Max Smolaks

Max Smolaks

Max is a Research Analyst at Uptime Institute Intelligence. Mr Smolaks’ expertise spans digital infrastructure management software, power and cooling equipment, and regulations and standards. He has 10 years’ experience as a technology journalist, reporting on innovation in IT and data center infrastructure.

Latest Research

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Should data centers sell their heat?

Historically, data center waste heat recovery has been promoted with a focus on the benefits for the heat off-taker. And yet, the overall winner in most situations is the data center operator — even if they are not paid for heat.

Intelligence Updates 7 min read
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AI has a weight problem

Generative AI models brought about an influx of high-density cabinets. There has been much focus on how to best manage thermal issues, but the weight of power distribution equipment is a potentially overlooked concern.

Intelligence Updates 6 min read
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Hardware for AI: what makes it different

Most operators will be familiar with the outrageous power and cooling demands of hardware for generative AI. Why are these systems so difficult to accommodate, and what does this mean for the future of data center design?

Intelligence Updates 10 min read
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Uptime Institute Global Data Center Survey 2024

The 14th edition of the Uptime Institute Global Data Center Survey highlights the experiences and strategies of data center owners and operators in the areas of resiliency, sustainability, efficiency, staffing, cloud and AI.

Keynote Reports 27 min read
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Global IT disruption highlights concentration, third-party risk

Several recent outages have exposed the global dependency on a small number of third-party suppliers — and governments around the world are already taking note.

Intelligence Updates 7 min read
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iPDUs: a critical step for next generation efficiency

Metered-by-outlet iPDUs present a relatively straightforward method of collecting server-level power consumption data. This information will be increasingly important to data center efficiency — making iPDUs a more popular choice.

Intelligence Updates 9 min read
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The impact of AI on data center operations (Part I)

This report outlines the characteristics of machine learning (ML) applications, describes production use cases for ML-based software in data center M&O, and profiles several vendors offering AI-based functionality in their products.

Keynote Reports 24 min read
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UK prepares resiliency, cybersecurity legislation for colocation

Operators of data centers in the UK have voiced concerns over the proposed resiliency and cybersecurity regulations that are aimed specifically at providers of colocation and “co-hosting” services.

Intelligence Updates 5 min read
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What is the role of AI in digital infrastructure management?

This update examines the differences between machine learning and traditional software development and outlines the terms and definitions that may help digital infrastructure operators to understand the role and impact of AI.

Intelligence Updates 6 min read
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REPLAY | Webinar: Five Data Center Predictions for 2024

In this Webinar, the Uptime Intelligence team looks beyond the obvious trends of 2024 and identifies some of the latest developments and their associated limitations.

On-Demand Webinars 60 min
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Five data center predictions for 2024

Uptime Intelligence looks beyond the more obvious trends of 2024 and identifies some challenging issues. Strong IT demand, high-density IT systems and tough sustainability requirements will drive a new wave of investment.

Keynote Reports 25 min read
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Data center management software is evolving — at last

A new approach to data center management, proposed by data scientists and statisticians, looks to augment the functionality of tools like BMS and DCIM software by focusing on data, not equipment.

Intelligence Updates 6 min read
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What role might generative AI play in the data center?

The propensity to confidently give false information likely disqualifies generative AI from operational decision-making. However, this type of AI, with human supervision, could enhance other aspects of data center management.

Intelligence Updates 4 min read
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The majority of enterprise IT is now off-premises

Findings from the latest Uptime Institute Global Data Center Survey show for the first time that the proportion of IT workloads hosted in on-premises data centers now represents slightly less than half of the total enterprise footprint.

Intelligence Updates 4 min read
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Heat reuse: a management primer

Recovery of data center waste heat is garnering renewed interest for its sustainability credentials. This report investigates these initiatives and looks at their impact both on efficiency and cost.

Briefing Reports 17 min read
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