Nokia has unveiled a new approach to data center automation that emphasizes reliability over speed, marking a notable shift in the industry. Traditionally, data center automation efforts have primarily focused on enhancing speed, often targeting the acceleration of smaller, isolated tasks rather than an improvement in overall process reliability. However, according to Mike Bushong, Vice President of Data Center at Nokia, this speed-centric approach can be counterproductive, leading to increased anxiety and reluctance among operators when it comes to implementing changes. Bushong argues that by shifting the focus towards reliability, data centers can achieve not only safer operations but also faster implementation times. This dual benefit stems from the removal of fear associated with executing changes, making the operation both more secure and efficient.
Nokia’s innovative solution to this challenge is its Kubernetes-based Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform. This advanced automation platform integrates a variety of tools, including digital twin capabilities, Generative AI assistance, and seamless integration with various IT and cloud management systems. Among these features, the digital twin capability stands out. It allows data center operators to simulate changes in a virtual environment before applying them in the real world. This proactive approach helps to mitigate the risks associated with updates, especially when executed on particularly risk-averse days like Fridays, by providing a safe testing ground. The ability to foresee potential issues and rectify them beforehand significantly reduces the chances of disruptions in the live environment, thus enhancing the overall reliability of the system.
Shifting to Safety and Reliability
This renewed focus on reliability and safety in automation practices is being met with positive reception from many industry analysts. Roy Chua, Founder of AvidThink, has commended Nokia’s strategic decision to leverage Kubernetes — a widely adopted tool in cloud data centers. Chua also points out that while the benefits of this approach are clear, there remain some uncertainties regarding its uptake, especially in multi-vendor environments. The successful integration of Kubernetes in such contexts will be critical in defining the platform’s broader industry impact.
Despite these uncertainties, Mike Bushong remains optimistic. He notes a significant level of interest from 85 prospective customers, indicating that reliability is indeed perceived as the principal challenge to be addressed in data center automation today. This interest suggests that data center operators are recognizing the limitations of speed-focused automation and are eager for solutions that can deliver more consistent and dependable performance. Bushong’s confidence in the platform’s potential success underscores a meaningful shift in industry priorities towards reliability as a cornerstone of effective data center operation.
Moreover, while the EDA platform is currently designed specifically for data centers, there is potential for its elements to extend into the telco cloud. This possibility opens up opportunities for broader applications of the technology across different domains. By targeting data centers first, Nokia aims to perfect the system within a controlled and limited scope before attempting to expand it to other areas. This phased approach is strategic, ensuring that the platform achieves a high level of excellence and reliability in one domain before broadening its application.
The Broader Implications of Nokia’s Strategy
Nokia has introduced a new data center automation strategy that prioritizes reliability over speed, signaling a significant industry shift. Historically, automation in data centers has focused mainly on speed, aiming to accelerate specific, smaller tasks without improving overall process reliability. Mike Bushong, Vice President of Data Center at Nokia, explains that this speed-oriented focus can backfire, causing operators to feel anxious and hesitant about implementing changes. He believes that by prioritizing reliability, data centers can achieve safer operations and faster execution times. This dual benefit arises from reducing the fear of change, boosting both security and efficiency.
To address this, Nokia has developed its Kubernetes-based Event-Driven Automation (EDA) platform. This advanced platform incorporates various tools, such as digital twin capabilities, generative AI assistance, and seamless integration with IT and cloud management systems. Notably, the digital twin feature allows data center operators to simulate changes in a virtual environment before applying them in reality. This proactive method mitigates the risks of updates, especially on risk-prone days like Fridays, by providing a safe testing ground. By predicting and addressing potential issues in advance, it minimizes disruptions in the live environment, thereby enhancing system reliability.
