< PreviousFEATURES 20UK universities and research institutions have built an enviable reputation over many years for helping to inform the development of countless industries, from genomics to nuclear, and AI to automotive engineering and design. It’s where so many bright ideas are turned into economic reality. At the crux of much of this is high-performance computing (HPC) where petabytes of data can be processed in milliseconds. With a few exceptions – say, areas of national defence or critical national infrastructure (CNI) – yes, HPC can be in the Cloud. But it’s not as simple as making a decision about where HPC should be. There’s a panoply of factors to consider, most of which are entirely contingent on local and operational considerations, around cost - long term or short term costs - who maintains and manages it, and the available skills, and time, to oversee HPC demands. Furthermore, commercial decisions need factoring given the investments required and, like every other industry, security is right up there as a priority. For instance, research is often conducted on behalf of governments, big pharma, finance and even high-profile and high-ticket sports such as Formula 1, where secrets are guarded with Crown Jewel care and attention. If computational findings that contribute to even the smallest of marginal gains on the racetrack are compromised, it’s game over. Data is precious. None of this should preclude cloud-based HPC bringing considerable power and potential to these situations. According to research report by Market Research Future (MRFR), in April 2023, the cloud HPC market size was valued at $5.5 billion in 2022 and is predicted to grow over the next seven years at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 16.68%, to reach $16.19 billion by the end of the decade. That’s big business, and it’s where commercial gains and intellectual property meet. Total cost of ownership HPC is an expensive business, on or off the cloud. Depending upon where your influence lies in an organisation, your objective may be swayed by different factors. A CFO may focus upon cost (especially Capex) while a CTO or CEO might see investment, or total cost of ownership (TCO). In our experience, this is the most common battleground we witness, across academia and research and, many other industries. It’s true, with an on-premise infrastructure organisations have complete control of all operations and likewise, will own or at least manage and maintain both the server and datacentre environment. However, as all CFOs will testify, this is a fixed and depreciating asset, which needs to be written down over a period of time; usually five years. But even that doesn’t tell the whole story because capital outlay for hardware and infrastructure typically accounts for only a third of the overall costs of running an HPC environment. The remaining two thirds are eaten up by maintenance and running costs, and may fall within an operations budget. In most cases, to fund a £5 million HPC in the Cloud – bitter pill or soothing remedy? Owen Thomas, co-founder of Red Oak Consulting www.redoakconsulting.co.uk FEATURES 21capital outlay, £15 million is likely to be required. An additional challenge posed here is that many organisations may be encouraged to continue to run hardware for longer than they should, whereas, in practice, at the five-year point, it’s more economical to invest in a new system, rather than run an old system for another year. Research and higher education organisations must be able to demonstrate ROI, which of course is only right. However, the timescale in which you measure it is as important to understand, as is the total cost of ownership (TCO). Understanding of how HPC generates value in an organisation is pivotal to determining the most appropriate strategy, a process which involves identifying the right metrics by which ‘value’ can be quantified. Often, a metric can be identified by an organisational value of HPC. While at times it might be perceived as a binary outcome - with HPC, operations are feasible, and without it, they're not - this perspective neglects the opportunity to assess a range of diverse metrics. The focus on costs can sometimes eclipse the perceived value, especially when HPC introduces new operational strategies that enhance value in ways previously unattainable. One of the key advantages of the Cloud, is that within the pay-as-you-go system, organisations only need to apportion budgets a year at a time, enabling them to invest elsewhere with the allocated operational HPC budget, where a guaranteed return on investment can be realised. Security matters Security, particularly around data breaches and fending off of cyber- attacks, remains one of the most urgent matters of concern among IT administrators in any field of operations or marketplace. But in academia and research it has particular potency when it comes to cloud computing. Last year, the average global cost of a successful cyber-attack reached a record high of $4.35 million (£3.41 million), as reported in IBM's 2022 Data Breach Report. This sum covers potential ransom payments, regulatory fines, and the impacts of data and intellectual property loss, alongside disruptions to custom and productivity, as the victim strives to restore normal operations over the following months. However, until there is a wider understanding of how to overcome them, and they are not intractable with the right policies in place, security issues will remain the most urgent matters of concern among IT administrators in academic and other organisations when it comes to cloud computing. In a recent survey concerning academic information infrastructure conducted by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), it was observed that over 90% of universities have integrated cloud services into their information systems. However, the survey's findings reveal a paradox: while enhanced security motivates 50% of the universities employing cloud services, an equal percentage reject these services on the grounds of security. Such divergent opinions surely underscore the absence of universally accepted criteria for implementing cloud services, but also, and more worryingly, how a lack of consensus can contribute potentially to researchers' apprehension, particularly in scientific fields which are so reliant on sensitive data like genomic medical research. FEATURES 22If researchers in fields like genomics remain unaware of the potential to leverage the computational capacity and data accessibility provided by cloud services, the progress of research will potentially be hampered. With the appropriate support in place and the right experience of cloud based HPC behind them, there is every opportunity to unlock the full power of the cloud securely. Checklists for cloud migration and integration