Vertiv Acquires Waylay to Supercharge Data Center AI and Predictive Analytics
In a strategic move to enhance its artificial intelligence (AI) and analytics capabilities, Vertiv, a global leader in critical digital infrastructure, has announced the acquisition of Waylay, a Belgium-based company renowned for its advanced data analytics software. This acquisition signals a major step forward in the management and optimization of data center operations, promising greater efficiency, resilience, and predictive insights for customers.
The move comes at a critical time when data centers are facing unprecedented complexity. The rise of AI-driven workloads, high-density computing, and evolving cooling technologies demands a more sophisticated approach to infrastructure management. Traditional monitoring systems often fall short, providing reactive alerts rather than proactive solutions. This acquisition is set to change that by integrating Waylay’s powerful AI-driven framework directly into Vertiv’s portfolio.
The Power of AI-Driven Data Analytics
Waylay specializes in a low-code platform that empowers businesses to analyze data from Internet of Things (IoT) devices and enterprise systems. Its technology excels at identifying patterns, detecting anomalies, and predicting potential issues before they escalate into critical failures. By creating a unified view of different data sources, Waylay’s software provides the context needed to make informed, data-driven decisions.
The integration of this technology will significantly enhance Vertiv’s existing software, particularly the Vertiv™ Environet™ Alert monitoring and management solution. The goal is to create a more comprehensive and intelligent system for overseeing critical infrastructure.
Key Benefits for Data Center Operators
For data center managers and operators, this integration translates into tangible operational advantages. The combined solution will empower them to move from a reactive maintenance model to a proactive, predictive one.
Key benefits include:
- Proactive Anomaly Detection: Instead of waiting for an alarm after a component fails, the system will identify subtle changes in equipment performance and environmental data. This provides early warnings of potential problems, allowing for preemptive action.
- Enhanced Predictive Maintenance: By analyzing historical and real-time data, the AI engine can predict when equipment is likely to fail. This allows maintenance to be scheduled precisely when needed, reducing costs and preventing unplanned downtime.
- Improved Operational Efficiency: The system will provide deeper insights into energy and water consumption. Operators can use this information to optimize power usage effectiveness (PUE) and water usage effectiveness (WUE), leading to significant cost savings and a more sustainable operation.
- Greater Operational Resilience: By minimizing the risk of unexpected outages, data centers can achieve higher levels of availability and resilience, which is crucial for supporting mission-critical applications.
What This Means for the Future of DCIM
This acquisition is a clear indicator of the future of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM). The industry is shifting away from siloed monitoring tools and toward holistic platforms that leverage AI to provide a complete picture of the operational environment.
The core principle is to turn massive amounts of data into actionable intelligence. For years, data centers have collected performance metrics from cooling units, power distribution systems, and servers. However, this data often remains underutilized. By applying Waylay’s advanced analytics, Vertiv can unlock the hidden value within this data, helping customers optimize every aspect of their facility.
Actionable Steps for Data Center Managers
As the industry embraces AI-powered management, facility managers should consider the following steps to prepare for this new era:
- Evaluate Your Current Monitoring Strategy: Are your current tools providing proactive insights, or are they simply reactive alarm systems? Identify gaps in your ability to predict and prevent issues.
- Prioritize Data Unification: Look for solutions that can integrate data from various systems—including BMS (Building Management Systems), EPMS (Electrical Power Monitoring Systems), and IT equipment—into a single, coherent view.
- Embrace a Data-Driven Culture: Encourage your operations team to rely on data analytics for decision-making. Training and adopting new tools will be essential for leveraging the full potential of AI in infrastructure management.
By acquiring Waylay, Vertiv is not just adding a new technology to its stack; it is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution in critical infrastructure. This move promises to deliver a new generation of intelligent management solutions that will help data centers become more efficient, resilient, and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.
Source: https://datacenternews.asia/story/vertiv-acquires-waylay-to-boost-ai-analytics-for-data-centres
