Canadian Government Executive - Volume 27 - Issue 05

Doing so takes designing data cen- tres for the future. Secure, reliable data centres supported by uninterrupted power are the heart of a thriving digital economy. Accommodating the massive shift towards more connected devices and digital tools that we’ve already be- gun to see emerge means making sig- nificant investments in technology that ensures convenient and accessible ser- vice delivery, while also protecting con- sumer data and the environment. Businesses and government alike will need to expand their virtual footprints, investing in robust, scalable, and agile infrastructure that lets them quickly adapt to changing demands and evolv- ing technology. In some cases, this means scaling geographically to im- prove speed and provide a positive cus- tomer experience. This may be achieved through on-location data centres or via colocation sites. This is not only important for Cana- da’s existing businesses, but also our ability to attract potential future ones. Canada is already well positioned as an attractive market for energy-efficient data centre investment thanks for our large and reliable supply of renewable resources and cooler climate. This is no small opportunity, with the global data centre market expected to reach US$174 million by 2023. In short, Canada can be a leader in sustainable data centres – and ulti- mately, leaders in the digital economy. Expanding our data centre footprint alone will not be enough to truly sup- port the digital economy of the future. The investments we make will need to prioritize smart security, efficiency, and sustainability. The trend towards digitization and greater connectivity also comes with potential threats. It will become in- creasingly important for governments to monitor the transition towards a digital economy to ensure it’s done in a way that both protects consumers and organizations. Prioritizing solutions that prevent cyberattacks is imperative to safeguard both data centre continu- ity and customer data – key pillars of a thriving digital economy. Implementing robust solutions, such as those offered by Schneider Electric, will equip cus- tomers with defense methods to coun- ter such threats and extend their data centre protection. Future data centre investments that support the digital economy will also need to be as efficient as possible, with everything from software to power management and cooling. In fact, cool- ing alone can account for 50 per cent of a data centre’s power requirement. Small efficiencies across servers and equipment can save data centre opera- tors millions of dollars. By integrating software, cloud analytics and on-site expert support, data centres can cut operational costs and lower downtime, all while preparing for future growth. When IT company F12.net built a new data centre in the Greater Toronto Area, Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ IT On-Premise and Galaxy VM UPS solu- tions were installed to enable power usage effectiveness monitoring and ensure delivery of clean, reliable power to F12’s IT infrastructure. In addition to promoting greater scalability for busi- ness growth and faster recharge times, these upgrades reduced the total cost of ownership by upwards of 50 per cent. This is just one example of the im- pact such solutions can have on a busi- ness’ bottom line. Along with security and efficiency, as Canada strives to be a leader in the digital economy, sustainability will have to be at the core of future infrastructure investments. With Environmental, So- cial and Governance policies, including net zero goals, more important than ever at many organizations, leaders – government included – will need to look at reigning in indirect and direct emissions across their supply chains, in- cluding from data centres. At Schneider Electric, for example, we have ambitious targets with our 2021–2025 Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI), in line with the United Nations Sustainable Devel- opment Goals. Through our technolo- gies, we’re supporting our customers’ growth while minimizing carbon emis- sions for them, and for us. The trend towards digitization must go hand-in-hand with sustainability. Maximizing energy consumption is a hugely important strategy for improv- ing sustainability at the data centre lev- el. To do it, data centre managers can take advantage of existing energy man- agement solutions, such as Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ IT Expert. The solution provides complete insight into a data centre’s energy consumption, from temperature to power utilization, to help promote greater sustainability and manage energy costs. By supporting the digital economy and keeping sustainability at the core, government and corporate leaders can help Canada achieve its climate com- mitments and a lower carbon future. As we look ahead to 2022, a new federal government budget and our broader economic recovery, we must prioritize policies and regulations that enhance our ability to grow the digital economy. Government and the private sector must collaborate to ensure seamless processes and truly take advantage of Canada’s potential as a world leader for data centres – and a shining global ex- ample of the digital economy at work. Jim Kalogiros is National Sales Senior Director for Secure Power at Schneider Electric Canada. Jim boasts more than 23 years of experience in the IT segment and has held a variety of roles at Schneider Electric since joining the organization in 2005. He is a graduate of York University’s Business Adminis- tration Program. September/October 2021 // Canadian Government Executive / 9 Sponsored Content PERSPECTIVE