John O'Brien

John O'Brien

John is Uptime Institute’s Senior Research Analyst for Cloud and Software Automation. As a technology industry analyst for over two decades, John has been analyzing the impact of cloud migration, modernization and optimization for the past decade. John covers hybrid and multi-cloud infrastructure, sustainability, and emerging AIOps, DataOps and FinOps practices.

Latest Research

30 Apr 2026
IT-OT telemetry failings are hindering real-time applications

IT-OT equipment telemetry offers huge potential to improve visibility into live facility operations, but data exchange often fails because systems and protocols are incompatible.

24 Feb 2026
Digital twins and DCIM: why data quality must come first

While DCIM software has certain characteristics of a digital twin, persistent data quality and system interoperability issues mean a true digital twin for data center operations is still some way off.

26 Jan 2026
Giant data center power plans reach extreme levels

Data from Uptime Intelligence's giant data center analysis indicates that proposed power capacity and investment tied to giant data centers and campuses are at unprecedented levels.North America represents 80% of all planned power identifed in 2025…

8 Jan 2026
Supply chain exploits: the blind spots operators need to address

Cybercriminals increasingly target supply chains as entry points for coordinated attacks; however, many vulnerabilities have been overlooked by operators and persist, despite their growing risk and severity.

17 Dec 2025
REPLAY | Uptime Intelligence Client Webinar: The Debate Around Using AI to Automate Data Centers

As the data center industry seeks to optimize AI hosting, it must also determine the most effective ways to leverage it for operational purposes.Uptime Intelligence analysts John O'Brien and Rose Weinschenk discuss key aspects of AI that can be used…

16 Dec 2025
Many giant data center projects advance, despite risks

Giant data centers are being planned and built across the world to support AI, with successful projects forming the backbone of a huge expansion in capacity. But many are also uncertain, indicating risks and persistent headwinds.

25 Sep 2025
OT security: rising critical vulnerabilities, widespread risks

Many data center OT systems share High- or Critical-level common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs), making them easy targets for cyberattackers. Operators need to act to protect their critical infrastructures.

28 Aug 2025
DCIM vulnerabilities increase threat of cyberattacks

Security vulnerabilities in data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software are leaving some operators at risk of cyberattacks.

5 Aug 2025
GPU breakthroughs bring real-time CFD analysis closer

Real-time computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis is gradually nearing reality, with GPUs now capable of producing high-fidelity simulations in under 10 minutes. However, many operators may be skeptical about why this is necessary.

21 Jul 2025
Digital twins: the role of simulations

Investment in giant data centers and high-density AI infrastructure is driving a surge of interest in digital twins and AI-enabled simulations. However, experience in the field of computational fluid dynamics suggests obstacles lie ahead.

2 Jul 2025
Ransomware incidents on OT equipment surge

Data center operators are increasingly aware that their operational technology systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Recent incident reports show a rise in ransomware attacks, which pose significant risks to data centers

13 Jun 2025
Seven fallacies of data center cybersecurity

Cybersecurity has traditionally not been a key focus of attention for data center operators. But cyber incidents are on the rise and concerns are growing. Unaddressed vulnerabilities leave operators at increasing risk from evolving threats.

11 Jun 2025
Cybersecurity and the cost of human error

Human error is an increasingly exploited weakness by cyberattackers, leading to data center security breaches and greater risk for enterprises and operators.

30 Apr 2025
REPLAY | European cybersecurity regulation and its impact on digital infrastructures

European cybersecurity regulations have become effective and will have a major impact on both critical infrastructures and their cybersecurity management. This webinar will discuss the NIS2 Directive, the European Union's updated cybersecurity…

22 Apr 2025
Digital twins: reshaping AI infrastructure planning

Digital twins are increasingly valued in complex data center applications, such as designing and managing facilities for AI infrastructure. Digitally testing and simulating scenarios can reduce risk and cost, but many challenges remain.