Jan 25, 2023
0 Data Center

The Future of Data Center Security and Compliance

With the growing Data Center market, imbibing new security technologies and compliance are a higher priority for DC service providers.

Future of Data Center Security & compliance

Data Centers are increasingly being used to store and process sensitive data, making their security and compliance with industry regulations more important than ever.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) technologies

One trend likely to shape the future of data center security is the increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. These technologies can be used to detect and respond to security threats in real-time. They can also help to improve compliance by automating the monitoring and reporting of security-related data. For example, AI-powered security systems can automatically detect and respond to anomalies in network traffic, such as a sudden spike in traffic from a specific IP address.

The Growing Use of Edge Computing

Another trend likely to shape the future of data center security and compliance is the growing use of edge computing. Edge computing refers to the use of small, decentralized data centers that are located closer to the source of data, such as at the edge of a network. By bringing data processing closer to the source of data, edge computing can reduce latency and improve the performance of data-intensive applications. However, it also raises new security and compliance challenges, as these smaller data centers may have a different level of security and compliance than larger, centralized data centers.

Regulatory Changes and Compliance

In addition to these technological trends, regulatory changes will likely shape the future of data center security and compliance. For example, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires organizations to take several steps to protect the personal data of EU citizens. Moreover, similar regulations are likely to be adopted in other countries. As a result, organizations must ensure that their data centers comply with these regulations, which may require additional security measures and reporting requirements.

The Growing Use of Cloud Computing

growing use of cloud computing

Finally, the future of data center security and compliance will likely be shaped by the growing use of cloud computing. Cloud computing allows organizations to outsource the storage and processing of their data to third-party providers, which can provide significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. However, it also raises new security and compliance challenges, as organizations must ensure that their data is secure and compliant when stored and processed in the cloud.

In Conclusion

The future of data center security and compliance is likely shaped by several trends and regulatory changes. Therefore, organizations will need to stay up-to-date with these developments and take steps to ensure that their data centers are secure and compliant. This may include investing in new technologies such as AI and edge computing and ensuring compliance with regulations such as GDPR and other similar regulations.

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Dec 29, 2022
0 Data Center Data Centers

Datacenter Security in the Age of Cyber War

Data centers are essential to the global economy’s future.

Certainly, as more people and organizations migrate to the digital realm, the demand for efficient information processing grows. Data centers serve as communication networks even remotely, enabling end users to access information quickly.

Data centers are more important than ever at a time when remote working environments are expanding and becoming more common.

Data centers are much more than they appear. They are central to a digital transformation movement.

The global data center market is expected to reach $105.6 billion by 2026.

The expansion of data centers shows no signs of reducing. On the contrary, there is an increasing demand for greater digital data access, processing, and storage.

Global Data Center Market

Understandably, the combination of remote working trends and a tech-savvy culture indicates that the data center market size will continue to grow indefinitely.

Growth, however, has its challenges.

One of the most significant barriers facing data center expansion is how the sector can comprehend to manage its security issues.

Data security concerns 76% of business data centers.

Data security is the company’s first worry, as it can expose enterprises to unintended data loss, corruption, and exposure. However, security solutions can be time- and money-consuming for data centers that handle vast amounts of data.

Simply put, assume you have million dollars & you are responsible for safeguarding them. Would you leave it open for criminals to steal or lock it away?

This parallel applies to your data center, a virtual goldmine of information. Still, many businesses prefer to do the bare minimum regarding data center security. The data center of your organization, which consists of connected computers, servers, and devices that process, distribute, and store valuable information, is an integral part of its digital infrastructure. The mix of policies, methods, procedures, and technology that protect data centers from cyber attacks and other virtual dangers is known as data center security.

So, what data security standards should you be aware of to meet and maintain compliance?

Let’s talk about it.

Firstly what data can be found in the data center, and how can the data be exposed?

It should be no surprise that data security is critical for any business. It’s priceless information that can make or extinguish your business. Examples of data contained in a data center include proprietary information like intellectual property and trade secrets, as well as personal and financial information from clients.

