GPUs are essential in blockchain technology due to their capability to handle multiple tasks at once. They are considered the workhorses in the blockchain industry, but managing them can be arduous. This is where colocation services like TRG enter the scene by taking away the burden of GPU management from companies and helping them focus on their main businesses.
GPUs in blockchain technology
The sharing of transparent information within a business network is possible in the blockchain through GPUs. This makes the electronic circuit an important element in the said tech as they are specifically designed for parallel processing.
Due to the GPU’s parallel processing capabilities, it is also perfect for handling and solving repetitive, complex cryptographic puzzles. Their built-in dedicated memory aids in these works, allowing them to process hashing algorithms fast. Compared to CPUs, these points allow GPUs to outperform CPUs in different blockchain tech applications, including accelerating cryptocurrency mining operations to encourage more efficient coin generation.
Needless to say, cryptocurrency continues to grow alongside the general blockchain technology industry. With this, a two-way relationship between the tech and GPUs has been conceived, translating to the growing demands in GPUs as blockchain technology continues to prosper and give birth to more forms of applications. Aside from cryptocurrency, industries like AI, machine learning, data analytics, algorithms, and scientific simulations can also benefit from the power of GPUs.
Managing GPUs
Despite the power and capabilities of GPUs, managing them can be taxing for some organizations. Specifically, maintaining them on the organization’s premises can be laborious. Although it allows full control over your IT infrastructure, a lot of things have to be met first (e.g., labor, expenses, locations, training, certifications, and time) to ensure the GPUs will be managed appropriately.
Additionally, managing the GPUs means continuous investment expenses for the company, given that the networking technology and processes are endlessly evolving.
Apparently, this won’t be an issue for big companies who have all the resources needed to maintain such a dedicated place for their GPUs. However, for small to medium-sized organizations, on-premises GPU management can bring more trouble than advantages.
Thankfully, there are options available.
How colocation services benefit GPUs and blockchain technology
Blockchain technology is not just limited to cryptocurrency mining. It also involves other applications, which are all demanding. Hence, GPUs are put into a constant and endless load of work, and organizations would have to manage them.
On-premises GPU management is one option, but this might not be doable for small organizations. Cloud services can also be considered, but it has major issues when it comes to data control and security, not to mention the data transfer delays caused by latency.
With this, collocation services are the best option for organizations looking for GPU management. Note, however, that there are two types of collocation: traditional and managed. The former provides you with network connectivity, power, and location — basically all the basics you need for the service. Yet, this is limited to those things, which means companies would still have to address other areas, including management and maintenance.
This makes managed colocation services a preferable path for organizations. Aside from the basic necessities in the collocation, managed services also ensure all other areas for GPU management and maintenance. In a way, it is an amalgamation of on-premises and traditional collocation services, as it offers both of their benefits.
To start, a managed collocation service offers specialized and experienced technicians to handle the setup and management of the GPU collocation. The colocation provider can even provide maintenance services for the structure alongside some changes that the client would want to implement.
Aside from this, a well-equipped GPU colocation provider like TRG datacenters offers a secure environment for its customers’ physical computing infrastructure. These locations are well-controlled, meaning you get different options for cooling: air-cooled, immersion or direct-to-chip cooling with varying options of power (N, 2N, 3N/2, and 4N/3) and 13+ onsite carriers. They are also commonly located far from flood-prone areas, with their building structure designed to withstand natural disasters.
As said, despite offering a managed environment for collocation, such services also give clients the liberty to manage their GPUs. For instance, there are services that can pick up the clients’ gear, manage rack setup, and make changes for them instead of the clients doing it themselves in the data center.
Is collocation service essential to blockchain technology-focused GPUs? How to find the perfect provider?
As mentioned before, GPU plays a crucial part in blockchain technology applications. This puts them in constant work, and management and maintenance is an important step to ensure they are working appropriately to deliver the tasks.
On-premise data centers and cloud-based services are options for this, but the former can be impractical for many organizations, while the latter often experience technical issues. Collocation services, on the other hand, come with all the advantages of the two, including security in the location, constant management and maintenance, and more.
These benefits are available in managed collocation services, but choosing a provider should be a decision that should be pondered seriously by an organization. While it is true that there are options available, there are boxes to tick to ensure that the service will provide the safest environment and management for your GPUs.
That includes a safe and reliable data center that is not only placed in a secure location but also offers a perfectly controlled environment inside its buildings. It concerns temperature control options, including liquid cooling (chassis immersion, direct-to-chip, in-chassis, rear door heat exchange, and more).
It is also important to pick a provider strategically located near an energy corridor with an excellent uptime track record. It should also have a clear priority restoration plan in the event of any outage. This should give you the assurance that your GPU is constantly at work, delivering expected results.
Ultimately, given the value of your gears and investments, look for a service with all the essential compliance certifications (e.g., HIPAA, SSAE, SOC, PCI, NFPA 110, FISMA, and more). That also involves the facility’s security, which should be fully equipped to safeguard your GPUs and data.
