Data Center Challenges and Opportunities with Santiago Suinaga, CEO of iMasons
Feb 18, 2025
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Santiago Suinaga, CEO of Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), discusses the rapid evolution of the data center industry. He highlights the 'Four Ps' challenges: Power constraints are pushing developers to seek nontraditional markets. The talent gap is a pressing issue, emphasizing the need for skilled professionals. He also addresses the industry's perception, advocating for greater public awareness. Additionally, Santiago shares insights on innovative energy solutions and collaboration's vital role in overcoming these hurdles and ensuring future growth.
The data center industry is experiencing rapid growth driven by power availability and a significant talent shortage, necessitating innovative workforce initiatives.
Denver's rise as a data center hub highlights the importance of location, quality of life, and the need for skilled professionals in the sector.
Deep dives
The Rise of Denver as a Data Center Hub
Denver is emerging as a significant hub for the data center industry due to its unique blend of talent and historical telecommunications presence. Several major data center companies, including CoreSight and Vantage, have established their headquarters in the region, benefiting from the historical telecom roots of Denver. The city's appeal as a livable location also contributes to its attractiveness for executives seeking work-life balance, particularly as remote work becomes more prevalent. As a result, the growing population of professionals in Denver has positioned the area as a key center for data center executives, rivaling traditional markets such as Virginia and Dallas.
The Role of iMasons in the Data Center Industry
iMasons functions as a leading professional association in the digital infrastructure and data center sector, bringing together over 6,000 members from over 130 countries since its inception in 2016. The organization aims to unite industry builders to share knowledge and tackle industry challenges, focusing on key issues such as access to power, talent acquisition, public perception, and sustainability. By addressing these elements, iMasons supports the growth of the data center industry and encourages innovative solutions to common obstacles. The group's efforts reflect a commitment to fostering collaboration and professional development within the rapidly evolving field of digital infrastructure.
Addressing Talent Shortages in the Data Center Industry
The data center industry is facing a significant talent shortage, with expectations of needing an additional 300,000 workers in the coming years as the sector grows at an unprecedented rate. Initiatives are underway to increase awareness and attract individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those transitioning from other industries and underrepresented groups. Programs focusing on mentorship, internships, and job matching platforms are being implemented to create strong pipelines for new talent. By expanding outreach and educational efforts, the industry aims to demystify data center operations and cultivate a workforce equipped to support its future expansion.
The data center industry is undergoing a period of unprecedented growth and transformation, addressing evolving demands and navigating complex challenges. Recently, Mike Netzer, VP of Sales & Marketing at datacenterHawk, sat down with Santiago Suinaga, CEO of Infrastructure Masons (iMasons), for a conversation that explored key trends affecting the industry, from talent shortages to power constraints, as well as the unique role of local chapters in fostering innovation and collaboration.Here's a closer look at the discussion and its implications for data center professionals.The Four Core Challenges Facing Data Centers Anchored in its mission to unite digital infrastructure builders, iMasons has identified four major obstacles shaping the industry today. Suinaga referred to them as the “Four Ps”: Power: Power availability is one of the most significant constraints impacting the industry's growth. With vacancy rates in key markets at historic lows and renewable energy adoption increasingly critical, data center developers are now shifting toward nontraditional markets where power is more accessible. People (Talent): The growing demand for data center expertise highlights an acute talent gap. Attracting and retaining skilled professionals remains a pressing challenge for expanding the workforce in this highly specialized sector. Perception: The data center industry has often operated behind the scenes, maintaining a low profile. However, with growing public awareness and local pushback against developments—commonly known as “NIMBY” (Not in My Backyard)—it’s vital to improve public perception and highlight the essential role data centers play in every facet of modern digital life. Planet: Sustainability is a top priority as the industry seeks to minimize its environmental footprint. From leveraging renewable power sources to designing efficient cooling systems, businesses are tackling the need for eco-friendly practices head-on.Emerging Trends in Power Dynamics and Market ExpansionOne standout point from Suinaga’s discussion was the evolving relationship between power availability and data center deployments. Historically, data centers were designed near traditional urban or industrial hubs, expanding power resources to meet their needs. However, this model is shifting. Today, operators are increasingly locating facilities near existing power resources, sometimes in nontraditional markets like North Dakota. This strategic flexibility is reshaping how and where data centers are built, creating opportunities for lesser-known regions to play a pivotal role in the digital transformation ecosystem.The Digital Infrastructure Report and Future Outlook According to Suinaga, the state of the industry can be summarized by three critical factors:Skyrocketing Demand: Data center consumption is at an all-time high, driven by the rapid expansion of cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital services.Constrained Supply: Major markets face unprecedented supply limitations, driving up vacancies and costs.Market Diversification: Nontraditional markets are stepping in to meet demand, reshaping the global data center landscape.
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