DCD Zero Downtime: The Bi-Weekly Data Center Show Episode 67 - Adapting to change, with Mark Kidd, Iron Mountain
Nov 4, 2024
Mark Kidd, a veteran at Iron Mountain, discusses the company’s fascinating journey from mushroom farming in the 1950s to becoming a leader in the data center industry. He highlights the importance of adapting to digital transformation and AI advancements. Mark dives into sustainable practices, focusing on e-waste management and responsible disposal. He also covers innovative energy solutions for data centers facing power challenges and the significance of asset lifecycle management in promoting greener technology practices. Tune in for insights on navigating change in this evolving industry!
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Mushroom Farmer Origins
- Iron Mountain was founded by a mushroom farmer in the 1950s who used caves for vital record storage.
- Some of the earliest documents stored were identity records for people persecuted after World War II.
Underground Data Centers
- Iron Mountain still uses some underground mines for storage, including some data centers.
- Two data center locations are in Kansas City and Boyers, Pennsylvania, the latter boasting hundreds of underground acres.
Data Center Pivot
- Iron Mountain's move into data centers stemmed from its existing tape backup business and customer relationships.
- Their first data centers were underground to cater to security-conscious clients, leveraging existing infrastructure.