should be put in place, including audit and selection of the best data centre, issues of interest including measures for disaster prevention, failure, and disaster response, and when considering the processing and storage of certain types of sensitive data, it may be necessary to confirm the location (country or region) of the data centre itself. In sum therefore, yes the complex interplay of vast computing resources and the intricate nature of HPC tasks can expose sensitive data to risks, but with the right policies and tools in place, data can be given the highest possible security and protection on the cloud. Minding the skills gap In many organisations that require HPC, and none more so than higher education, there exists the ‘workforce development/workforce management’ dilemma. In essence, organisations realise there is a skill and resource shortage, but continue to have reservations around outsourcing. There are many excellent business computing degree courses at UK universities, but to our knowledge, other than Edinburgh University, HPC degree options are limited. Meanwhile, many good research staff members in higher education make the move to the corporate and private sector, where there is more funding and reward. The challenge, and it’s one we are working closely with customers on, is how to retain a level of in-house knowledge, while ensuring the outsourced support is also there. Our mantra at Red Oak Consulting, is that with a managed service in place, ROMS, we have the experience and skills to fill that skills shortage and knowledge gap and work alongside research bodies and higher education institutions to train, mentor and develop staff. We recognise also that over time needs will evolve, and that the nature of that support may also evolve, because managing HPC is not the same as managing enterprise IT. The future is bright Crucially, universities and research departments need complete peace of mind in the transition to the cloud once they realise it is the best option for them. If appropriately outsourced within a robust managed service arrangement, they can draw on the deep-level expertise to steer them seamlessly onto the cloud, or indeed onto a hybrid model. The decision about which environment is best suited will always include cost and security considerations, but neither should be looked at in isolation. An investment of this magnitude and importance needs to be examined in its entirety, quantifying its value to the organisation as a whole within a TCO model. Get it right, and the cloud could be the best decision they can possibly make in the race to harness the power of data. FEATURES 23EMBRACING THE CLOUD: WHY IT REMAINS AN ESSENTIAL BUSINESS PRIORITY Josh Boer, director, VeUP https://www. absolute.com/ FEATURES 24In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, where innovation is the name of the game, it's no surprise that Generative AI (GenAI) has taken centre stage as a top IT business priority. According to recent research conducted by IT analyst firm, Enterprise Strategy Group, GenAI has surpassed cloud computing as the top strategic IT initiative, garnering the attention of 42% of businesses worldwide. However, amid the GenAI hype, it's crucial not to overlook the enduring importance of cloud infrastructure. In an era marked by economic turbulence and rapid technological advancements, prioritising cloud infrastructure remains pivotal for long-term success. Cost efficiency Cost reduction is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. Cloud services eliminate the need for large upfront capital expenditures on hardware and software. Instead, companies can adopt a pay-as-you-go model, reducing operational costs. This financial flexibility is especially crucial in uncertain economic times, enabling organisations to allocate resources where they are needed most. Scalability and flexibility Cloud computing provides businesses with the ability to scale their operations seamlessly. Whether you are a startup aiming for rapid growth or an established enterprise adapting to changing market dynamics, the cloud offers the flexibility to adjust resources according to your needs. This scalability ensures that businesses can respond swiftly to market demands without the hassle of procuring and maintaining physical infrastructure. WHY IT REMAINS AN RIORITY FEATURES 25Digital transformation The cloud serves as the backbone for digital transformation initiatives. It provides the infrastructure needed to modernise processes, enhance customer experiences, and drive innovation. Whether it's adopting cloud-based software solutions or leveraging cloud-based analytics, cloud computing is an indispensable enabler of digital transformation. Efficient procurement Efficient procurement processes are vital for cost control and business growth. Cloud-based procurement solutions streamline purchasing workflows, enhance transparency, and facilitate supplier management. These capabilities empower organisations to optimise their procurement strategies, reducing operational inefficiencies and maximising savings. Security and compliance Contrary to common misconceptions, cloud providers invest heavily in security measures. Leading cloud platforms offer robust security features, including data encryption, identity and access management, and regular security audits. Additionally, they often adhere to stringent compliance standards, which can help businesses meet regulatory requirements more effectively than they could on their own. Accessibility and collaboration Cloud-based tools and applications enable remote work and collaboration, a necessity in the modern business landscape. Employees can access critical resources and collaborate with colleagues from anywhere with an internet connection. This accessibility enhances productivity and empowers organisations to tap into a global talent pool. GenAI Cloud Platforms: AWS Amazon Web Services (AWS) is one cloud platform that is rapidly positioning itself as a major player in this competitive field. The introduction of Amazon Bedrock, a serverless environment for consuming foundation models, offers scalability and security benefits. This service aligns with the demand for secure and efficient cloud-based solutions, which are essential for the FEATURES 26resource-intensive nature of GenAI. By forming partnerships with GenAI startups, AWS further enriches its offering, expanding the range of text and image-based foundation models available to its users. GenAI inherently demands substantial computational power and extensive datasets, which public cloud platforms like AWS are well-equipped to provide. Furthermore, cloud providers like AWS continually optimise their infrastructure, ensuring cost- effectiveness and scalability. By investing in the right cloud services, organisations can access the computational