In the rapidly evolving world of technology, data centers have become an essential component of virtually every significant operation. Yet, they often come at an enormous expense. Pete Herlihy, a principal product manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), recently highlighted this topic at MOSIP Connect 2025. His message was clear: data centers are costly, not just in the financial sense but also in terms of resources.
The Heavyweight Burden of Data Centers
Data centers are not just collections of servers; they are monumental investments requiring meticulous planning and constant maintenance. According to Herlihy, a single data center is never enough, and redundancy demands facilities that are geographically distant to avoid simultaneous outages. Biometric Update
The operational aspect, including energy, cooling, and cybersecurity, added to the initial infrastructure costs, can run to billions, making it infeasible for smaller countries to independently maintain such facilities. Herlihy humorously noted, “Friends don’t let friends run data centers.”
Open Source: The Affordable Alternative
Amid this financial burden, open-source solutions offer a beacon of hope. As stated by Miroslaw Malinowski from the University of Warwick during the same event, open source aligns with the original ideals that shaped the Internet’s evolution, promoting inclusivity and cooperation.
Malinowski mentioned his collaboration with developers at the Alan Turing Institute on non-profit technology tailored for emerging markets. The Institute, a non-profit entity, is pioneering efforts by creating privacy-conscious digital ID solutions and performing robust cybersecurity assessments. Their tools, offered free of charge, could be pivotal for nations navigating budget constraints.
Nonprofits to the Rescue: MOSIP and DaaS Initiatives
Emerging countries face unique challenges, and nonprofits are stepping up to assist. MOSIP, with its “MOSIP-in-a-box” initiative, is crafting scalable digital identity solutions suitable for smaller populations without sacrificing functionality.
Anusree Jayakrishnan from the Centre of Digital Public Infrastructure introduced DaaS (DPI-as-a-service) as a transformative approach. By circumventing traditional procurement and enhancing current infrastructure, DaaS dramatically curtails costs, facilitating quicker adoption of digital public infrastructure in countries like Trinidad and Tobago.
Bridging the Gap: Training and Development
Empowering countries with the necessary skills and knowledge is as important as the technology itself. Shah Mahmood from the Alan Turing Institute emphasized their role in providing training under the Gates Foundation’s funding. This initiative ensures that the tools are used effectively, supplementing the technical infrastructure with human expertise.
Conclusion: A Hopeful Future
The combined effort of open-source technology and non-profit dedication paves a hopeful future for data center solutions globally. As we move forward, embracing these innovative methods may redefine how we manage digital infrastructures, making them more accessible and cost-effective.
Follow all our coverage from MOSIP Connect 2025 and learn more about these exciting developments.