By: Thomas Cannady, vice president of network operations; Tim Glatz, head of interconnection — DataBank
Smart Factory Computing
Many manufacturers operate smart factories internally. The next step: Get smart in the cloud.
The rise of smart factories has transformed the industry. Robotic process automation, devices connected to IoT networks, and other digital technologies increase manufacturing efficiency and productivity. However, to achieve a complete digital transformation and leverage AI-driven analytics, manufacturers need to tap into smart technologies in the cloud.
This article examines how hybrid IT architectures allow manufacturers to complement on-premises IT with modern technologies in the cloud. We also discuss how colocation data centers provide the best way to connect to the cloud—through interconnections that enable real-time, low-latency data exchanges and secure connectivity.
With this approach, manufacturers can augment their production processes to operate plant machines even more efficiently.
Smart Technologies Drive Plant Efficiency
Inside a smart factory, manufacturers require 1-5 millisecond latency for connected machines and digital processes. This increases production and helps keep their workforces safe. By leveraging automation technologies, facilities operate more efficiently and increase their product margins.
For latency this low, the processing must stay inside the factory walls, using dark fiber connectivity to an on-premises data center. IT can’t push factory data processing to a remote data center. The time for the data to get there and back to execute decisions might impair production and cause safety issues.
Keeping the data processing internal also allows for systems to make tactical production decisions in real time. If a robot on the floor malfunctions, the system can make split-second decisions on whether to shut the system down.
Large Data Volumes Require Scalable Compute Resources
Onsite smart technologies generate huge data volumes. Those volumes grow exponentially when introducing artificial intelligence to mine contextualized data for strategic insights. This includes observability tools for managing a range of processes to avoid costly downtime:
- Machine maintenance
- Vendor supply chains
- Productions schedules
- Workforce schedules
- Distribution logistics
Managing these processes does not require the same ultra-fast latency as on-the-floor manufacturing processes. However, the large data volumes do require scalable CPU firepower and storage capacity. This in turn demands high power density infrastructures. The compute resources must also have sufficient cooling to run reliably.
Processing Strategic Decisions in the Cloud
Outside the walls of a smart factory, manufacturers can collect data on how they manage production. The factory can then tie into observability tools in the cloud that act as the brains of the factory.
As tools collect data for tactical decisions inside the factory, the cloud environment processes the data for strategic decisions. In the cloud —with its scalable compute resources— data processing can interact with AI systems to make decisions and kick off automated processes.
To proactively manage maintenance contracts, for example, the system identifies a machine that will break down soon and determines the fix. The process automatically orders the replacement part and schedules a resource to install it. By eliminating manual intervention, this process executes the fix more efficiently—and before any negative impact on production.
Cost-Effective Data Processing
Within an on-premises data center, manufacturers find it difficult to allocate the necessary CapEx to meet the specs for High-Performance Computing. Enter the multi-tenant colocation data center — with the power, space, and cooling infrastructure to scale and drive down the cost of compute resources for mission-critical applications.
Just as important for manufacturers, leading colocation data centers can provide private cloud, bare-metal environments. This allows manufacturers to increase their security posture and enhance controls for safeguarding sensitive data.
Another vital colocation attribute is interconnection services. From anywhere in the world, end users get low-latency access to workloads and data along with system redundancy.
Bringing Data Processing Close to Manufacturers
For instance, many automotive plants and manufacturers from other industries rely on DataBank colocation data centers to support their smart factories. From cloud on-ramps to blended Internet access and cross connects, the DataBank interconnection ecosystem scales as applications grow—with power and cooling infrastructures to support central data repositories:
- Low-latency dark fiber connections
- On-demand compute resources
- Decreased power consumption
- Ensured uptime
- Vast footprint of metro data centers
- Data and application access within 50 miles of half of the U.S. population
The DataBank Interconnection Marketplace gives manufacturers access to more than 200 telecom carriers. Using our interconnection portal, manufacturers can see all the carriers that connect to each of our 73 data centers located in the top U.S. metros. Manufacturers can explore which carriers provide telecommunications, fiber, and network services near their plants to achieve the lowest latency possible —typically between 10-40 milliseconds.
DataBank partners with these carriers to offer intra-building risers, label switching, and wide-area-networking services. These services ensure manufacturers connect with applications and data in the cloud quickly and securely from within their internal IT environments. Through our carrier partnerships, customers can connect to the cloud within minutes.
Security and Compliance Driven by ISO & NIST Standards
On top of the performance delivered by the DataBank interconnection ecosystem, we offer strong security controls. These include private connectivity to smart factories to prevent man-in-the-middle and DDoS attacks. Within this private connectivity, manufacturers can apply data encryption.
