The data center industry is experiencing rapid growth and transformation, driven by the increasing reliance on digital solutions and the necessity for robust, scalable infrastructure. This sector supports the rising demand for cloud computing, big data analytics, and internet services. The adoption of advanced technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI), is seen as a key strategy to optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and reduce environmental impact.

AI-driven solutions are poised to revolutionize how data centers manage energy and resources, offering substantial cost savings and improved operational performance.

Mouna Essa-Egh, the Vice President of Data Center MEA, brings over two decades of experience in the IT industry to her current role. Her extensive background in sales across multiple sectors has equipped her with the expertise to lead and innovate in the data center space. Mouna’s commitment to integrating AI technologies and sustainable practices into data center operations highlights her vision for a more efficient and environmentally friendly industry. Her leadership plays a crucial role in advancing these initiatives, ensuring that data centers not only meet current demands but also align with future sustainability objectives.

Schneider Electric, under Mouna’s leadership, is leading the way in integrating AI and other advanced technologies into the data center industry. The company is committed to promoting sustainable practices, reducing carbon footprints, and adhering to regional environmental regulations. Schneider Electric’s initiatives include implementing smart cooling systems and energy-efficient power management solutions, which significantly reduce energy consumption and operational costs. These efforts support the companies’ sustainability goals and position them as leaders in green technology within the data center industry, reflecting a broader commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation.

Let’s explore Mouna’s digital transformative leadership journey:

Leading Growth Strategies in the Data Center Space

Mouna’s journey in the IT industry spans over 20 years, during which she has held various roles in Business Unit and Profit & Loss Management, as well as sales across diverse sectors such as banking, finance, and telecommunications. Before joining Schneider Electric, she was the Vice President of the IT division, overseeing Francophone Africa.

In 2018, she expanded her horizons by joining Schneider Electric, where she was given the opportunity to lead a team of professionals catering to the data center industry. Today, as the Vice President of the Secure Power division, she drives Schneider Electric’s portfolio and growth strategies for the data center space across the Middle East and Africa.

Streamlining Energy Management in Data Centers with AI

According to Mouna, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to revolutionize data centers in the MEA region, offering significant cost-saving opportunities. The Middle East is expected to accrue 2% of the total global benefits of AI in 2030, equivalent to US$320 billion (as per a PwC report).

AI-driven analytics and automation present tremendous potential for optimizing resource allocation, predicting and preventing potential issues, and improving overall operational efficiency within data centers. This not only reduces operational costs but also enhances the reliability and performance of data center infrastructure, ultimately delivering greater value to businesses across the region.

Furthermore, AI technologies can streamline energy management in data centers, a critical factor in the MEA region, where power costs can be high. By implementing smart cooling systems and energy-efficient power management solutions powered by AI, data centers can significantly reduce their energy consumption.

This not only leads to direct cost reductions but also helps in adhering to regional sustainability goals. Such advancements allow for more environmentally friendly operations and support the region’s push towards green technologies, positioning MEA data centers at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

Transitioning to Energy-Efficient Practices in Data Centers

Mouna believes Despite advancements in technology, data centers remain significant consumers of energy as well as water, particularly in evaporative cooling systems to prevent equipment overheating. Data centers play a crucial role in the increasingly digital world, but they have historically been incredibly energy intensive.

As an industry responsible for 1-2% of global energy use (as per global research, the industry consumes an estimated 200 terawatt-hours of electricity annually), data center owners and operators are tasked with driving more sustainable and efficient IT operations.

The shift towards green and sustainable data centers encompasses more than just reducing energy consumption. It includes a broader commitment to minimizing environmental impact, such as decreasing carbon emissions and adopting renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.

By integrating these sources, data centers can significantly cut their reliance on fossil fuels, which are major contributors to global warming. Additionally, sustainability initiatives involve designing data centers with energy-efficient architectures that might include using external air for cooling under suitable conditions, along with deploying advanced hardware that requires less power.

Adopting green policies also yields economic advantages. Energy-efficient practices can lower operational costs over time through reduced energy and water expenses. Moreover, companies that emphasize sustainability improve their corporate image and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and investors, enhancing business opportunities and potentially boosting profits.

Regulatory dynamics are increasingly crucial, particularly in the MENA region, where governments are intensifying environmental regulations and offering incentives to minimize carbon emissions. For instance, the UAE aims for net-zero emissions by 2050, supporting this goal with substantial investments of over USD 160 billion in renewable energy projects.

