< PreviousInvestments in offshore wind and solar are expected to drive demand for fibre for control, monitoring, distribution and maintenance optimisation and sensing applications in renewable energy production. Fibre consumes a relatively small amount of resources and can also enable energy efficiency in other areas. For network owners, the energy-saving potential of fibre and the use of products designed with sustainability in mind during production, transport, usage and recycling can be key to supporting corporate CSR and environmental policies. Data Centres: new solutions for demand-driven technology To meet bandwidth demand, 100G and 400G might be standard sooner than we think. As the move to 400G/800G continues, DCs are determining infrastructure future readiness. 40G/100G require eight fibres in parallel pairs, but higher speeds require 16 or 32 pairs, which boosts cable density. Smart migration paths, high-density-friendly products, preconfigured solutions and monitoring/asset management will be needed to support 400G/800G. Cables are difficult to manipulate in densely packed racks and it’s harder to see what you’re doing. Solutions such as pre-term cabling and new push-pull fibre connector types significantly reduce handling and installation time and guarantee functionality. Preconfigured cabinets fitted with power, cooling, security and connectivity offer a neat solution for modular DC approaches. Fibre allows operators to migrate to higher speeds relatively quickly and easily. Local networks can establish long-distance connections via a fibre backbone, providing fast, high-capacity connectivity between DCs, edge DCs and end users. To realise the required speed and reliability, countless applications require real-time data processing close to where the action is. Hybrid data centres can provide this by offering a combination of virtual, physical (on- premise), and cloud infrastructure. Depending on their needs, businesses can combine edge DCs with main and local data centres. This approach brings vast scalability and flexibility. As data centres become more complex, provide more functions, and demand greater flexibility - up-to- date, accurate knowledge of available infrastructure is a must. The ability to demonstrate the lifecycle of DC assets for compliance purposes is essential. Operators want to know how fast new services or functionalities can be switched on, and that these will work as intended right from the start. Installation managers also need to know how each port is connected to prevent security issues. The impact of data centre builds or expansions on local power grids may become a key factor in planning approvals. TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 40Worldwide, organisations are working on reducing or eliminating CO2 emissions. This requires ongoing measurement of energy usage and factors such as temperature. Furthermore, besides traditional drivers such as shortening mean-time- to-repair, predictive maintenance, energy efficiency and optimising utilisation, data protection is now also an important consideration for DCIM. Increased vulnerability to security breaches also makes monitoring of physical infrastructure and ports essential. We’re also seeing more cloud-based DCIM systems appearing. A key driver for DCIM is the need for information required to forecast capacity requirements. LAN: ever-changing functionality and ongoing integration Within a few years, communications networks will share a unified ‘holistic fibre’ backbone, merging data and building control. Drivers include IoT incorporating digital building management, ‘All-IP’, and Digital Ceiling networks. IP-based convergence enables sharing of (virtualised) resources across applications and provides high levels of standardisation, availability, reliability and support for new deployments, as well as enhanced flexibility, scalability and uniformity. Centralising management of IT resources provides enormous technical and business efficiency increases by consolidating systems, boosting resource utilisation rates, saving energy, lowering costs and making the most of system intelligence. An ‘All-IP’ approach extends the data network and PoE through a building’s ceiling, making it possible to connect devices to building automation via pre-installed overhead connecting points. In Smart buildings, ‘All over IP’ will become widely adopted, merging building automation cabling, data communications, IoT and more - using both copper and fibre. Unlike legacy field bus systems, All over IP supported by PoE and Single Pair Ethernet brings better development possibilities for smart buildings, facilities and factories. The uptake of Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) cabling based on xBASE-T1 using a single twisted pair for data transmission is expected to keep growing in building automation applications. SPE enables the integration of field devices, sensors and actuators into an existing ethernet environment, without extra gateways and interfaces. As building management becomes increasingly digital and IP-based, SPE will support new network structures for the cabling of the final metres. SPE can transmit up to 50W along with data and control signals (Power over Digital Line, or PoDL) - ideal for Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. LAN Bandwidth, Power and Length performance demands are growing. Bandwidth challenges include high-frequency transmission for 10 to 40 Gigabit/s, reliable remote power supply for PoE and comprehensive Ethernet/IP coverage. PoE needs to deliver ever-increasing levels of power, which brings management considerations. SPE can partly supplement existing cabling but can’t always replace RJ45 technology. Well-informed decisions on a case-by-case basis are needed. You won’t find a solution to all of these challenges based on one single development! Through sensors, data and alerts, LAN-enabled IoT can help monitor and manage energy usage to reduce carbon output without impacting comfort or quality of living. To be more energy-efficient, buildings need to become smarter. IoT (Internet of Things) with built-in intelligence, AI integration, and data collection is rapidly changing Building Automation Systems, helping save energy, increase sustainability, shorten response times and ensure easy customisation, which makes buildings more manageable, flexible, and future-ready. TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 41After the end of an extremely challenging year, 2023 began marked by inflation and rather unfavourable economic