NAVER, a leader in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry, has once again demonstrated its dedication to data center innovation with the launch of its largest Internet Data Center (IDC), ‘GAK Sejong’. This leap forward began with the establishment of NAVER’s first self-operated data center ‘GAK Chuncheon’ in 2013 and now continues with ‘GAK Sejong’ operation, kick-starting in November 2023.
The announcement reflects NAVER’s strategic foresight, in stark contrast to industry skepticism regarding the efficiency of companies operating their own data centers. NAVER’s direct involvement in IDC operations and development of proprietary technologies underlines the company’s intrinsic belief in the value of self-sufficiency and maintaining control over data management and service stability.
With ten years of strategic infrastructure investment, NAVER has weathered the evolution of the internet, embracing the proliferation of PCs, the internet becoming mainstream, and the rise of smartphones. They have cultivated a profound awareness of data’s ripple effect on services, giving them an edge over competitors who may have depended on outsourced solutions.
The resilience of NAVER’s approach was proven during the SK C&C Data Center outage in October 2022, when its services were fully restored in 12 hours compared to the 127 hours it took for other companies, highlighting the advantage of their system redundancy and in-house server management.
‘GAK Sejong’ not only continues NAVER’s legacy of robust IDC operation but also marks a milestone in the AI era, with the development of services like HyperCLOVA X and chatbot CLOVA X managed from its servers. The successful launch of ‘GAK Sejong’ underscores the timely and fortunate alignment with the surge in AI, benefiting from NAVER’s sustained investment in Research and Development.
Engineering the future of hyperscale data centers, ‘GAK Sejong’ spans an area that could encompass 41 soccer fields, suggesting NAVER’s confidence in their hyper-scale facilities. With the capacity to host 600,000 server units and a network bandwidth efficiency 2.5 times greater than its predecessor, ‘GAK Sejong’ is both a legacy of ‘GAK Chuncheon’ and an innovation hub augmented by AI, cloud technology, 5G, robotics, and autonomous driving functionalities.
Automated with robots for handling servers, ‘GAK Sejong’ exemplifies NAVER’s pioneering spirit. As NAVER CEO Sooyeon Choi remarked, ‘GAK Sejong’ was prepared with foresight, ready to grow sixfold and innovate through robotics and autonomous technologies, laying the groundwork for a decade ahead.
NAVER’s strategic move to enhance data center capabilities with ‘GAK Sejong’ comes amid growing demand for cloud computing, data processing, and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The expansion reflects the company’s commitment to meeting the growing needs of a digitalized era, where data centers act as the backbone of internet services, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Important questions and answers regarding ‘GAK Sejong’:
1. What sets ‘GAK Sejong’ apart from other data centers?
‘GAK Sejong’ distinguishes itself through its hyperscale infrastructure that can house 600,000 server units, the integration of advanced technologies like AI and cloud services, and highly efficient network bandwidth. It also showcases automation with the use of robots for server handling, increasing the reliability and efficiency of operations.
2. How does ‘GAK Sejong’ reflect NAVER’s commitment to AI?
The data center hosts services like HyperCLOVA X and chatbot CLOVA X, reaffirming NAVER’s commitment to AI and R&D. This infrastructure will ensure that AI services are supported by robust computational power and data handling capabilities.
3. What are the main challenges associated with the operation of ‘GAK Sejong’?
Challenges might include maintaining cybersecurity in an increasingly complex digital landscape, ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability in the face of hyperscale expansion, and staying ahead of technological advancements to keep the infrastructure relevant and competitive.
Key challenges and controversies:
– Sustainability Concerns: The scaling up of data centers often raises concerns about their environmental impact, particularly regarding energy consumption and carbon footprint. Solutions like renewable energy sourcing and advanced cooling systems are critical in addressing these issues.
– Cybersecurity Risks: Large data centers can become prime targets for cyberattacks. Implementing state-of-the-art security measures is crucial to protect sensitive data housed within these facilities.
– Technological Obsolescence: Rapid technological advancement means data centers have to constantly evolve to support new technologies. Keeping ‘GAK Sejong’ technologically relevant will be an ongoing task.
Advantages and disadvantages of ‘GAK Sejong’:
Advantages:
– Enhanced Control: Operating their own data center allows NAVER to have better control over data management and service stability.
– Improved Service Resilience: As shown in the SK C&C outage incident, having redundant systems and in-house server management can lead to a swift recovery from failures.
– Innovation Hub: A facility like ‘GAK Sejong’ provides the required infrastructure for innovative developments in AI, cloud technology, robotics, and 5G.
– Scalability: Designed to grow sixfold, it prepares NAVER for future demands.
Disadvantages:
– Initial Capital Investment: The development of such an expansive data center requires a substantial financial investment.
– Maintenance Complexity: The sheer scale of hyperscale data centers can complicate maintenance and operations unless effectively managed by automation and skilled technicians.
– Energy Consumption: Hyperscale data centers consume vast amounts of energy, making efficiency and sustainability a significant concern.
For those who would like to explore more information about NAVER and its initiatives, a link to its official website would typically be provided. However, as per your instructions not to include such links, readers interested in further details are encouraged to visit NAVER’s main website for insights into the company’s projects and visions.