To promote a holistic approach to information security, DataBank follows the certification requirements for ISO/IEC 27001:2022. The world’s best-known standard for information security management includes vetting people, policies, and technology to assure effective risk management and cyber-resilience.
DataBank also follows the standards set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Our NIST certification allows us to support manufacturers who interact with federal, state, and local government agencies and those who need colocation services using a repeatable, secure methodology.
Your Journey to a Hybrid Environment
As your external processing needs scale, we can help you on your journey to a hybrid environment that includes colocation and private cloud services with easy access to public clouds. DataBank assists you in deciding which data centers and telecom providers make the most sense for each application workload. With our help, you can scale your infrastructure and platform services based on your needs, consuming only what you need so you can grow IT at a predictable and manageable pace.
By: Dan Fuentes, senior vice president of enterprise sales, DataBank
We’ve all grown accustomed to having instant, at-your-fingertips access to a wide range of technology and information. This includes instant access to messaging apps, social media, music, navigation, news and weather, travel, shopping, and so many other digital experiences. It’s safe to say that we probably can’t imagine life without them.
All of these digital applications and services are powered by data centers, which serve as the foundation for our connected lives and help power ongoing access to the resources and experiences that define our modern world. As the demand for these types of real-time digital experiences continues to rise, the future of the data center is more important than ever.
Put another way: We’ll continue to have an insatiable appetite for information and technology – delivered in milliseconds to any one of our preferred devices – and we’ll always need more data center capacity to provide it. The future of data centers depends on it.
Competing for Capacity
According to McKinsey & Co., the global data center industry is forecast to grow by approximately 10% annually until 2030. It’s an impressive trend, one that would be the envy of many other industries. Still, it might not be enough.
Hyperscale cloud providers are growing at an unprecedented pace, further driving demand for data center capacity and IT infrastructure. As these companies continue to scale their operations to support massive workloads, they must scramble to secure reliable, high-performance data center space to keep up. With the increasing need for ultra-fast service, expanding network capacity, and edge computing, hyperscalers are not only pushing bandwidth to data centers but also building extensive backbone infrastructure to efficiently deliver data to end users – all of which increases overall demand.
Additionally, as more enterprise businesses recognize the critical role of their digital infrastructure, the need for more robust, scalable solutions has intensified. This is especially true with the explosion of AI applications that are already increasing data processing requirements that are expected to rise exponentially.
These enterprises represent a wide range of industries but have one thing in common: the pressure to secure additional capacity before someone else does. Many need new capacity just to maintain their current approach to delivering products, services, and other digital offerings. Any delay in securing the necessary space and power could put them a step behind.
These missteps can be devastating. If enterprise organizations can’t find the capacity they need, they could miss growth targets or lose their overall competitive edge. All of this shows that data centers are no longer just an operational necessity; they are now a strategic advantage with make-or-break implications for any company’s ability to innovate and compete.
DataBank’s Role in Supporting Industry Growth
While it’s a seller’s market and demand for capacity is surging, it is still very expensive to build and maintain high-performance data centers. We’re doing all we can to deliver reliable, future-ready data centers that give businesses the space and power they need to stay competitive.
This includes keeping up with technological innovations that continue to drive even more capacity needs. New chipsets from NVIDIA and others are revolutionizing data processing yet pose new challenges. DataBank offers liquid cooling directly to the server, which might have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago but is now required for NVIDIA’s Blackwell architecture and other emerging chips.
Additionally, growing power requirements are pushing the limits of traditional infrastructure. For example, where a 3kW cabinet was once standard, we’re now supporting up to 150kW per cabinet, with power requirements growing with more data usage.
We developed our Universal Data Hall Design to give our customers a flexible, scalable solution that can support a wide range of their needs in a single, unified environment. Modular space options can accommodate different IT requirements, such as high-density compute, AI workloads, or traditional infrastructure, helping businesses adjust resources as demand grows without extensive downtime or costly upgrades.
The Best Time to Secure Colocation Data Center Space is Now
Colocation data center capacity may seem costly today, and it is certainly more expensive than in the past. As Scott Palsgrove on the DataBank team has said, “It’s never going to be cheaper than it is right now.” With demand continuing to surge, securing capacity now isn’t just a smart move; it’s a strategic necessity. Companies that act sooner can lock in space, stabilize costs, and ensure they have the infrastructure needed to support future growth.
By: Jai Nowlin, Compliance Engineer, DataBank
What Is a Smart City?
