CW+ Premium Content/CW Nordics

German supermarket chain Lidl is betting on hardware with the installation of new server racks across its 180 Finnish stores. The aim is to future-proof the stores’ IT infrastructure as the retail industry grows increasingly reliant on real-time data and digital services. “Previously our stores’ connections have been slower, and there hasn’t been a need for anything other than basic functionality,” said Patrik Sundgren, head of IT infrastructure management at Lidl Finland. “Now, we are making it possible to deploy new customer-facing services and different IoT solutions.” Lidl’s server project includes installing two rack cabinets in each of its Finnish stores. While data will primarily be processed centrally, the new racks enable Lidl stores to run more systems and applications locally using, for example, virtualisation. In addition, Sundgren said the server racks are expected to reduce connectivity issues. The end result is store systems can function even if they fail to connect to Lild’s central systems. In practice, Lidl’s ...