resources and services necessary for GenAI while maintaining flexibility, cost control, and the ability to scale resources as needed. As GenAI takes its place in the spotlight, cloud computing remains an indispensable pillar of modern business operations. Its scalability, cost-efficiency, role in digital transformation, and contribution to efficient procurement processes make it an essential business priority. AWS' foray into GenAI showcases its commitment to providing accessible and robust AI solutions. Cloud spending should remain a priority because it aligns with the resource-intensive nature of GenAI, offering businesses the computational power and tools needed to harness the full potential of this technology while optimising costs and scalability. Nearly every organisation embarking on the GenAI journey requires support in various areas, from defining use cases with measurable success metrics, to selecting the right technology providers and partners - cloud infrastructure can be instrumental in mitigating some of these challenges. Embracing the cloud not only positions organisations for long- term success, but also provides a stable foundation upon which GenAI and other emerging technologies can thrive. Businesses, especially fast-growing startups, should continue to prioritise cloud infrastructure investment to support their growth and adapt to the ever-evolving business landscape. FEATURES 27The key pillars of a sustainable data centre ecosystem Data centres are energy-hungry facilities, which is understandable given their large amounts of computing power. As well as this, they need to be constantly in operation and have sophisticated systems - as well as multiple redundancies - in place to ensure reliability. According to the International Energy Agency, the electricity consumption of data centres worldwide is between 220 and 320TWh/year, which equates to 1% of total electricity consumption. For this reason, there has been a fundamental shift in the focus of data centres and cloud providers in recent years to commit to more concrete long-term sustainability investments. The journey towards sustainability is one that all IT operators must embark on by rethinking how they use their resources to reduce the energy impact of every single process. So, let's look at four of the most important steps to ensure your data centre operations are energy-efficient. Building green-by-design data centres To make a data centre sustainable, it is essential to consider its energy consumption from the very beginning of the design process. This means considering several factors, such as location, systems and construction materials. For instance, some data centre operators are implementing energy-efficient cooling systems to help reduce energy consumption and water usage. With this in mind, it is also essential to be selective when choosing technology partners. You'll want to choose a partner who shares the same goals and approach when it comes to sustainability and who, therefore, will be using state-of-the-art technology within their facilities to meet these standards. By adopting such practices, it is possible to have a technological ecosystem that, combined with other elements, can move toward total sustainability. Harnessing renewable energy As well as striving to consume energy intelligently, it is also important to ensure that what is consumed comes from renewable energy sources. The goal should be to produce more 'clean' energy than the data centre consumes, thereby neutralising its operational impact. For example, at Aruba, we own 7 hydroelectric power plants, one of which is located within the Global Cloud Data Centre of Ponte San Pietro (BG), with two located in surrounding areas. We've also invested in photovoltaic systems that cover a large part of the walls and roofs of our data centres. Giorgio Girelli, general manager, Aruba Enterprise, www.aruba.it/en FEATURES 28When relying on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, operators can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower their contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, thus reducing their overall environmental impact. Following certifications Among the many certifications that exist in the energy-environmental sector, one of the most significant is ISO 50001. This certifies an organisation as having an Energy Management System (EMS) with the objective of continuously improving energy performance through the application of management strategies and methodologies to monitor and control energy use and consumption. Similarly, the ISO 14001 certification specifies and standardises the requirements of an environmental management system. In this case, a third party certifies a company's ability to monitor environmental impacts, implement policies aimed at reducing waste, and monitor and maintain regulatory and legislative compliance that governs the sector. Finally, the ISO 22237 certification route offers its customers a modern, complete and rigorous international certification that certifies the energy efficiency of its infrastructures by analysing and verifying all the components that determine it. This includes various projects, plants, the organisation itself, and processes. Thinking with a 'sustainable supply chain' approach The environmental impact of any infrastructure, apparatus or plant is determined by the sum of the impact caused during the construction phase, the effect of consumption and operational maintenance during the entire life cycle, and the impact generated by the entire supply chain, including customers and suppliers, must be made up of companies that hold the same values and have structured sustainability processes in place. In the IT sector, a business can only provide energy-efficient infrastructures by considering both how equipment is produced and its efficiency, but also considering how IT solutions are designed, how data and services are managed and delivered, and how the individual user uses them. To design a sustainable supply chain, in all its meanings - including environmental, technological, and social – businesses should focus on developing a culture of sustainability and working as a team to have the active contribution of the entire supply chain. Data centre operators have a fundamental role to play in the challenge for a sustainable technological ecosystem. They are responsible for designing, building and maintaining infrastructures with the lowest possible environmental impact. This can be achieved by adopting efficient systems of energy production and use, working with third-party certification organisations, and relying on suppliers who are equally sensitive to the issue. By adhering to these key pillars, you'll be one huge step closer to helping guide our industry into a more sustainable future. FEATURES 29Next >