Tech
Microsoft Waves Goodbye to Underwater Data Centers
With global temperatures rising, the idea of underwater data centers might sound appealing. However, Microsoft has officially halted its underwater data center operations, a project it began testing in 2018 in the North Sea.
Project Natick Overview
Microsoft’s Project Natick was an experimental initiative aimed at exploring the feasibility and benefits of underwater data centers. The project involved submerging giant tubes filled with data center components 117 feet below the surface of the Scottish sea. These underwater data centers operated in a unique environment, using nitrogen instead of oxygen to fill the data center, which provided several advantages for machine operations.
Key Findings from Project Natick
- Reduced Failure Rates: One of the most significant findings from Project Natick was the dramatically lower failure rate of underwater data centers. The underwater data centers experienced only one-eighth the failure rate of similar land-based data centers.
- Optimal Conditions for Machines: The nitrogen-filled environment and the isolation from human interference proved beneficial. Unlike humans, machines do not need oxygen and can suffer damage from it. The cool, stable underwater temperatures also helped in maintaining the optimal performance of the data centers.
Current Status and Future Plans
As of 2024, Microsoft has no active underwater data centers. Noelle Walsh, Corporate Vice President of Microsoft’s Cloud Operations + Innovation team, confirmed that the company is not planning to build subsea data centers anywhere in the world. However, the knowledge gained from Project Natick will be applied to improve other data center operations.
Research and Development
Microsoft intends to continue using Project Natick as a research platform. The project will serve as a basis for exploring new concepts in data center reliability and sustainability, including innovations like liquid immersion cooling. This research is vital as the demand for data centers continues to grow.
The Growing Demand for Data Centers
The demand for data centers is skyrocketing due to several factors:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): With AI becoming increasingly prevalent in devices from smartphones to PCs, much of the data processing occurs in the cloud, boosting the need for data centers.
- Cloud Computing: The shift towards cloud services for personal and professional use continues to drive demand.
- Smart Home Devices and Internet Connectivity: The proliferation of smart devices and the constant connectivity of billions of devices require robust data center support.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Data centers consume significant amounts of energy and require extensive maintenance. Innovations from Project Natick and other research initiatives could help reduce energy consumption, improve efficiency, and ensure that energy resources are used more sustainably.
Conclusion
While Microsoft has discontinued its underwater data center operations, the insights gained from Project Natick will likely influence future advancements in data center technology. As the demand for data centers grows, driven by AI, cloud computing, and the ever-expanding web of connected devices, the need for energy-efficient and reliable data centers will become even more critical. Microsoft’s ongoing research will play a crucial role in meeting these challenges.
Tech
Geeksvillage Marks 11th Anniversary
In a remarkable celebration of innovation and dedication, Geeksvillage has proudly announced its 11th anniversary, marking over a decade of transformative impact in the business world.
Founded with a mission to empower SMEs and help them reach international standards, Geeksvillage has consistently provided businesses with tools and solutions that have enabled them to thrive. From affordable web design services to innovative digital strategies, the company has established itself as a trusted partner for growth and success.
Geeksvillage Marks 11th Anniversary Statement
In a statement shared online, Geeksvillage expressed gratitude to its clients and supporters:
“Today, we celebrate not just a milestone but 11 years of passion, innovation, and relentless dedication. For the past 11 years, we have helped SMEs grow into international standards and given businesses the wings to soar. This achievement belongs to everyone who has been part of our story.”
The statement particularly acknowledged the role of its clients, whose patronage has been the cornerstone of the company’s journey.
Geeksvillage also took the opportunity to thank its supportive community for standing by them through the years, underscoring the collective effort that has driven their success.
Reflecting on its journey, the company highlighted the challenges that shaped its evolution and the accomplishments that fueled its growth. As Geeksvillage looks to the future, it remains committed to delivering excellence and empowering businesses on a larger scale.
With 11 years in the bag and countless possibilities ahead, Geeksvillage invites everyone to celebrate this milestone and join them in building an even brighter future.
Here’s to Geeksvillage – 11 years of transforming businesses and counting!
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Tech
Amazon Launches Haul to Rival Low-Cost Giants Temu and Shein
Amazon has unveiled a new budget-friendly outlet called Haul, aiming to capture the market share of low-cost retailers such as Temu and Shein. Announced on Wednesday, Haul is a mobile-only shopping experience within Amazon’s Shopping app, exclusively available to US customers.
The standout feature of Haul is its price cap, with all products available for $20 (approximately £15.79) or less. The platform promises “crazy low prices” for goods that may take up to two weeks for delivery—a strategy mirroring the business models that have driven the rapid growth of its Chinese rivals.
Temu and Shein have seen explosive growth in recent years by offering inexpensive items with extended shipping times. However, they have also faced scrutiny for their environmental impact and alleged exploitation of import loopholes. “Temu and Shein have faced backlash both for taking advantage of import loopholes and for being wasteful and environmentally irresponsible,” said Sucharita Kodali, a retail analyst at Forrester. Kodali noted that Amazon Haul could face similar challenges.
Despite these potential pitfalls, Amazon is focusing on low-cost offerings with products priced significantly below the $20 cap. The company cited examples such as a three-piece razor set and a necklace, bracelet, and earring set, each priced at under $3. To further attract shoppers, Amazon is offering free shipping on orders over $25, with expected delivery times between one and two weeks.
“Finding great products at very low prices is important to customers, and we continue to explore ways that we can work with our selling partners so they can offer products at ultra-low prices,” said Dharmesh Mehta, Amazon’s vice president of worldwide selling partner services. Mehta emphasized that the Haul shopping experience is still in its “beta” phase, with plans to refine and expand the platform based on user feedback.
Haul also promises that all listed products will be backed by Amazon’s product guarantees, ensuring consumer confidence in product safety. The move comes as global regulators increasingly monitor platforms that push mass-produced goods at exceptionally low prices. For instance, the European Commission initiated action against Temu in October over concerns about illegal product sales.
“It’s still early days,” Mehta stated, adding that Amazon will assess customer feedback to adapt and improve the service in the coming months.
With Haul, Amazon is making its most significant foray yet into the competitive market for ultra-affordable, slower-shipping products—a market that has upended conventional retail practices and attracted millions of budget-conscious shoppers worldwide.
Tech
Tesla Surpasses $1 Trillion Market Cap Following Trump Election Win
Tesla’s stock surged over 10% in Friday afternoon trading, propelling the electric vehicle giant’s market capitalization past the $1 trillion mark. This significant gain followed a week where Tesla shares jumped by approximately 27%, spurred by Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. presidential election and investor optimism about how his administration might benefit Tesla. CEO Elon Musk has been a prominent Trump supporter, contributing at least $130 million to pro-Trump campaign efforts.
Tesla’s market capitalization stood at $807.1 billion at Tuesday’s close before this week’s rally. With the latest surge, the company’s stock has increased about 29% for the year. Tesla now rejoins a select group of tech powerhouses worth over $1 trillion, including Nvidia, Apple, Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon, and Meta, with most of these companies exceeding $2 trillion in value. Tesla initially crossed the $1 trillion threshold in October 2021.
Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives noted that Trump’s potential administration could reduce regulatory pressures on Tesla and other firms. “Tesla has the scale and scope that is unmatched in the EV industry,” Ives wrote in a client note, suggesting that a shift away from EV subsidies combined with increased tariffs on Chinese EV competitors like BYD and Nio could give Tesla a stronger foothold in the U.S. market.
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