forecasts. Overall, global economies are going through a complicated moment in many aspects, mainly due to the energy crisis and the rise in prices. Despite the difficulties, 2022 left us with valuable learnings and great investments that are fundamental in lifting the economy, while also tackling grid volatility. Three months into 2023 however, what’s changed? TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS 42 Three months into 2023, what lies ahead for the IT and data centre sectors? www.networkseuropemagazine.com One positive piece of news is that Europe, according to Bloomberg, has fast-tracked its green transition, severing its dependence on foreign fossil fuels. The data centre and digital infrastructure sectors also continue to experience significant growth. The colocation market, for example, is expected to grow to $43.18 billion by 2027, with Western Europe being one of the dominant forces, despite a potential slowdown in new builds from hyperscalers. Clearly, the role of data centres is key to a greener and more digital future, but it requires our industry to prioritise greater investment in diverse skill sets, ranging from engineering to operations, to support the growth demand, of distributed IT, edge computing, hyperscale and colocation environments. To that effect, in 2023, businesses must evolve further with regard to sustainability. The need to answer the climate emergency has turned into the main business imperative, especially in the current energy crisis scenario. However, data shows that companies taking a lead in sustainability will attract customers and investors, and therefore, do good for the business. In the current economy and energy turmoil, what lies ahead for the IT and data centre sector in 2023? Here are the main trends I believe will matter the most. Rob McKernan President of Cloud & Service Provider Segment Schneider Electricwww.networkseuropemagazine.com TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS 43 months into what lies d for the IT and centre sectors? Continued migration to the edge to adapt to new consumer needs More personalised, cloud-native applications and ‘multi-experience’ will create a seamless user experience with one application across a variety of digital touchpoints (mobile, tablet, wearables, car, computer, etc). All will be hot topics in 2023. These add onto the new 5G and WiFi-6 networks that allow further progress on IoT and AI technologies. In fact, nearly half of all mobile subscriptions (over 5.8 billion) will be 5G by 2027, bringing computing and data centres closer to the user. For the IT and data centre industry, this translates into an enhanced migration to the edge and distributed cloud not only to improve the speed of connections but also the capacity of data centres. This transition will require special attention to the availability, security and management of IT infrastructures and edge data centre locations, through new software and services that allow remote monitoring and prompt response to problems. Another direct consequence of the great growth expected in data usage this year is that it will drive even higher investment in the data centre industry, especially in new construction. In fact, the global data centre construction market size is projected to reach $49,550 million by 2027, from $24,140 million in 2020 – making data centre construction faster than ever before. TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 44The power of digital and renewables to fight grid volatility Growing pressures to meet consumer demand for energy and water have forced governments at all levels to take a closer look at data centres and their consumption of these resources. The industry shouldn’t forget that data centres are currently estimated to be responsible for 1% of global electricity consumption. On average, a hyperscale facility consumes between 20 and 50MW per year, which is enough electricity to power up to 37,000 homes, which will lead to heightened examination from governments in 2023. Moreover, the carbon footprint is another big challenge with data centres accounting for around 2% of all global carbon emissions. Minimising the role of diesel generators in favour of new energy storage solutions, as well as reducing dependency on fossil fuels, will continue to be a primary industry focus. In addition, the current spike in energy prices and grid volatility will only increase the sector’s focus on climate change. Alternative methods of energy storage based on intelligent software technologies and strategic power sourcing such as microgrids or batteries will evolve in the next year as key enablers of change in the sector in order to give a solid answer to both challenges. In 2023, data centre operators need to consider the integration of digital technologies, that offer detailed and predictive analytics on all assets, with hybrid electricity solutions. Bridging the skills gap through diversity Given the growth that the sector is experiencing and the huge need for specialisation, one of the trends of the sector in 2023 will be the search for talent and skills. It is predicted that by 2025 alone, the number of staff required in the data centre industry will reach nearly 2.3 million. Dealing with the scale of the data and the complexity of the regulations surrounding data sovereignty will require knowledge of cloud computing and data centre management. Meanwhile, sustainability-related skills in the sector are still a big focus to improve in the coming year. Creating a diverse community is key to successfully managing a data centre and driving towards sustainability goals. Additionally, supporting the workforce with training to fill the skills and talent gap is vital in order to keep evolving and fighting challenges. 2023 – a crucial year for the industry While in the midst of a major energy crisis, and with the risk of economic recession, the biggest challenge for the IT and data centre sector in 2023 will be the volatility of the grid. Ironically enough, the industry’s major opportunity will also lie there. Throughout the value chain, the IT and data centre sector is aware that, to evolve, it must do so through digitalisation and electrification. In 2023, businesses will need more digital tools to make quick decisions that will improve both their efficiency and resilience, as well as accelerate their sustainability commitments. 