  • Customer trust and reputational harm: Why should your customers trust you if they know you aren’t protecting their data (or even your intellectual property)?
  • Noncompliance fines from industry rules: PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, SAE 18 (previously SAE 16), and ISO 27001: 2013 are among the regulations that have data center security standards.
  • Financial losses and revenue loss: Organizations are concerned about downtime because it could result in large revenue losses.

Tip for Datacenter Security in the Age of Cyber War

Datacenter Security

Tip #1: Data Center Security at Physical Level

When people evaluate the security mechanisms to secure their organization’s data, they often overlook the physical security aspect. Why? They are frequently focused on concerns about data loss hazards caused by cyber assaults and data breaches.

Businesses may need to realize that physical security threats can be among the most damaging.

If you’re building your own data center rather than using a cloud or colocation data center, it’s critical to plan out the physical space of your data center ahead of time. This includes selecting if your data center should be in a remote location or in a more crowded area.

But, in terms of security, what else should you consider when choosing a location for a data center? Keep an eye out for weather-related hazards and low-lying places. Keep an eye out for heated geological zones that are prone to earthquakes.

If you intend to build in a more densely populated region, you can conceal your data center by making it blend in with its surroundings.

Physical Security Measures for Data Centers

Aside from the location, there are numerous other physical security concerns. Datacenter hardening can comprise the following measures:

  1. Walls and structures made of reinforced concrete can defend the facility from external attacks.
  2. Server cabinets and cages that are anchored to the ground and locked.

3. Temperature and humidity variations are monitored and regulated via environmental controls.

Tip #2: Invest in the Right Tools to Protect Your Data and Network

Traditionally a solid data center security plan employed perimeter-based security solutions to monitor and protect your network from both internal and external threats. But, nothing is constant in security, and this is especially true when it comes to the basic approach and model that many firms are adopting.

Zero Trust cybersecurity is a term that isn’t necessarily new but has become increasingly relevant as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Zero Trust solutions are quickly becoming the norm for remote and scattered employees. The concept is that no person or device, whether inside or outside the system, should be automatically trusted.

If you wish to harden your data center’s cyber security even more, you can (and should):

  • Audit your assets, security management processes, and access protocols regularly.
  • You can protect data between endpoints via network encryption and on the server by using server-level encryption.
  • To continuously monitor logs and report on security events and threats, integrate automation and security information and event management (SIEM) solutions (or use a third-party service).

Tip #3:  Monitor and Restrict Physical & Virtual Access

However, more than having door locks and cameras are needed to secure your data. It would help if you also kept an eye on digital access. Why? According to IBM and the Ponemon Institute’s 2019 Cost of a Data Breach Report, 49% of data breaches were caused by human errors and system malfunctions rather than cyber attacks.

Tip #4: Have Redundant Data Backups and Infrastructure in Place

No matter how often we discuss data backups, more is needed. As you’ve read in the news, ransomware and cyber attacks have impacted major municipalities, hospitals, and companies. However, for some reason, organizations prefer to refrain from taking the necessary safeguards to create redundant data backups.

Is it due to laziness? Perhaps it’s the “it won’t happen to me” mentality. Regardless of the reasons why they shouldn’t, having redundant backups – both data and secondary infrastructure — in place can save you a lot of time, money, and problems. When the crap hits the fan — and it will, inevitably — you’ll wish you’d taken the time to prepare.

Tip #5: Keep Your Servers and Systems Updated

Nobody enjoys taking time out of their day to run tedious updates and patch their systems. After all, you have far more essential things to attend to, don’t you?

Keep your servers and systems updated

When manufacturers offer patches, it is their means of plugging any security holes found in their devices. It’s similar to fixing a hole in your roof to keep rain from spilling or leaking through. It’s their technique of patching the flaw before a lousy man can exploit it and cause problems.

Final Thought

Your network computers, servers, and other critical components are kept in your data center. In a calamity, it serves as a safe refuge for your data.

You have less control over the physical security measures in place if you consider hiring a cloud or managed hosting service provider than you would with an in-house data center. However, you can request compliance reports from the service provider, giving you more confidence in their security capabilities.