Adhering to these regulations not only helps companies avoid substantial fines but also establishes them as leaders in corporate responsibility. This commitment to sustainability is vital as MENA countries seek to reduce their reliance on oil and promote a more sustainable economic model. Companies that comply with these standards not only reduce financial risks but also boost their market reputation, aligning with global sustainability trends and consumer expectations.

The Role of Diversity in Driving Sustainable Digital Lifestyles

She emphasizes, “Currently, around the world, we are witnessing a data center explosion driven by an increased interest in cloud-based solutions and the growing cloud market.” There is an increased need to improve communication networks and data storage and processing to support MEC (Multi-Access Edge Computing). This demand is directly related to EDGE data centers.

Since data centers are the heart of the digital world, they are also at the center of the IT industry’s energy consumption, which feeds into the global issue of the climate crisis. Currently, data centers are responsible for 2% of the world’s CO2 emissions; globally, the data center is the second largest polluter of the environment. As enterprises make ever greater efforts to become more sustainable, circular economy practices have become more important than ever.

A recent rise in energy prices has highlighted the need to re-examine how electricity is generated, distributed, and consumed. This has given rise to Industry 4.0 and Electricity 4.0, through which the industry can utilize energy as efficiently as possible.

The implementation of IIoT has meant that industries are better placed than ever before to gather and manage data on energy usage. Hence, creating sustainable and green data centers is a top priority for Schneider Electric. However, without diversity and representation of women in the workforce, meeting the growing demands of digital lifestyles and green data centers will undoubtedly be a more daunting task.

Promoting Gender Diversity in the Data Center Industry

Less than 10 percent of the workforce in the data center industry consists of women, and almost one in four companies have no women in their system design or operations. The urgent need to create more opportunities for women in data centers starts with exposure and interest at the grassroots level, building enthusiasm in the younger generation for a job in technology.

As the data center industry continues to expand across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), it is crucial that efforts to promote gender diversity keep pace. Ensuring that women are not only present but are also thriving and advancing into leadership positions within these companies is essential. This requires a proactive strategy from businesses to not just acknowledge the need for diversity but to actively implement measures that support women’s career advancement.

To further support this goal, several initiatives could be launched. These include mentorship programs pairing seasoned professionals with newcomers, specialized training programs aimed at equipping women with the necessary skills to excel in data center roles, and networking events that help women build valuable industry connections.

In the MENA region, for instance, Schneider Electric supports STEM education through competitions and mentorship programs. The Schneider Go Green Program encourages students from the MENA region to present innovative ideas, which are then nurtured through mentorship from Schneider Electric leaders. This program aims to inspire and develop the next generation of sustainability leaders, with a focus on supporting female students in STEM fields.

Additionally, some companies are beginning to set targets for increasing the number of women in their tech roles, backed by accountability measures to ensure progress. By fostering an inclusive culture and providing opportunities for growth, the data center industry can become a model for gender diversity. Embracing these initiatives will not only benefit women but also drive innovation and success within the industry.

Building Connections and Understanding Across Cultures

In Mouna’s view, the gaming industry in the Middle East and Africa is witnessing a surge, propelled by various factors such as increasing internet penetration, a burgeoning young population, and growing disposable incomes. This escalating demand is being addressed by the introduction of a product to the market that amalgamates user-friendly features and power protection, supported by a design that resonates with the region’s dynamic gaming community.

The introduction of the Back-UPS Pro Gaming UPS in the region aims to not only enhance the gaming experience but also contribute to professional development and community building within the gaming sector. The Back-UPS Pro Gaming UPS offers several key benefits for gamers in the region, including reliable power protection, user-friendly features, and a design that resonates with the vibrant gaming community.

By providing an uninterrupted power supply and ensuring data integrity, this product enhances the gaming experience and contributes to the growth of the gaming sector in the Middle East and Africa.

It instills confidence in gamers that they will remain connected, protected, and in the game, and it safeguards gaming gear while maintaining connections through power irregularities. It symbolizes the intersection of a passion for gaming, professional development, and community building among the region’s youth.

Moreover, it’s not just about playing games; it’s about connecting the youth with the wider world through online tournaments and competitions, thereby opening doors to new friendships and understanding across cultures.

By: DocMemory
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