Data center command hub keeps AI up and running

Society relies heavily on a network of data centers that support online services such as banking, messaging, and AI, according to analysts working at the Singapore command center of US firm Digital Realty. These facilities, filled with servers, must be monitored around the clock to detect early warning signs of potential disruptions, such as sudden temperature increases.

Daniel Naing, 37, oversees thousands of system alerts each week, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure to prevent panic in his team. The command center in Singapore, along with its sister hubs in Europe and the US, oversees more than 300 data centers across six continents, providing 24/7 oversight for around 6,000 companies.

Common issues faced include power disruptions and equipment failure, with protocols in place for extreme events like earthquakes and typhoons. The demand for data centers is rising due to the need for massive computing power to develop AI tools, making data centers a critical infrastructure and a matter "almost like national security."

However, Digital Realty's managing director and head of Asia Pacific, Serene Nah, notes that the sector is misunderstood and lacks public support. Nah emphasizes the importance of renewable energy and closed-loop water systems to address environmental concerns. Despite vulnerabilities, such as the recent strike during the Middle East war affecting Amazon's data centers, the teams at Digital Realty work tirelessly to ensure continuous operation, responding to alerts within minutes and coordinating with experts worldwide while keeping clients informed.