Vertiv acquires Waylay to boost AI & analytics for data centres
Vertiv has acquired Belgium-based software firm Waylay to strengthen its capabilities in AI-driven monitoring and control for power and cooling systems.
The transaction is part of Vertiv's ongoing strategy to improve predictive maintenance, real-time monitoring, and the dynamic optimisation of digital infrastructure that powers critical computing environments globally. This follows a pattern of investment by Vertiv in technology designed to address the demands presented by the widespread adoption of generative AI and high-density data centres.
Focus on AI and digital services
Vertiv is seeking to bolster its suite of AI-based digital infrastructure solutions. The company views these technologies as vital for supporting real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and efficient energy usage, particularly in high-performance computing environments that rely on generative AI. The integration of Waylay's technology is expected to enhance Vertiv's capability to deliver these functions at scale, improving uptime and operational intelligence for its customers.
Vertiv's CEO, Giordano Albertazzi, commented on the significance of the acquisition and its potential impact for the company's future operations. He said,
"With the addition of Waylay's technology and software-focused team, Vertiv will accelerate its vision of intelligent infrastructure - data-driven, proactive, and optimised for the world's most demanding environments. We are excited about the operational efficiencies and the resilience that Vertiv's further augmented predictive capabilities can provide for our customers."
Waylay's technology background
Founded in 2014, Waylay has focused on developing a hyperautomation platform grounded in artificial intelligence. Its software enables customers to create workflow-based automation, integrate systems, and orchestrate operations across a range of connected assets, enterprise applications, and cloud-based services. Among the core features of Waylay's offering are advanced data analytics and orchestration scenarios, which are designed to operate at high speed to reduce costs associated with system integration and deployment.
The software also processes real-time machine data from infrastructure environments, identifying operational patterns and proposing predictive actions. These capabilities are aimed at minimising system downtime and supporting overall performance improvement. Vertiv's decision to acquire Waylay signals an intent to expand its own software and analytics capacity on a global scale.
Industry context
The rapid growth of data centre capacity around the world is being driven in part by demand for AI workloads. As these workloads become more widespread and complex, power and cooling systems require enhanced digital services to maintain operational reliability and efficiency. The need for proactive monitoring and analytics in these systems is particularly acute given the high-density computing environments characteristic of generative AI deployments.
By incorporating Waylay's software into its product portfolio, Vertiv intends to address these evolving operational challenges. The acquisition is anticipated to provide Vertiv with new competencies for automation, orchestration, and analytics, complementing its existing range of products which include integrated racks, power distribution units, uninterruptible power supplies, and thermal management systems. The enhancement of digitised monitoring and lifecycle services is a particular focus.
Customer benefits and outlook
The integration of Waylay's platform is expected to offer Vertiv's customers new opportunities to optimise energy usage, increase the resilience of their digital operations, and improve the overall intelligence of their infrastructure management. Vertiv has indicated that the combined expertise and software capabilities from Waylay will support more responsive and data-driven approaches to infrastructure optimisation in critical digital environments.
Vertiv's portfolio continues to emphasise solutions that facilitate continuous operations and performance in data centres, communication networks, and various industrial facilities worldwide. The company operates in over 130 countries and maintains a focus on analytics-driven enhancements to its service offerings.
The acquisition will also prompt a period of integration as the two companies align their respective technologies and teams. Vertiv expects this investment to drive improvements in the operational intelligence of its global client base and to respond to the accelerating pace of digital infrastructure requirements worldwide.
