Our data centers meet demands of AI workloads: Digital Connexion

Digital Connexion is a joint venture (JV) between Brookfield Asset Management (Brookfield), Reliance Industries Ltd, and Digital Realty. The company provides the full spectrum of highly-connected and scalable data center, colocation and interconnection solutions to meet the critical infrastructure needs of enterprises and digital services companies in India. 

It brings together enterprises, network service, cloud and IT providers to give customers and partners a key connectivity gateway to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The JV combines the complementary strengths of Jio’s massive digital and connectivity ecosystem in India and tech capabilities with Brookfield, one of the largest owners and operators of critical global infrastructure, and Digital Realty, provider of the world’s largest data center platform enabling customers with access to over 50 metros across six continents.

CB Velayuthan, CEO, Digital Connexion, tells us more. Excerpts from an interview: 

DQ: How does Digital Connexion's joint venture position it to better understand and adapt to India's unique market dynamics? How does it differentiate itself from other data center providers in the region, particularly in terms of technology and service offerings?

CB Velayuthan: Digital Connexion positions itself strategically in the Indian market by leveraging the combined strengths of Brookfield, Jio, and Digital Realty. We leverage Brookfield's in-depth knowledge of the global and Indian infrastructure industry, Jio’s massive digital and connectivity ecosystem and very strong enterprise relationships with an existing client base of 80% of large named private enterprises in India and Digital Realty’s industry-leading energy-efficient data center platform, design and operating procedures, highly-repeatable Pervasive Data Center Architecture (PDx) approach and relationships with global customers. 

Our Chennai data center, MAA10, exemplifies our differentiation with its high efficiency and scalability. It features advanced technologies like magnetic levitation air-cooled turbocor chillers, liquid immersion cooling, and a robust connectivity framework, setting us apart from other providers in terms of technology and service offerings.

DQ: Can you elaborate on any strategic partnerships or collaborations with local enterprises that enhance your data center capabilities?

CB Velayuthan: The JV enhances our data center capabilities by leveraging global expertise, real estate strength, and advanced digital services. This alliance enables us to offer state-of-the-art, scalable data center solutions across India. Some of the benefits include advanced high-density cooling systems, integration of renewable energy sources, and cutting-edge infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and sustainability. 

Additionally, our partnership with DE-CIX India, marked by a new PoP at MAA10 in Chennai, enhances our capabilities with high-speed interconnection, improved network performance, and direct cloud connectivity. This collaboration streamlines access to local and global networks, supporting efficient digital transformation for enterprises.

DQ: Beyond rooftop solar panels, what other innovative practices or technologies is Digital Connexion implementing to achieve sustainability in its operations?

CB Velayuthan: At Digital Connexion, we are deeply committed to sustainability. This commitment is clearly demonstrated at our Chennai data center. We have implemented a range of innovative technologies and practices to minimize our environmental impact while optimizing operational efficiency. 

As part of Digital Realty global data center platform, we have a science-based target commitment to reduce global emissions intensity 68% by 2030, and an overall roadmap to 100% renewable energy.

We utilize magnetic levitation air-cooled Turbocor chillers, which reduce energy consumption by up to 15%, significantly enhancing efficiency. Our closed loop air-cooled chilled water system further improves water use efficiency, greatly reducing overall water consumption.

To manage heat effectively, we have integrated high-density cooling technologies like hot aisle containment, in-row cooling, and advanced liquid cooling systems, including direct contact liquid cooling (DCLC) and immersion cooling. These systems ensure that our data center operates at peak efficiency while maintaining optimal temperatures.

Our commitment to sustainability extends to water usage, where we utilize rainwater and STP-treated water for non-potable purposes. Additionally, we prioritize efficient waste management by focusing on reducing, recycling, and reusing materials, with waste processed through authorized recyclers.

DQ: How specifically is Digital Connexion preparing to support AI applications and workloads within its data centers? What unique solutions are you developing for AI-driven businesses?

CB Velayuthan: Our data centers are designed to meet the growing demands of AI workloads, with a capacity of up to 150 kilowatts per rack, far exceeding the typical requirements of traditional workloads. Digital Connexion is fully equipped to support AI applications, leveraging advanced infrastructure and tailored cooling solutions that are critical for handling the intense heat generated by AI processes.

We have integrated high-density cooling technologies, including direct liquid cooling to chip and immersion cooling, ensuring that our facilities are optimized for the unique demands of AI. Our alignment with Digital Realty’s liquid cooling readiness program enables us to offer standardized pricing, consistent liquid cooling infrastructure, and comprehensive operational support. 

We have also implemented cutting-edge liquid immersion cooling to efficiently manage high heat output. The data center is also designed with a Rated 3 architecture, guaranteeing uninterrupted IT operations even during maintenance periods. These features create a reliable and scalable environment that meets the rigorous needs of AI-driven businesses, balancing both performance and sustainability.

DQ: With the IGBC Platinum certification and ISO 14001 accreditation, how does Digital Connexion monitor and report on the ongoing environmental performance of its data centers to ensure continuous improvement?

CB Velayuthan: Digital Connexion ensures continuous improvement in environmental performance through rigorous monitoring and adherence to high standards set by certifications like IGBC Platinum and ISO 14001. 

Our Chennai data center, MAA10, demonstrates our commitment to advanced water and energy management practices, including the use of a closed-loop air-cooled chilled water system and rainwater harvesting. We also utilize renewable energy sources from our extensive portfolio of wind and solar assets, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and lower power costs. 

Regular audits and updates to our sustainability initiatives, coupled with adherence to global standards in design and operations, support ongoing improvements in our environmental performance. This proactive approach ensures that our data centers not only meet but exceed the sustainability expectations of our clients and regulatory requirements.

DQ: Can you share insights into the specific needs and expectations of your clients in the cloud and data center space? How do you tailor your services to meet these demands?

CB Velayuthan: Clients in the cloud and data center space have specific needs such as high-density computing, low-latency connectivity, scalability, and energy efficiency. At Digital Connexion, we meet these demands by integrating into Digital Realty’s global PlatformDIGITAL ecosystem, which connects over 300 data centers worldwide. This extensive network supports robust disaster recovery strategies and offers carrier neutrality, giving clients the flexibility to choose from multiple network providers. 

For instance, our Chennai facility is connected to all major telecommunication carriers and hosts internet exchanges like DE-CIX, providing seamless access to all major cloud providers.

Our data centers are designed to support diverse applications, including cloud and AI workloads, with a strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. By continuously evolving our infrastructure and services, we ensure that our clients benefit from high performance, flexibility, and reliability, ultimately accelerating their business growth and enabling them to stay ahead in a competitive market.