Singapore hub battles typhoon alerts, overheating servers and false alarms to keep AI alive

Singapore's Digital Realty, a major global operator of data centers, operates a command center in the city-state to monitor and maintain the smooth functioning of online services. The center, part of a network of hubs in Europe and the US, oversees over 300 data centers across six continents. Daniel Naing, a 37-year-old engineer at Digital Realty, handles thousands of system alerts each week to detect early warning signs of potential disruptions.

Despite the stress, Naing must maintain composure to prevent panic among his team members. The command center is equipped to handle several types of emergencies, including power outages and typhoons, with protocols in place for earthquakes. With the demand for data centers driven by the growing adoption of artificial intelligence, the sector faces challenges such as false alarms and vulnerabilities.

Digital Realty emphasizes the importance of renewable energy sources and water recycling systems to reduce its environmental impact. Despite the sector's reliance on data centers for everyday activities, public understanding of their significance is limited.