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Nov 16, 2022
0 Cloud Computing

8 CLOUD COMPUTING TRENDS FOR THE FUTURE

8 CLOUD COMPUTING TRENDS FOR THE FUTURE

Technology is gaining ground daily and transforming both our personal and professional life. Additionally, the market for cloud computing is expanding more quickly. The cloud computing industry is experiencing a number of exciting advances. Both the new and established corporate sectors have welcomed them with open arms. The market for cloud computing is anticipated to reach $623.3 billion in value by 2023.

This blog will discover the value of cloud computing options and the Cloud Computing Trends for the Future

Cloud Computing Trends For The Future

8 CLOUD COMPUTING TRENDS FOR THE FUTURE

Sustainable Cloud

Companies have seen their energy usage drop by up to 65 percent simply by moving some of their infrastructures to the public cloud. As a result, their carbon emissions have decreased by as much as 84 percent. You can significantly reduce your server needs and, thus, your energy usage by focusing your resources on your most crucial tasks.

Up to 59 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions can be avoided annually by shifting data to the public cloud, which is the same as taking 22 million cars off the road. This big cloud computing trend will only become more significant over time.

Increased cross-platform integration flexibility

The market is moving toward hybrid and multi-cloud systems, which enable the deployment of infrastructure across numerous cloud models, with their platforms acting as a one-stop shop for businesses’ cloud, data, and computing needs. Customers are increasingly asking big cloud providers such as ESDS to make their systems more accessible and to take down barriers that prevent the use of multi-cloud techniques.

With the help of cross-platform integration, businesses can work collaboratively to share data with external participants in the value chain who are working on multiple applications and utilizing various data standards. The multi-cloud advanced trend might open up new business prospects and give start-ups a chance to offer cutting-edge services that make it possible to collaborate seamlessly across different cloud platforms.

Cloud gaming

In 2022, one of the cloud industries with the highest growth will likely be the gaming sector. Leading global companies like Amazon and Tencent offer specialized cloud computing capabilities to the video game industry. Additionally, gaming is imitating Netflix and Amazon Prime Video by offering players access to enormous game libraries via the cloud, which can be downloaded and played for a price.

In 2020, cloud gaming services from Nvidia, Google, and Microsoft were all launched in opposition to Sony’s PSN network. Despite the PS5 and Xbox’s recent releases, experts believe that it will be soon that buying expensive specialized gaming hardware is no longer necessary. Cloud gaming will dominate the gaming entertainment market.

Faster & efficient Cloud computing with AI

The biggest cloud computing development in recent years has been cloud computing plus artificial intelligence (AI). AI is now available to everyone because of cloud computing. Regardless of budget or skill level, SaaS and PaaS vendors have today made AI accessible to enterprises of all sizes and sectors. Self-driving cars, 5G, cancer research, smart city infrastructure, and crisis response planning are a few examples of the industrial uses for AI capabilities made possible by cloud-based infrastructure.

Additionally, the use of AI in the management and upkeep of cloud data centers will grow. AI optimizes numerous crucial infrastructure elements through monitoring and control, such as hardware networks, cooling systems, and power consumption. As this field’s research picks up speed and makes significant strides, we can anticipate that cloud services will become quicker and more effective.

Multi-Cloud

In the future, more businesses will create cloud-native applications with little to no architectural reliance on a particular cloud service provider. By developing a stronger understanding of their cloud requirements and the cloud market, organizations will be able to expand more clearly than they have in the past. However, this paradigm shift depends on the development of cloud capabilities because time-to-market is advancing quickly, and the capacity to accommodate altering workloads enables businesses to profit from even the smallest trends.

The process of adapting cloud technologies to your particular business is ongoing and requires ongoing effort and control in order to produce savings. Although this approach by itself won’t solve your application portability issue, multi-cloud plans that prioritize risk mitigation, functionality, and feature acquisition will significantly improve your cyber posture.

The innovative and adaptable services offered by the public cloud may enable the multi-cloud strategy to scale more quickly and efficiently. This will take place without abandoning the benefits of the private cloud, such as improved cost-effectiveness, quicker reaction times, and regulatory compliance.

