THE ROLE OF DATA CENTERS IN THE METAVERSE

Schneider Electric has created micro data centers to offer a cost-effective means of building and deploying IT solutions

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There will come a time when the web becomes decentralized as the internet is slowly shifting towards Web 3.0. When this happens, it will be difficult for data to be misused as internet users will have more control of the data that they share online. Web 3.0 creates new opportunities for users through the emergence of digital platforms where they may interact with one another in a shared and decentralized space.

The Metaverse is a manifestation of these virtual community platforms on the internet. It provides a shared environment and economy where people can interact virtually and share knowledge. However, specific issues have been posed surrounding the adoption of the Metaverse. The Metaverse will require tremendous support from data centers before a truly immersive experience can be created on the web. For users to enjoy a shared digital reality, a combination of existing and emerging technologies will need to be integrated onto the platform. Existing data centers are unable to deliver the quality of experience that the Metaverse appears to promise its users on Web 3.0.

Data centers require extensive computing power to sustain the Metaverse. Moreover, engineers, designers, and administrators play a crucial role in ensuring that the platform runs efficiently. Significant manpower and electricity usage will be required to sustain the Metaverse as more users continue to incorporate the platform into their daily lives. Currently, the world's data centers already represent 1% of the world's electricity usage. In the Philippines, the interest and investment in data centers are rapidly increasing, with the country expected to be one of the biggest data centers in Asia. According to an Arizton Advisory & Intelligence report, the Philippine data center market was valued at USD298 million in 2021 and is anticipated to reach USD635 million by 2027.