Gartner: Data Centers Must Prepare for the IoT

As the Internet of things (IoT) gets more attention, it’s still unclear how it will change the managed services industry in the short term. However, IT research firm Gartner, Inc. (IT), says IOT will transform the data center industry for customers, technology providers and more. Here’s what you need to know.

Big change is on the way, according to Gartner, due in part to the huge amount of data created by the IOT.

“The enormous number of devices, coupled with the sheer volume, velocity and structure of IoT data, creates challenges, particularly in the areas of security, data, storage management, servers and the data center network, as real-time business processes are at stake,” Gartner Analyst Joe Skorupa said in a prepared statement.

Gartner said the IoT will create the following data center challenge areas:

Security — As devices deployed across areas of modern urban environments increase, additional security challenges with arise in various industries.

Enterprise — Big data generated from the increase in devices will also increase security complexity. Availability requirements will also be impacted and place real-time business processes and personal safety at risk.

Consumer privacy — There will be a vast amount of data out there from users expanding their use of personal devices. If this data is not secured properly, it can give rise to breaches of privacy.

Data — The IoT will impact storage by generating more personal data (consumer) and big data (enterprise). Significant data will be generated as consumers leverage more apps and devices.

Storage management —  Storage infrastructure will be another factor contributing to the increasing demand for more storage capacity, a direct result of the IOT.

Server technologies — There will be an increased investment in key vertical industries and organizations related to those industries where IoT can be profitable or add significant value.

Data center network — Inbound data center bandwidth requirements will be increased by the IoT, a result from transferring massive amounts of small message sensor data to the data center for processing.

“Data center managers will need to deploy more forward-looking capacity management in these areas to be able to proactively meet the business priorities associated with IoT,” Skorupa said.

Gartner estimated that the IoT will include 26 billion units installed by 2020. Additionally, IoT product and service suppliers will generate incremental revenue exceeding $300 billion (mostly in services).

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