Data Center Modernization

Modernizing to IBM z17? It’s more than just a hardware upgrade. I’ve been speaking with customers about what it really takes to move to the latest IBM Z platforms—especially z17—and how to turn this transition into a strategic modernization effort. Here’s what we’re discussing: 1. Start with the “why” Performance gains? Cyber resilience? Cost optimization? Better integration with cloud and AI? Clear goals lead to better roadmaps. 2. Inventory your current environment Apps, workloads, middleware, integrations—understand what’s running, where, and what depends on it. Mainframes rarely operate in isolation. 3. Assess readiness for modernization Can your codebase leverage z17 features? Do your teams have the right skills? Is your ops model prepared for deeper cloud integration? 4. Plan a disruption-free migration Think pilot workloads, risk mitigation, rollback plans, and performance benchmarks. A phased approach wins. 5. Embed automation and observability from day one Modern mainframe isn’t about doing old things faster—it’s about operating smarter with real-time insights and automation. 6. Unlock AI and hybrid cloud value With built-in AI accelerators and z/OS enhancements, z17 creates new possibilities. The question is: are you ready to realize them? Migration is a technical step. Modernization is a business conversation. If your organization is considering this journey, I’d be happy to exchange ideas—and share what’s working (and what’s not) across industries. Sanjay Raina Allison Van Pelt Hassan Zamat Petra Goude

Revolutionizing Data Centers: The Rise of Modular and Prefabricated Designs In the ever-evolving landscape of data center infrastructure, adaptability and efficiency have become paramount. Traditional data center construction methods, with their long lead times and hefty price tags, are no longer the sole option for businesses seeking to meet their growing data needs. Enter modular and prefabricated designs – a game-changer in the world of data center architecture. Modular and prefabricated designs offer a flexible and scalable solution to the challenges faced by modern businesses. By breaking down the construction process into pre-engineered modules, these designs streamline deployment timelines and minimize on-site construction complexities. This translates to significant cost savings and accelerated time-to-market, enabling businesses to swiftly respond to changing demands without compromising on quality or reliability. One of the key advantages of modular and prefabricated designs is their ability to scale seamlessly. As data requirements fluctuate, additional modules can be easily integrated into existing infrastructure, allowing for incremental growth without disrupting operations. This scalability not only future-proofs data center investments but also ensures optimal resource utilization, ultimately enhancing business agility and competitiveness. Moreover, modular and prefabricated designs offer enhanced sustainability benefits. By leveraging standardized components and advanced manufacturing techniques, these designs minimize material waste and energy consumption during construction. Additionally, their modular nature enables efficient cooling and power distribution, further reducing operational costs and environmental impact. Beyond their operational efficiency, modular and prefabricated designs are also revolutionizing the way data centers are managed and maintained. With standardized components and integrated management systems, these designs facilitate centralized monitoring and control, optimizing performance and reliability across the entire infrastructure. This centralized approach to management not only simplifies day-to-day operations but also enables predictive maintenance, ensuring uninterrupted service delivery and minimizing downtime. In conclusion, modular and prefabricated designs represent a paradigm shift in data center architecture, offering unparalleled flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. By embracing these innovative solutions, businesses can unlock new opportunities for growth, agility, and sustainability in an increasingly data-driven world. #DataCenter #ModularDesign #Prefabricated #Infrastructure #Technology #Innovation #Scalability #Efficiency #Sustainability #BusinessAgility #DigitalTransformation #ITConsulting #FutureTech #GreenTech #DataManagement

I’ve been asked this question countless times: "Our data center servers are over 6 years old, consume over 66% of DC energy, but provide only ~7% of compute. How can we consolidate more efficiently?" The reality is staggering: 💡 40% of the world's servers are outdated (6+ years old). ⚡ They consume 66% of data center energy. 📉 Yet, they only deliver 7% of the total compute power! The solution? Modernizing with high-efficiency architectures like AMD EPYC (Turin) 5th Gen ✅ 7:1 Server Consolidation – One EPYC server can replace up to 7 aging Intel Cascade Lake servers. ✅ Up to 192 Zen 5 cores – Maximizing compute density per rack. ✅ Lower Power, Higher Performance – Cutting energy costs while boosting workloads. 💬 Data center consolidation isn’t just about performance—it’s about sustainability and TCO. What are your biggest challenges in DC modernization? Let’s discuss. #Server #Consolidation #Efficiency #Sustainability #AMD #EPYC #Innovation

