Q&A: Net zero and the future of datacentres

We are currently generating more data than ever before. Why is that? 

Unstructured data is becoming more prevalent thanks in part to our tendency to convert text, pictures, or music into a digital format for computer processing, social networking, search engine inquiries, and real-time streaming. These assist in creating a large volume of digital data that needs to be stored and may not be accessed later.

In addition, modern enterprises are continuously generating and accumulating data. This includes routine activities across enterprise systems, machines, sensors, and demand-side digitalisation, placing tremendous stress on our data centres. According to IDC, worldwide enterprise data storage is rising at a 27 per cent compound annual growth rate (CAGR).”

So, is dark data the problem here?

Dark data has both pros and cons. The disadvantages are frequently more obvious than the benefits, and they are legitimately serious. Storing such a high percentage of concealed data, just like dark matter, may be difficult to analyse, as dark data far outnumbers the amount of visible data. While visible data may be easily accessed in databases, dark data requires a more sophisticated extraction process before being actively utilised. Its storage and security usually comes at a higher cost and poses unique risks to the data itself – including theft, malware and DDoS attacks.