Role of data centres in advancing India’s digital revolution

The joint report by ASSOCHAM and PwC highlights role of Data Centres in advancing India’s digital revolution.

 

About Role of Data Centres 

• Data Centre is a dedicated secure space where computing and networking equipment is concentrated for the purpose of collecting, storing, processing, distributing or allowing access to large amounts of data.

Significance of Role data centre 

• • Key enablers to the digital revolution in India, transforming Government services, enabling remote work and education and Fostering start-up innovation.
    • Indians will consume the most data in the world by 2028, ahead of developed markets such as the US.
  • Integration of emerging technologies such Artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) etc. into different services.
  • Facilitating data localisation by enhancing storage facility.

Key Challenges 

• Data centre are mainly concentrated in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, etc.
• Complex regulatory frameworks including land acquisition, environmental clearances etc.
• High operational expenses due to high power consumption, infrastructure maintenance etc.

Read Also: Recently, Why do’s Train derail in India?

Key Recommendations 

• Regulatory Compliance: Itcan be done through Practices like audit trails, data governance, etc.
• Increased investment in R&D:  Developing efficient technologies to reduce power consumption.
• Other: Create a data centre ecosystem in Tier 2 cities, etc.

Initiatives taken to promote Data Centre Ecosystem  Digital India (2015): Provides for enhanced online infrastructure and internet connectivity. Draft Data Centre Policy (2020): Seeks to promote domestic manufacturing of data centre-related products. Other: National Informatics Centre (NIC) has set up state-of-the-art National Data Centres. Government has accorded infrastructure status to data centres (with more than 5 MW capacity of IT load). State’s policies like Maharashtra’s IT and ITES Policy 2023 offers benefits to the data centre industry. India’s first hyperscale data centre ‘Yotta D1’ has been set up in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

Read Also: Recently, Why do’s Train derail in India?