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Disruptive Trends in AI Computing and Data Centers, 2025–2027

Publisher Frost & Sullivan
Published Jan 28, 2026
Length 69 Pages
SKU # MC20821114

Description

Disruptive AI models are increasingly challenging traditional assumptions about “classic” cloud data centers. As training clusters scale up to thousands of accelerators and consume tens of megawatts of power, the conventional CPU-centric, air-cooled, monolithic server model is no longer sustainable. This research study explores the megatrend of AI infrastructure unbundling, which signifies a shift from traditional server boxes to fabric-connected pools of accelerators, memory, storage, cooling, and power. The study analyzes how growing compute density, memory, and I/O bottlenecks, and constraints related to carbon and water are compelling operators to rethink the fundamental design of data centers. This includes moving from traditional servers to AI pods and composable cluster fabrics. Over the next 3 to 5 years, these disruptions are expected to play a critical role in determining how effectively AI can be scaled in an economical and reliable manner while adhering to stricter sustainability and regulatory standards.

The report, covering technological developments and their impact on deployment and business models, includes the following modules:
• AI Infrastructure Unbundling – Megatrend Overview
• Technology Overview, Architecture, and Taxonomy
• Transformational Themes in AI Infrastructure
• Five Deep-Dive Themes:
o Heterogeneous and specialized AI accelerators
o Memory disaggregation and high-bandwidth fabrics
o Cooling and power as core design variables
o AI-native orchestration and autonomic data centers
o Sustainability, siting, and grid integration
• Technological Advancement Use Cases
• Emerging Business and Deployment Models
• Regional Trends in AI-Centric Data Centers
• Strategic Opportunities and Future Outlook

Table of Contents

69 Pages
    • Scope of Analysis
    • Why is it Increasingly Difficult to Grow?
    • The Strategic Imperative 8
    • Our Megatrend Universe-Overview
    • Our Megatrend Universe-AI Computing and Data Centers
    • Key Findings
    • AI Infrastructure Unbundling: From Servers to Fabric-Connected Pools
    • Structural Constraints Forcing AI Infrastructure Redesign
    • AI Pods as the New Unit of Design: Architecture and Strategic Impact
    • AI Data Center Evolution and the AI Compute Stack
    • Taxonomy of AI-Centric Data Center Architectures: Compute and Resource Coupling
    • Taxonomy of AI-Centric Data Center Architectures: Deployment, Power, and Cooling
    • Theme 1: Heterogeneous and Specialized AI Accelerators
    • Theme 2: Memory Disaggregation and High-Bandwidth Fabrics
    • Theme 3: Cooling and Power as Core Design Variables
    • Theme 4: AI-Native Orchestration and Autonomic Data Centers
    • Theme 5: Sustainability, Siting, and Grid Integration
    • Case Study 1: CXL-based Memory Disaggregation for LLM Training Pods
    • Case Study 2: Computational Storage Drives and Data Orchestration for AI/High Performance Computing (HPC) and Database Workloads
    • Case Study 3: Low-Carbon AI Region with District-Heating Heat Reuse
    • Case Study 4: Sovereign Exascale AI Under Energy-Efficiency and Climate Constraints
    • Emerging Business Model: Accelerator Pods-as-a-Service
    • Emerging Business Model: Cooling-as-a-Service
    • Emerging Business Model: Telemetry and Data-Driven Monetization
    • Regional Trends in AI Computing and Data Centers
    • Trend Attractiveness Analysis
    • Trend Opportunity Impact and Certainty Analysis
    • Trend Opportunity Disruption Index
    • Trend Disruption Attractiveness Score
    • Trend Opportunity Growth Index
    • Growth Attractiveness Score
    • BEETS Implications for AI Computing and Data Centers
    • Growth Opportunity 1: AI Pods & Composable Infrastructure Campuses
    • Growth Opportunity 2: Liquid First Cooling & Heat Reuse Platforms for AI Data Centers
    • Growth Opportunity 3: Carbon Aware Orchestration & Telemetry Platform
    • Critical Success Factors for Growth
    • Conclusion
    • Our Megatrend Universe
    • Benefits and Impacts of Growth Opportunities
    • Next Steps

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