts wrote in the note.

Recently, OpenAI announced a $20 monthly subscription, initially for users in the United States only. However, that program has already paused because OpenAI is running out of premium resources.

Please don’t think that these kinds of new applications will pass you by. AI, ML, and ChatGPT will become an active part of your infrastructure.

I talked about this recently in an article here on DCK. For the first time, we saw physical security rank as the number one priority for DCIM and data center management implementation planning. Moreover, 80% of respondents either have or will be integrating security into DCIM. Leveraging data to support security is a big step to creating a more secure overall digital infrastructure.

"Modernizing data center infrastructure systems (hardware and software) is likely to enable more seamless connectivity and operations, but also the quicker rollout and administration of security policies. As newer data center infrastructure has better automation and alerting systems, it can help operators cope with the chronic staff shortages of the data center industry," adds Galabov. "This also addresses some of the security vulnerabilities caused by human factors. As vendors continue to strive to improve their product's efficiency, the modernization effort will likely result in significant cost reduction through energy efficiency gains."

To Support Massive Data Growth, AI, and the Data Center, 5G Will be Front and Center

Outside of new and emerging edge solutions, 5G is poised to change how we game, work, and enjoy life. For example, innovative startups are finding new ways to leverage 5G connectivity and create diverse new use cases. This includes immersive Multiview eSports streaming to the world's first 5G VR headset.

Beyond really cool wearable 4K live-streaming gear and augmented reality solutions, 5G will significantly impact everyday life and our business world. Consider these use-cases:

Responding companies noted that leveraging 5G alongside connected IIOT allows them to "readily visualize the benefits of 5G for real-time monitoring and remote control of machines they can't currently control remotely."

Why is this all-important? The lack of a robust 5G network is one reason why autonomous cars are not a more common sight on the road. With the power of 5G, connectivity needs like remote diagnostics, operating system updates, predictive maintenance, in-car payments, and fleet management will become a reality.

It's essential to take a look at all of this and know that data and services sit at the heart of 5G and new communications strategies. In fact, a recent ConsumerLab research report showed that the fastest-growing mobile app categories during the COVID-19 period had been linked to remote working, education/e-learning, and wellness. That same report indicated that 6 in 10 US workers still expect to switch to video-based conferences permanently. Similarly, the same amount stated that online healthcare consultations would replace physical visits to the doctor.

Final Thoughts

Data-driven solutions will continue to bring value to users, the services they consume, and how businesses perform various functions. Most of all, it'll revolutionize the way we manage our day-to-day lives. It's important to remember that these systems aren't here to "replace" us.

Instead, if you embrace AI technology right – it'll help you bring so much more value to your job and even your organization. Machine learning and AI systems will help augment functions, make better – well-informed decisions, and focus on growing the business and creating better services. Working with data is already in our present and will be even more prevalent in our future. Take the time to understand where your data plays a role with your business, users, and the solutions you bring to market. AI may very well be in your future to help you break out of a legacy shell and transform into a digital entity.