Letters to the editor
Data centers’ future
There’s a lot of talk about building data centers lately, and it’s good that our political leaders are trying to get ahead of the demand. But there is one aspect that has not been discussed much, yet it really needs to be taken into account: it’s highly likely that large data centers will be obsolete in 10 to 15 years.
Every year computers get smaller as their chips become more powerful. This trend is continuing; every time Nvidia introduces a new chip, efficiency is dramatically increased. In 10 years, the work performed now in a large data center might only need one floor of an office building.
The hype around AI is enormous, but it’s not clear if demand will really ramp up like the industry hopes. Another reason for data centers is said to be cryptocurrency. One of the main uses for crypto is as a money laundering mechanism for sophisticated criminal enterprises, such as ransomware schemes. This is likely to make the price of crypto too unstable for legitimate financial institutions to use as an investment tool. So I wouldn’t bet on much growth there.
If large data centers become obsolete and then are closed, it will be hard to find a secondary use for the facility. Our leaders need to take this into account now so this region is not once again left with abandoned industrial sites that the state and local governments are forced to clean up.
John Bogaard
Houston
A few questions for Dems
I thoroughly enjoyed Cal Thomas’ July 10 commentary.
I would like to see every Democrat asked in every debate and every public appearance the following questions:
Why are you so enamored with illegal immigration and illegal immigrants? Emphasis on the word “illegal.”
Why are you so interested in allowing, through whatever means, non-citizens to vote in our elections?
Is it because that is the only way you think you can win? Hmmm.
I am eager to see their answers.
James A. Sanford
Eighty Four