The joint report by ASSOCHAM and PwC highlights role of Data Centres in advancing India’s digital landscape.

About Data Centre & their Significance

• Data Centre is a dedicated secure space where computing and networking equipment is concentrated for the purpose of collecting, storing, processing, distributing or allowing access to large amounts of data.
• Significance 
  • Key enablers to the digital revolution in India, transforming Government services, enabling remote work and education and Fostering start-up innovation.
    • Indians will consume the most data in the world by 2028, ahead of developed markets such as the US. 
  • Integration of emerging technologies such Artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT) etc. into different services. 
  • Facilitating data localisation by enhancing storage facility. 

Key Challenges 

• Data centre are mainly concentrated in cities like Mumbai, Chennai, etc. 
• Complex regulatory frameworks including land acquisition, environmental clearances etc. 
• High operational expenses due to high power consumption, infrastructure maintenance etc. 

Key Recommendations 

• Regulatory Compliance: Itcan be done through Practices like audit trails, data governance, etc. 
• Increased investment in R&D:  Developing efficient technologies to reduce power consumption. 
• Other: Create a data centre ecosystem in Tier 2 cities, etc.