Cloud Automation

Due to the governance challenges associated with a multi-cloud strategy, many firms are turning to automation to simplify the management of their public, private, and hybrid cloud systems. Businesses have a rare opportunity to design comparable infrastructure across platforms securely, thanks to cloud-agnostic technologies.

Engineers would benefit from being able to access all of their many cloud services in one window, so dashboards, for example, can be supported by such technologies in the future. Such a clause would also increase the prospects for machine learning. Particularly in a multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environment, organizations are looking for analytics to help them compare the performance of their clouds. If you run your business without a firm understanding of its effectiveness, you leave your company more open to a hostile environment. Your business may create more contingent data with the use of machine learning capabilities, better preparing you for present and upcoming threats.

Containerization

The 1950s saw the advent of shipping containers, which completely altered the world economy. Finally, a standardized procedure for bundling loose goods and moving them from one location to another was created. After 70 years, containerization is back in style, but it’s on the cloud this time.

Encapsulating a program and all its dependencies in a condensed, standardized set of libraries and APIs is a process known as containerization. All components are stored and shipped using a standardized process, ensuring that a program runs quickly and consistently across a range of platforms. Because each container is merely tens of gigabytes, a single server may host multiple programs, saving money on hardware and upkeep.

DevOps can deploy container apps directly on top of the cloud application layer because many cloud providers offer them as part of their consumable services. Because each program is wrapped separately in a consistent configuration, this strategy significantly increases security, scalability, and load times.

Data fabric

One of the main effects of cloud adoption is the desegregation of information technology because interoperability is necessary for security, optimization, and interpretation services. As a result, the term “data fabrics” is removed from its analytical context and repositioned as a significant cloud industry promise. Simply put, a data fabric is a network that serves as both an access point and a connector for various sources, types, and locations of data.

By the end of 2022, 90% of businesses will view information as a significant organizational asset, making analytics a critical skill. To eliminate silos and give businesses seamless data access, administration, and security across cloud providers, APIs are utilized in data fabrics. Using their dispersed services, these centralized data management frameworks assist businesses in gaining a single perspective of their operations and escaping vendor lock-in.

THE WAY FORWARD

In order to maximize the benefits of your cloud services, you must be committed to change and agility. These numerous trends are inherent to the cloud and will continue to accelerate as usage increases, and the cloud is tuned to provide more precise insights. Tracking and analyzing these patterns will assist your business in gaining access by utilizing the expertise and knowledge of the sector. These gateways will be more crucial for long-term growth in 2022 and beyond as the world adopts cloud services.

As the epidemic shakes, the world, businesses, and organizations are realigning their digital strategies. Before now, companies resistant to new technology have started to accept cloud services more quickly. If you, too, are looking for a Cloud service provider, there are a number of cloud service players in the market, ESDS being one of them who, along with the Cloud, also provides managed services.

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Feb 22, 2022
0 Data Center

Top 7 Data Center Solution Providers in India You Should Know

Top 7 Data Center Solution Providers in India

Arising Need for More Data Centers in India

India has witnessed a digital boom in this past decade, which is only going to rise exponentially in the future. As per a study by Statista, India is the second-largest online market in the world and the projected number of internet users in India will reach 650 million by 2023. The consistent hike in internet users, government interest in digitizing India’s market with its ‘Digital India’ initiative, and the arrival of the 5G network add fuel to making India a truly digital nation. This growth also generates a huge demand for data center infrastructure.

Top 7 Data Center Solution Providers in India

Owing to the need for Data Center Infrastructure in India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is planning to introduce a national policy framework for data centers across the country. While big tech giants are already providing data center services and solutions in India, there are still local data center service providers that are dominating the Indian market. What gives a competitive edge to local data center service providers over global data center service providers is their better understanding of Indian businesses’ needs and subsequent service offerings. What’s more? The government’s data localization law has led to higher significance for the regional data centers. Let us take a look at the top 7 data center solution providers in India.

