Data center revolution: from AI to blockchain

Review of IT Infrastructure 2023: the changing role of data centers in the future

The data center sector is booming. New technologies are putting the industry on edge and the power grid is squeaking and creaking due to the enormous demand for ever faster, better and, above all, more data. The technological future of data centers was therefore central during the well-attended IT Infra event on November 16 in Den Bosch.

Nearly 400 interested parties found their way to North Brabant, including approximately 260 visitors and 125 exhibitors. Under the inspiring leadership of tech journalist and chairman Robbert Hoeffnagel, who shed light on the influence of AI on data centers, Marcel Figee (Datacenter College) and Bastiaan Janssen (Vijfhart IT training} opened the day with a presentation about the challenges surrounding attracting and retaining staff. An important theme within the sector, because without qualified personnel, IT companies in the Netherlands have no right to exist.

New: the elevator pitch
After the opening lecture, the stage filled up with exhibitors for the so-called 'elevator pitch'. This 'pitch' was organized for the first time during the IT Infra event. Exhibitors were given exactly sixty seconds to 'pitch' their product or service to the audience and convince them trigger to visit the stands. This resulted in many special and sometimes hilarious moments. Both visitors and exhibitors thought it was a successful experiment that is worth repeating.

Financial advantage
Brendan de Graaf from Lyv Energy Management Solutions then gave a technical presentation solutions for grid congestion, a known problem in the sector with a potentially major impact on business continuity. Using practical examples, De Graaf showed that grid congestion does not have to endanger the power supply. It is even possible to gain financial advantage if you anticipate smartly and take the right preventive measures. For example, by storing excess energy and selling it to third parties.

Blockchain and Web 3.0
In his closing lecture, trend watcher Hans Timmerman focused on the future of the data center world. A future in which blockchain technology and Web 3.0 will play a central role. According to the techno-optimist, these technologies will eventually unleash an internet revolution major consequences for data centers. “The large data centers will continue to exist, but we will soon all have our own mini data center in-house.”

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You can view the presentations of the IT Infra event download for free on the event site (for personal use only).