When we look back on the last twelve months, astonished by how time appears to fly by so quickly, for everyone, and reflect on the year here at 2bm. We believe it's been a success.
Success is measured in many ways, and I'm in no doubt that for me the close working relationships we have forged with our customers and business partners is right up there. So on behalf of Jason, myself and all the team at 2bm, we would like to thank you for choosing to work with us.
We are closed for Christmas, with our last day on Wednesday 23 December and we're back in at 2bm on Monday 4 January. Of course, should any issues arise during this time you can contact your account manager.
This year once again as an alternative to sending a traditional card we will be making a donation to Rainbows, our chosen charity who do such sterling work in caring for children and young people with life limiting conditions.
I wish you, and your family a very Happy Christmas.
Mark King - 2bm
Looking ahead to 2010
Of course this time of year is also very much about looking to the future. We're not ones for making grand predictions but we've listed below a few issues that we would expect to be hot topics.
When's the right time to replace old for new?
According to a recent survey, close to 40% of data centres and IT facilities are more than four years old. Many sprang up to service the dot.com boom and are starting to show their age. Organisations are faced with two choices. They can continue with their existing facility and look for innovative retro-fit solutions, or commit to a new build to meet the power and cooling demands of modern hardware such as high-density blade servers and virtualisation technologies. Which is best? Both can help, but we are seeing a trend by dealing with more of the latter.
Less is more
It may have been shunted into the shadows of the green message but space, or more importantly how you use it, is still very much a talked about issue and one that sits hand in hand with the drive for increased efficiencies. Data centre design and layout requires more innovative thinking to ensure efficient space planning of cabinets and support infrastructure. There is a growing need for new and cost effective air conditioning solutions and the employment of space saving cabinets with high levels of air transfer. If you can tick all these boxes, you can look forward to a much higher density of operation.
If you can't monitor, how can you manage?
We are being asked more frequently to help data centre managers accurately prepare their planning of power requirements. It's understandable as there are risks attached for the organisation of over or under specification. The ability to monitor power consumption down to device level is now almost a prerequisite for anyone wanting to make more informed decisions. We feel we have the solution to help with this. Call me if you want to know more.
Digital Britain?
As the digital world takes over our lives, demand for data centre space will accelerate. Some are predicting it to rise between 10 and 100 times in the next three to five years. The current shortage of decent stock is likely to be at crisis point very soon indeed. Data centre space is going to be at a premium. But the industry needs to respond and the more forward thinking organisations who are making decisions now are those who will be best placed to benefit.
Access to funding
The Government is actively encouraging the IT industry to take steps towards a greener more efficient future. Schemes are in place to support such moves and 2bm is ideally placed to help organisations make the very most of the help that is on offer.
If you would like to discuss how 2bm can help you meet the challenges of the New Year then please do not hesitate to give us a call on 0115 925 6000.
