In a world where data is the lifeblood of modern businesses, the way we manage and store this resource is of utmost importance.
Santosh Varghese, Vice President at Toshiba Gulf, delves into Toshiba’s innovative approach to data management. Varghese sheds light on Toshiba’s unique strategy, known as “Build Your Own Data Centre” (BYODC), which combines on-premise data centres with cloud solutions. This approach aims to address the challenges posed by the growth of data creation, stringent data regulations, and the need for enhanced security.
What motivated Toshiba to adopt the BYODC approach?
In this decade of data (from 2020), the exponential growth in data creation is a significant factor. Research by IDC shows that two-thirds of the world’s data will be produced by 2025. This surge in data creation has led to an increased demand for storage capacity. In 2021, the data generated was already 80 zettabytes, and this is expected to double. Consequently, businesses face the challenge of storing and analysing this data efficiently to remain competitive.
The rapid expansion of data has compelled enterprises to consider storing their data either on-premises or in the cloud. In this context, cost-effectiveness, total cost of ownership (TCO), and sustainability become crucial factors. Toshiba recognised the need for solutions that address these challenges and devised the concept of “Build Your Own Data Centre.” This approach enables enterprises to create their data centres by integrating various components, such as servers, storage, and software, rather than purchasing pre-made storage or server solutions. This strategy offers the potential to save up to 30% of the cost of building a data centre, making it an ambitious and practical approach.
Can you elaborate on the advantages of having a hybrid data centre strategy?
Adopting a hybrid data centre strategy presents several advantages. Firstly, it addresses regulatory and compliance requirements, as many local governments now demand that sensitive data be stored locally. Security concerns are also mitigated by keeping sensitive data on-premises.
Moreover, certain technologies are not easily migrated to the cloud, in such cases, making a hybrid approach would be more suitable. By segregating data, businesses can optimise costs. Frequently accessed data can be stored in the cloud for efficiency, while less critical data can be kept on-premises to minimise costs. This approach enhances the overall TCO, making data storage more cost-effective.
How does Toshiba ensure the scalability and flexibility of its BYODC strategy to accommodate future business needs and technology advancements?
Scalability and flexibility are crucial in the rapidly evolving data landscape. Toshiba addresses these challenges through various means. First, Toshiba continually increases storage capacities. For example, we currently offer hard drives with a capacity of 22 terabytes, and we anticipate reaching 30 terabytes by 2024.
We also focus on reducing the TCO by bridging the cost gap between SSD storage and traditional hard drives, making it more economical for businesses to deploy storage solutions. Additionally, Toshiba’s helium-sealed hard drives consume less power, reducing environmental impact and energy consumption.
Collaboration and efficient data management across various data centres are other key aspects of our strategy. Toshiba aims to support a data-oriented society by integrating various components and working with partners, including security providers and system integrators.
What advice or recommendations does Toshiba have for other businesses considering a BYODC approach to their data centre needs?
Our advice is to start early and begin with smaller-scale implementations. The current decade is marked by exponential data growth and evolving technologies, making data centre strategies crucial for business continuity and innovation.
Starting small and gradually scaling up your data centre allows for flexibility and cost-effectiveness. Toshiba’s BYODC approach provides a scalable solution that can grow alongside your data storage needs, making it an excellent choice for businesses looking to future-proof their data infrastructure.