2022 has been an extremely challenging year for the industry. However, the IT and data centre sector is well-equipped to turn the tide on the energy crisis, while accelerating its path to net zero and protecting economic growth. It will be up to the businesses themselves how well and fast they adapt to innovation. TRENDS AND PREDICTIONS www.networkseuropemagazine.com 45DevSecOps is a ‘Business Priority’ for 2023 CYBER SECURITY www.networkseuropemagazine.com 46A recent report conducted by Neustar International Security Council (NISC), a group of cybersecurity professionals across key industries, government agencies and companies, found that organisations plan to invest in DevSecOps in 2023. The level of urgency for them to do so has grown significantly, in response to ongoing cyber threats and high-profile supply chain attacks, and increased digitisation. DevSecOps is a crucial strategy with automated security included in every stage of software development. Adopting DevSecOps makes application and infrastructure security a shared responsibility among the development, operations and security teams within organisations, maximising protection at all levels. Organisations are beginning to acknowledge this as 93% of respondents claimed that they are focusing on DevSecOps in 2023 with 86% of participants agreeing that DevSecOps has become a ‘business priority’ in the last year. Michael Smith Field CTO Neustar Security Services CYBER SECURITY www.networkseuropemagazine.com 47The evolving threat landscape In the last two years, there has been a shift to cloud- based delivery models or multi-cloud environments with remote or hybrid capabilities to cope with the ”new normal.” This shift has created new gateways for bad actors and expanded their attack surface. Cyber extortionists are adopting more complex attack methods to bypass organisations’ defences. 75% of the survey respondents listed ransomware as an increasing threat to their organisations, followed closely by DDoS attacks. Targeted hacking and social engineering via email are also rising. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), part of (GCHQ)’s annual review, reported that 18 ransomware attacks in the UK last year earned a national-level response. In light of increased digitisation, connectivity and intensified geopolitical conflicts, international leaders and governments have become more aware of the risk ransomware poses to not only businesses but also critical national infrastructure. The European Commission proposed new rules earlier this year that aim to integrate efficient cyber and information security measures across EU institutions, bodies, offices, and agencies. Ransomware attacks are increasing in volume and severity, having catastrophic consequences for businesses and governments alike. In fact, 92% of respondents agreed that companies should face punishment if their software is found to be unsecure with over half (51%) favouring government intervention. These participants stated government bodies should enforce companies to adopt stricter security measures and implement DevSecOps. Why companies are prioritising DevSecOps As threats continue to become more sophisticated and ubiquitous, organisations are looking to improve their security measures accordingly. 63% of respondents claimed that adopting DevSecOps leads to a more rigorous security-centric culture within their organisations. DevSecOps is already proving to be essential as 72% of participants feel that their ability to discover and monitor applications and APIs has increased after implementing the strategy. Furthermore, 64% agree that they need further code monitoring to detect vulnerabilities, a capability which DevSecOps can provide. The urgency to adopt DevSecOps was driven by increased digitisation, with 60% listing it as a contributing factor, as well as supply chain attacks across the industry which was a concern for 53% of “Enterprises are starting to become aware of the need to optimise their security measures, preferably through implementing a proactive strategy consisting of an ‘always on’ approach to cybersecurity.” CYBER SECURITY www.networkseuropemagazine.com 48respondents. It’s been two years since the Sunburst attack on SolarWinds impacted many organisations, making it apparent that supply chains are part of every company’s attack surface. It gives attackers an opportunity to avoid a company’s security defences. Enterprises are starting to become aware of the need to optimise their security measures, preferably through implementing a proactive strategy consisting of an ‘always on’ approach to cybersecurity. DevSecOps can identify security vulnerabilities with 24/7 monitoring. Despite the growing prioritisation of DevSecOps, only 13% of these organisations have fully adopted this strategy. 42% feel that the lack of security talent is preventing them from implementing a formal strategy. However, this does not mean that companies should not include DevSecOps in their cybersecurity approach. Security teams should be going beyond software updates and bug fixes for protection and prevention efforts. Multi-layered defences such as regular backups, and reliable updating, and updating software and systems are vital in efficient security measures, but with the continually changing threat landscape, early detection is critical now more than ever. In addition to the basics, organisations need to start implementing a range of effective prevention and mitigation measures such as DevSecOps. Establishing a more proactive cybersecurity strategy With increasing threats such as ransomware, DDoS attacks, and supply chain attacks, DevSecOps is integral to the cybersecurity of organisations. In 2023, organisations need to prioritise not only implementing DevSecOps into their internal security but also adopting the best methods of practice that make this strategy effective. This approach can include automating tasks and conducting regular testing and security audits. It requires efficient communication between the development, security and IT teams as well as educating these teams on the cultural shift and the advantages of establishing a clear DevSecOps strategy. Next year, every company must make cybersecurity and DevSecOps a business priority. Ideally, leaders should consider security a core part of their company culture and a core capability of their product development process. This includes creating a dedicated in-house security team and embedding compliance and security practices within their developer tools. Only then will they be thoroughly prepared for any given event and place themselves in a far stronger position in this constantly evolving and perilous threat landscape. CYBER SECURITY www.networkseuropemagazine.com 49Next >