Society’s excitement about artificial intelligence (AI) and the role it is only just beginning to play in all our lives is impossible to avoid, even though it is far from achieving human-level intelligence or replacing human creativity and decision making. Over the last couple of years, however, it has had a tremendous impact on the data centre sector and conversations about the challenges it presents, especially around reliable power and the use of energy, are a preoccupation for many industry professionals.

Expectations are high for AI – but perhaps some of its capabilities are being overhyped. Could it be that AI is just another example of Amara’s Law, where its short-term impact is overestimated, and its long-term effects are underestimated? In this issue’s Question Time we’ve asked a specially selected panel of industry representatives to discuss that conundrum and suggest what the future holds for AI and data centres.

This issue also contains a special feature dedicated to the subject of pre-terminated cabling solutions. Nick Taylor of Networks Centre explains
the various reasons to consider using pre-terminated cabling and when it might not be the most suitable solution, while Panduit’s Michael Akinla
looks at how utilising pre-terminated optical fibre cabling is a strategic step for organisations aiming to stay competitive in today’s rapidly
evolving digital landscape.

These are also exciting times in the area of UPS and power management technology and we have a couple of excellent articles that look at the latest developments. First up, Elliott Turek of Schneider Electric examines how, in this age of home working, gaming and reliance on our connected devices, the resilience and protection provided by a UPS should be a key component of our digital village. I then go on to interview Centiel’s Louis McGarry about the challenges AI will bring with regards to energy use and management in data centres.

Rob Shepherd
Editor