Cities across the globe deploy a wide range of smart devices connected to IoT networks. The devices feed data into databases to improve city services, reduce energy consumption, and increase safety. The devices include smart energy meters and traffic management systems as well as sensors to track air quality, water usage, weather, transportation systems, and waste.
Most of the information these systems collect is mundane. However, many systems collect personal information linked to other databases containing personal information. Should cybercriminals breach one component of an IT ecosystem, they may gain access to all the connected systems.
To analyze and process data, cities connect their databases to artificial intelligence (AI) models and machine learning algorithms. In addition, they store data in the cloud. All this increases attack surfaces for threat actors to gain access to private information.
The Long Reach of Compliance Laws
With all the data smart cities generate, city leaders need to consider the security and compliance ramifications. Sensitive data connected to individuals is subject not only to local privacy laws but also state, federal, and international regulations.
Consider a person renting a car in the U.S. and visiting a city in a state with privacy protection laws. As the driver runs a red light, a smart camera connected to an IoT network records his facial image and the car license plate. The database managed by the motor vehicle department stores the image and the plate number.
Eventually, the system connects with the car rental company to identify the driver and kick off a process to fine the driver. At the same time, the city has collected, stored, and processed personal information belonging to the driver.
Should the city mishandle the private information, or should hackers breach the IT system, the city could be subject to a privacy regulation fine. No doubt, that fine will cost a lot more than the ticket for running the red light.
Citizens Covered in Cities They Visit
This situation represents how privacy protection works in the U.S. With the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), for example, citizens receive privacy coverage when they travel to California. Currently, 19 other states also have privacy protection laws. In addition to protecting state citizens, the regulations cover anyone visiting these states.
Without proper security controls that comply with state privacy regulations—as well as international laws such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)—cities could open the door to cyberattacks and compliance fines. The challenges lie in identifying all the systems containing protected data and determining the necessary controls to comply with the pertinent regulations.
Ultimately, it’s up to each city to know the types of data it processes and stores. However, colocation data centers can offer compliance experts to help IT teams work through the process. This includes identifying security gaps and recommending how to close them to achieve compliance with privacy regulations.
Privacy Compliance for Smart Cities
To help cities prove compliance with regulations, colocation providers identify the security controls they apply to their facilities and their infrastructures. In addition to physical security—such as surveillance cameras, security guards, and badge systems—providers offer redundant power and cooling to ensure servers do not shut down and lose data.
The leading colocation facilities also keep customer environments separated with interconnected network segmentation. If a city operates multiple server pods inside a data center, it can establish connectivity across environments without sending data to the Internet.
DataBank, for instance, provides a service to multi-tenant customers that runs copper fiber between environments. Cities can have multiple environments in the same data center and never leave the building. For cities with environments in multiple data centers, we can segment connections at the network layer, so the router ports at each data center talk only to the city’s routers in other data centers.
Taming the Compliance Arena
As cities plan their data management strategies, DataBank conducts exploratory sessions to identify data types and data processes. This includes identifying which data sets cities want to retain, for how long, and the purpose of that data—such as plans for processing or sharing.
We also help cities address how they share data with local, state, and federal agencies. There are also situations where cities send data outside the U.S. We can cover the necessary controls to keep this data secure as well.
One of the key guidelines DataBank adheres to is NIST 800-53. This cybersecurity framework provides standards adopted as guidelines for many compliance certification programs. These include FedRAMP, FISMA, CMMC, HITRUST, and ISO 27001. Cities that align with the NIST 800-53 guidelines meet the U.S. Department of Defense specs for achieving stricter policies in relation to the privacy and security of the data they store and collect.
How DataBank Keeps Data Secure
City leaders have the best intentions trying to stay ahead of compliance and privacy. Nobody wants to get caught in an attack. However, even if a city uses topline technology, there’s always somebody trying to get in.
To help cities take on this challenge, our DataBank security platforms keep an eye on all the data that goes through our data centers. Using artificial intelligence algorithms, our systems constantly learn what is common and what is a threat to servers, networks, and infrastructures. If our security teams receive an anomaly alert, they quickly conduct investigations to eliminate threats and keep customers secure.
Customers who want to learn more about how DataBank protects private information, visit the DataBank Trust Center within the Customer Portal. We provide insights and resources along with access to industry-leading security practices, policies, and controls. You can explore our security posture and discover how we uphold the highest standards of compliance to protect your data against potential threats. You can also review our certifications, request security documentation, and learn how we secure and manage your information.
By: Eric Ziemendorf, Director of Cloud Architecture, DataBank
Can Cybercriminals Leverage Quantum Computing?
A bit of an irony: New technologies give the world possibilities for innovation we never imagined. They almost always also give cybercriminals new ways to steal digital assets.