This newly issued report examines how both established and emerging technologies are transforming the #datacenter sector—shaping return on investment, operational resilience, and competitive positioning. Data centers are no longer built to a single blueprint. As client demands become more diverse and innovation accelerates, technology has moved beyond a supporting role to become a key strategic asset. Traditional benchmarks like tier classifications are being replaced by metrics that emphasize performance—particularly in areas like #connectivity, #energy efficiency, and smart operations. Highlights from the report include: - Technology is now a primary differentiator—from network design to energy systems, it directly influences profitability, uptime, and customer experience. - Tier certifications are losing ground, with software-defined, interconnected systems now more critical to reliability. - Five high-impact technologies are delivering measurable returns: fiber optics, software-defined networks, high-performance cooling, modern UPS solutions, and energy management systems that support renewables. - There is no universal tech stack—infrastructure choices must be tailored to specific client requirements, site characteristics, and business models. - Alignment across stakeholders is increasing—investors, operators, and end users are recognizing the need to understand shared technology risks and advantages. To see the full report + explore more future-focused research: https://lnkd.in/eEAe-ARN Our firm, The Proptech Connection is working with clients (Corporate VC, Private Equity & owner/investors) across the ecosystem to make sense of this shift and capture opportunities in an increasingly fragmented landscape. DM me if you’d like to explore how we can work together, and we'll schedule a discovery meeting. Alongside: Stephen Macdonald CA, Stuart Daun and other colleagues

Legacy systems often stick around longer than anyone plans. At first, they do the job, but over time, they start holding your business back. Many of our clients come to us facing this exact issue — old systems that can't keep up with their growing needs. The big question: how do you modernize without risking major disruptions? The first step is understanding what your legacy system still does well and where it’s holding you back. Not everything needs replacing right away. Focusing on the areas that are creating the most friction in your day-to-day operations will help you target your efforts. We often advise clients against ripping out an entire system all at once. Instead, we help them modernize in manageable steps. This approach spreads the investment over time and allows you to gradually replace outdated components while keeping your core business running smoothly. Moving data from a legacy system to a new platform can be one of the most complex parts of the process. We’ve helped companies navigate this challenge by developing clear migration plans that focus on data accuracy and integrity. Your data is the lifeblood of your operations, and ensuring it transfers correctly — without loss or corruption — is key to a successful modernization. One mistake we’ve seen businesses make is forgetting to prioritize security when modernizing legacy systems. Older systems tend to have vulnerabilities that modern threats can exploit, but simply moving to a new platform isn’t enough. Every upgrade needs to be paired with an evaluation of your security posture. Implementing new encryption methods, improving access controls and conducting regular security audits to protect your data and operations should be a priority in your modernization plan. Legacy system modernization is a journey, but when done thoughtfully, it can unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency, and innovation. #flexmade #softwaredevelopment #legacysystems #digitaltransformation

As organizations embark on modernization, they face numerous challenges, including technical debt, skill shortages, and the complexity of integrating legacy systems with modern technologies. However, there are strategies which can help to mitigate and overcome these challenges. The difficulties and risks of heavily outdated technology only grow with time, and years of quick-fix workarounds can ultimately add complexity to the modernization work ahead. While safeguarding core business processes, enterprises can take the opportunity to re-imagine their IT infrastructure and position themselves for long-term success. Modernization also helps organizations become better equipped to adapt to regulatory changes, protect data security, and create innovative products and services. For CIOs, the journey from mainframe to digital transformation represents the challenge of driving meaningful change. This green paper explores the strategies and considerations for modernizing these enterprise monoliths, outlines a comprehensive roadmap that addresses both the technical and organizational dimensions of modernization, and provides actionable insights for CIOs navigating this complex journey. EQengineered's 2025 Consulting Green Paper Authors: Mark Hewitt & Julian Flaks #CIOs #CTOs #CDOs #CDAOs #CFOs #CMOs #CEOs #legacymodernization #digitaltransformation #EQengineered https://lnkd.in/gXhWF8g3