Data Center Transformation: How Artificial Intelligence is Shaping the Future of IT Infrastructure

Artificial intelligence is increasingly taking a central role in the digital transformation of business, opening the door to new opportunities and challenges. This will be the main topic of Lider’s conference titled G.R.I.D. Forum: Croatia in the Global AI Arena.

Alongside the term AI, the word generative is appearing more frequently. To clarify potential confusion, it is important to understand the difference between traditional and generative artificial intelligence. Traditional AI systems are typically designed for tasks such as classification, prediction, pattern recognition, or decision making based on existing data within their training datasets. Examples include facial recognition systems or spam filtering systems.

On the other hand, generative AI systems use deep learning to analyze large datasets, identify patterns and rules, and then apply them to generate new and unique outputs that differ from their training data. These systems can create entirely new images, text, speech, or music rather than simply analyzing existing data.

What does AI bring to data centers?

The impact of artificial intelligence is also transforming data centers, which must adapt to the demands of this revolutionary technology. Filip Olujić, Chief Executive Officer of DataBox, shares his expert insight into the changes AI is bringing to data centers.

“We are entering an era of competitiveness driven by artificial intelligence, which will reshape the future of business,” says Olujić. AI systems require enormous computing power, resulting in a significant increase in energy consumption within data centers. “When implementing IT infrastructure for AI technologies, the discussion has shifted from 5 kW per rack to 20 kW, and since March this year, figures of up to 100 kW per rack have been mentioned for NVIDIA’s Blackwell platform,” he explains.

This growing demand for power is driving a transition from traditional air cooling to more advanced liquid cooling systems. “To host AI infrastructure, data centers must invest in specialized infrastructure and technologies to ensure optimal conditions for AI applications,” Olujić emphasizes. Energy efficiency and advanced cooling systems are becoming critical in minimizing energy consumption and ensuring sustainability.

Security remains a top priority

However, AI also brings significant benefits to data centers through automation, optimization, and advanced analytics. “AI is having an increasing impact on data centers by enabling faster and more efficient data processing and analysis, as well as automation and optimization of infrastructure operations,” explains Olujić. AI technologies can be used to predict user needs, optimize network performance, and identify and resolve issues in real time.

Data security and compliance with privacy regulations also remain a key focus in the AI driven transformation of data centers. “Data centers must establish strict security protocols and protection measures to ensure data privacy and integrity,” Olujić adds.

At the same time, alongside the development of AI, data centers must prepare for emerging technologies such as Web3 and the metaverse. “Data center infrastructure must be designed with scalability in mind, allowing rapid adaptation to the growing demands of AI applications and new technologies,” Olujić highlights.

As AI continues to evolve, data centers face the challenge of transforming their operations and infrastructure to remain competitive. Investment in energy efficiency, advanced cooling systems, data security, and scalability will be essential for successfully integrating AI and future technologies. Olujić’s insights highlight the need for a proactive approach to these changes in order to ensure optimal performance of data centers in the era of artificial intelligence.