Top 7 Data Center Solution Providers in India

1. ESDS Software Solutions Ltd.

ESDS is a very common name in the Indian tech world for being one of the leading managed data center services and auto-scalable cloud solution providers. ESDS operates three data centers in India, which are located in Navi Mumbai, Nashik, and Bengaluru. These data centers have state-of-the-art infrastructure and are highly secure with high uptime levels and 24×7 technical support.

ESDS serves across various industries including BFSI, Manufacturing, Education, Healthcare, Hospitality, eCommerce, Agriculture, IT & Telecom, Government, etc. ESDS claims to have the largest baking customers in India with a total number of 400, Furthermore, it serves 150+ organizations utilizing their SAP HANA cloud services, and over 200 government institutions using their cloud platforms.

2. CtrlS

Dubbed as Asia’s Largest Rated 4 Hyperscale Datacenter, CtrlS has Data Centers in Hyderabad, Mumbai, Noida, and Bengaluru. The company claims to be serving 60 of the fortune 500 companies.

3. Sify Technologies

Sify is recognized for its wide array of ICT Solutions and Services. With its breakthrough technical offerings in the Indian market, Sify also provides data center services in India and has 10 operational data centers with 24*7 tech support and caters to over 8500 enterprise customers. It has also set its footprints in the United States.

4. STT GDC India

Formerly known as Tata Communications Data Centers Pvt. Ltd. has 21 Data Center facilities across nine cities in India. The organization has been a catalyst in data center innovation and is serving 1000+ customers globally.

5. Yotta

Yotta Infrastructure provides hyper-scale tier IV data center solutions in India. They have proven expertise in offering colocation, hybrid multi-cloud, Managed IT, and security services. Currently, they have a data center in Navi Mumbai and are coming up with new data centers at Delhi NCR, Chennai DC Park, Pune, Kolkata, and Gujarat.

6. Netmagic (An NTT Communications Company)

Netmagic Global Data Centers is a division of NTT Ltd. It has 10 data centers in major cities and 160 data centers across 20 countries. It is a leading data center in India in terms of market share. It has been a recipient of hyper-scale data centers, multi-tenant data centers awards and has also won managed to host service provider of the year.

7. Web Werks

Web Werks offers data centers at multiple locations in India. Each of these data centers meets the highest requirements in terms of security, availability, scalability, and best-in-class service support and uptime.

To Conclude

Identifying the market needs, many Indian data center service providers are expanding their data center facilities and are ensuring to build data centers with the latest features and world-class standards. As per a report by JLL, India’s data center industry will see a double growth and cross the 1GW mark by 2023 and the capacity will grow from 499MW in H1 2021 to 1008 MW by 2023. Considering how crucial is data in today’s time, it is only wise to choose the best data center service providers that have expertise in providing services for your industry vertical. Be wise, choose right.

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Feb 15, 2022
0 Data Center

Data Center Predictions for 2022

Data Center services

The outburst of the ongoing pandemic in late 2019 and throughout 2020 & 2021 forced various CIOs from different industries to enhance their focus towards gaining operational agility. To remain competitive in their business domains, it is getting inevitably essentially important for a business to adopt Digital Transformation & prioritize their technology trends, such as Data Center Services. Apart from the technological front, CIOs and business heads also must emphasize talent retention & improve business relationships with their stakeholders. Various top Data Center providers have time and again highlighted the challenges associated with Data Center growth &  the role of Data Center Solutions in creating a digitally ready futuristic society.

Data Center Predictions for 2022

Impact of Pandemic on Demand for Data Centers in India

The outcome of an IT spending survey suggests more than 65% of enterprises of Indian enterprises have understood the benefits of opting for a Cloud-based service to acquire new clients, serve the existing customer base & gain profitability. About 81% of corporate organizations have adopted Cloud Services owing to the pandemic as the implementation of work from home culture got predominated. During the first quarter of 2020, the spending of enterprises on Cloud infrastructure enhanced by ~35% compared to Quarter 4 of 2019 (Source: Ken Research).

Data Center Services in India.
Source: Interview with Industry Experts and Ken Research Analysis

The research clearly inferred that the pandemic served as a blessing in disguise for Data Center Services in India.