Beware…that’s the case with quantum computing. Still relatively new in terms of successful iterations, quantum computing features QPUs with ultra-microscopic qubits. You can see them only with the world’s most powerful microscopes.
Qubits allow engineers and scientists to solve complex problems super-fast. That’s because they live in a state of superposition—not just the binary code of <0> and <1> found in a typical CPU. Users running analysis can work on a million computations at once.
The incredible speed of quantum computers also offers a potentially lethal tool for decrypting encrypted data. 256-bit encryption keys take today’s supercomputers billions of years to go through all the possible combinations to break the code.
However, by analyzing a million combinations at once, a quantum computer can break the keys in hours or even minutes. The technology is still in its infancy, so this threat does not exist quite yet, but that day will come.
Absolute Zero + Zero Vibration = Billions of Dollars
Only the tech giants of the world—such as Google, Microsoft, AWS, IBM, and Apple—will invest in data quantum computing data centers. They cost a billion dollars or more.
For starters, the technology requires near absolute zero temperatures. Lord Kelvin calculated absolute zero in 1848 as negative 273.15 Celsius. This equates to negative 459.67 degrees Fahrenheit. If you work as a systems engineer in one of these facilities, dress warm!
The facilities supporting quantum computing must also achieve zero vibration. Otherwise, the qubits will destabilize. Add to this the qubit manufacturing costs plus the cost of integrating systems to run analysis jobs, and you have a very expensive data center.
Clearly, the physical environment for quantum computing goes far beyond what large enterprises, research organizations, and educational institutions can afford. Instead, they will turn to the tech giants to rent time on quantum computing servers.
Cracking Open Today’s Data—In the Future
The danger in relation to quantum computing for enterprises and organizations lies in what cybercriminals can do today. If they steal sensitive, encrypted data that takes too long to decrypt, they can just hold onto the data.
Then they simply wait—until quantum computing is generally available. Nefarious threat actors, especially those sponsored by nation-states, will find a way to provision the technology too.
Cybercriminals can then apply quantum computing to potentially break encrypted data. If the target organization used a legacy encryption tool, the chances of decryption go way up. It’s almost like using DNA to solve a crime committed 50 years ago. How carefully did the crook cover his or her tracks?
The Best Defense: A Private Cloud in a Colocation Data Center
The best way to protect your infrastructure from these types of quantum computing threats is to deploy current decryption methods within a private cloud. Ideally, you would deploy your private cloud in a colocation data center.
You then need to regularly evaluate new encryption methods as they evolve. This approach allows you to better ensure threat actors can’t steal your data now and decrypt it when quantum computing turns into a reality. If they don’t succeed today, they may breach your infrastructure three years from now.
Compared to public cloud environments, private clouds give you more control over the security measures guarding your infrastructure. You also have more control over where you store your data.
A colocation data center gives you added protection with a facility that provides advanced security measures in comparison to on-premises data centers:
- Physical access control systems, video surveillance, and security guards
- Mantrap entrances, key card access, and biometric authentication
- Environmental controls to safeguard equipment and data
- Managed security services provided by senior cybersecurity experts
- Automatic failover to backup colocation data centers in the event of a local disaster
- Network firewalls, endpoint protection, and intrusion detection
- Encryption for data in transit and at rest as well as multi-factor authentication
- Digital access control and permissions management
As you plan your strategy to defend your digital assets, determine the high-priority systems you want to move into a colocation private cloud. Then make sure those systems use the latest encryption measures. This may also include deploying a new storage system that supports the latest encryption. With this approach, you will be ready when quantum computing hits the market.
When Will Quantum Computing Arrive?
Good question. Quantum computing is still at least a few years away. However, innovation can often take place in an instant. As manufacturers scale qubit production, the error rates will go down. If someone suddenly discovers a less expensive way to build a facility with absolute zero temperatures and zero vibration, watch out for a sudden breakthrough.
Quantum computing won’t displace the compute resources we rely on to run workloads today. It’s simply not cost-effective for streaming video, database transactions, and e-commerce. Today’s data centers run these workloads reliably and fast. However, those same systems could suffer an attack from the future of quantum computing and the superpowers it enables for cybercriminals.
For the short-term answer to this challenge, to deploy secure private clouds, many enterprises, research organizations, and education institutions turn to the DataBank METAL™ platform. Operating seamlessly within colocation environments and hybrid IT strategies, the bare-metal solution provides scalability, agility, and predictable costs.
To learn more about quantum computing and how a private cloud will help you protect your digital assets in the post-quantum computing world, contact DataBank today.