Brian Payne & Varun Chhabra, Dell | Dell Technologies World 2024

Summary

In this lively session from Deltech World in Las Vegas, hosts Savannah Peterson and John Fer discuss the advancements in AI and sustainable data centers. They are joined by guests Brian Pay and Chat, who highlight Dell's innovative approaches in AI-driven data center design and sustainability. Key topics include AI integration, energy efficiency, and the future of data centers. The conversation also touches on Dell's long-standing commitment to ESG and sustainable practices, making the event a blend of technological innovation and environmental responsibility.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The discussion at Deltech World highlights the Renaissance in systems engineering and the resurgence of the data center, reimagined as the AI data center or AI Factory.
• 💡 There is a significant focus on innovation around AI, with customers feeling both excited and a sense of urgency (FOMO) to adopt AI technologies.
• 🔌 The new data centers are energy-dense and energy-hungry, necessitating a bottom-up approach to design for efficiency and sustainability.
• 🛠️ Dell is positioning itself with hardware, software, and services to support the building of modern, sustainable data centers.
• 🌐 The conversation emphasizes the importance of considering the entire tech stack, from hardware to software management and professional services, for effective data center operations.
• 🔄 There's a push towards a circular economy with a focus on using recyclable materials and energy efficiency in data center design.
• 💧 Sustainability in data centers is not just about energy consumption but also involves water usage and other environmental impacts.
• 📈 The use of AI in data center management is highlighted as a way to optimize operations, with tools like Dell's Apex AI Ops providing observability and automation capabilities.
• 🚀 The script mentions specific examples of AI implementation, such as the partnership with Nature Fresh Farms, demonstrating AI's role in sustainability and efficiency in various sectors.
• 🌍 The conversation underscores the importance of retrofitting existing data centers or building new ones with a focus on sustainability and the ability to handle AI workloads.
• 🔗 The script concludes with a call to action for sustainable practices not just in technology but also in everyday life, emphasizing the role of AI in creating a better future.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the discussion on the third day of Deltech World in Las Vegas, Nevada?

The main theme is the modern sustainable data center, focusing on efficiency and sustainability in the context of AI and the new data center paradigm.

How does John describe the current state of the data center and its transformation due to AI?

John describes it as a Renaissance in systems engineering, with the data center transforming into the AI data center or the AI Factory, which is a significant shift from traditional data centers.

What is the significance of the energy-dense devices mentioned by Brian, such as 70 Kow, 100 Kow, and 130 Kow?

These devices represent the new generation of hardware that is both energy-dense and energy-hungry, indicating a need for innovative solutions in managing power and cooling in data centers.

What is the call to action for customers regarding the adoption of AI in their operations?

The call to action is to start moving towards AI adoption with a sense of urgency, as it is becoming a top priority and a critical function in business operations.

How is the concept of a 'system level design' important in the context of building a new data center?

System level design is crucial because it involves considering the entire stack, from hardware vendor positioning to software management capabilities, ensuring the data center is built from the ground up for efficiency and sustainability.

What is the role of software in managing the sustainable operation of a data center?

Software plays a critical role by providing tools for telemetry, monitoring, and optimization of the data center's performance, helping to manage power consumption, cooling, and overall operational efficiency.

What is the Apex AI Ops and how does it contribute to energy efficiency?

Apex AI Ops is a capability that uses AI to drive insights for IT operators, helping them set policies and automate the operation of their data centers for greater energy efficiency and effectiveness.

What is the significance of the partnership between Dell and Nature Fresh Farms in terms of sustainability?

The partnership showcases Dell's ability to help organizations become more energy efficient and sustainable, with Nature Fresh Farms reducing their water usage by over 90% through the use of Dell's technology.

How does the concept of 'AI for Energy Efficiency' differ from traditional approaches to managing data centers?

AI for Energy Efficiency leverages AI-driven insights to optimize power consumption and cooling at a system level, providing a holistic approach to managing the health of the data center as a whole, rather than individual components.

What challenges do customers face when trying to retrofit their existing data centers for AI and generative workloads?

Customers face challenges such as power management, cooling solutions, and the need for a complete rethink of their data center infrastructure to support the high demands of AI and generative workloads.

What services does Dell offer to help customers with their sustainable data center plans?

Dell offers services such as asset recovery, data center modernization, and advisory services for building sustainable data centers, helping customers develop multi-year plans that are both efficient and sustainable.