Expected Trends in Data Center Industry

1. Growth of Edge Computing

Recently, there has been a multi-fold demand for highly available & low latency networks, with end-users demanding digital content services. Organizations aim to enhance their IT flexibility by providing an improved customer experience. End-users are also looking to use Colocation Data Center services to out-grow their edge computing capacities in their core areas. Instead of having a centralized repository for all their assets, enterprises look to create diversified network data that remain closer to their end-users. Edge computing offers users high-performance networks for their work-related requirements.

2. Growth of Small Data

Small Data is usually linked with edge computing in applications demanding lower latency. Small data infrastructure boosts a faster analysis for all those data that demand high availability & bandwidth. It is important to understand that small data doesn’t eliminate Data Centers; rather, it facilitates their usage since edge computing processes data locally. Overall, this boosts the need for applications with low latency, connecting devices to colocation Data Center providers. Thus, it is clear that there will be a broad-scale adoption of devices that will use Small Data capabilities in the coming years.

3. Resiliency & Uptime Continues to Be the Core Focus Area

Assuring maximum uptime for hosted critical applications & data is always the top priority for any Data Center services provider. However, maintaining uptime has been a challenge as more companies are now opting for a hybrid infrastructure, involving backup and failover strategies, including Cloud, Colocation & on-premises facility. On the operational front, users continue to optimize their IT infrastructure to match with any failure or outage, with its impact depending on the Data Center provider.

4. Accelerated Investments in Regional Markets

The influx of global capital has increased digital infrastructure growth in all regions. Much of the capital investment is being made by adding more Data Center Services across major Data Center market chunks. In 2022, there will be a deep penetration of some best Data Centers within Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities due to localized users’ data hosting & security needs.

Indian markets have witnessed an increased focus on Data Recovery & Disaster Recovery Management services being offered by leading Tier 3 Data Centers in India, driving the expansion of the market across different cities. High penetration of OTT in the rural market has resulted in an increased need for Data Centers Services in India.

Below is the illustration depicting the details of upcoming gross space Data Centers by region (in India) based on new space additions (in %). This is from March 31, 2020, to March 31, 2025.

Data Centers Services in India.
Source: JLL, Industry Articles, Interview with Industry Experts, Ken Research Analysis

5. Liquid Cooling Data Centers

The Data Center industry is continuously changing its focus to adopt liquid emersion cooling Data Centers. In the coming year, significant advancements will be made in this direction due to reassessed cooling demand for avoiding usage of excess water for cooling hardware.

6. Cloud Diversification: Emergence of Multi Clouds

Today, Enterprises don’t rely on a single Cloud Provider to manage their technological needs. Instead, they tend to avail services of a single Cloud provider, often termed as Multi-Cloud. With Multi-Cloud, enterprises enhance their capability to transform their business areas completely. Enterprises can migrate, modify & redeploy their workloads with different Cloud providers and address the changing needs of their customers.

7. Microgrids

The concept of Microgrids is becoming a notable trend as a notable on-site generator within the premises of some best Data Centers. With microgrids in place, Data Center Services get access to multiple energy sources, ensuring they operate independently of the installed energy grid in case of outages or disasters. Data Center microgrids can be easily integrated with renewable energy sources, resulting in in in lower carbon emissions. Microgrids can be of great significance as the Data Center providers are looking to become green Data Centers through these alternate & clean sources of energy.

8. AI & Automation for Easing Data Center Tasks

The current pandemic resulted in a reduced number of on-site technicians and domain experts who could handle any data center problem. Advanced technologies like AI & Machine Learning can be of great help in remote management & monitoring of Datacenters. Automation could find its best usage for driving infrastructure management using robotics. With huge volumes of data being generated & stored within Data Centers, it will utterly surpass human handling capabilities. Hence, efficient usage automation & AI could result in accurate managing & monitoring of data stored within Data Center hosting. These technologies also have an important role in determining user data patterns & preferences.

Concluding Words

These are only some of the prominent trends that will positively impact the Data Centers, influenced by challenges thrown by the pandemic. With data volumes rising persistently, there might be more disruptions emerging, resulting in enhanced data hosting within Data Center services. Implementation of Advanced Technologies will boost Data Center hosting services by multi-folds.

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