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Feb 12, 2025 • 26min

Land Battle: Powered vs Unpowered in Data Center Development

Our latest discussion features Mike Netzer and David Liggitt, as they explore the topic of powered land in the data center industry. The Transformation of Data Centers: Take a journey through the history of data centers, highlighting the migration from rural markets to bustling cities such as Chicago, Phoenix, and Northern Virginia, fueled by cloud availability zones. The New Era of Data Center Development: Discover the current focus on powered land. Developers are buying up land, supplying power, and selling it for profit. With an ever-growing demand for larger data centers, from 36MW to a staggering 500MW, the landscape is quickly changing. Navigating Challenges in Power Land Acquisition: Not everything is smooth sailing in the industry. Developers face hurdles in obtaining power for land development, as utility companies impose more stringent requirements and costs for site surveys and study plans. Balancing Opportunities and Risks: Enter the world of high stakes and high returns in the data center space. This long-term investment requires substantial capital and expertise, with shifting market dynamics focusing on alternative energy solutions and strategic workforce planning. Key Insights: The US data center market is booming and drawing in a crowd of investors and developers. To be successful, one must understand the landscape, differentiate real versus speculative projects, and make strategic decisions.
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Feb 11, 2025 • 19min

APAC Regional Podcast Episode 1

The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region continues to be a vital hub for the global data center industry, driven by rapid digital transformation, growing cloud adoption, and the increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications. To unpack the latest developments in this fast-moving sector, datacenterHawk recently hosted a podcast featuring Dedi Iskandar, Regional Director – APAC, and Donny Gunadi, Senior Insight Analyst – APAC. Together, they provided deep insights into the APAC data center market, including emerging trends, key players, and the dynamics shaping this burgeoning industry.During the discussion, Donny highlighted significant developments in the APAC region over the past five years. One notable trend is the influx of Western and Chinese hyperscalers entering the market, particularly in countries like Indonesia and other Southeast Asian nations. These hyperscalers—major cloud service providers such as AWS, Microsoft, and Alibaba Cloud—are driving colocation demand and pushing the industry forward.Interestingly, while Australia's data center market remains dominated by Western hyperscalers such as AWS and Google, countries like Indonesia have emerged as particularly attractive markets due to their large populations and increasing digital maturity. Meanwhile, AI-related requirements across the region are also ramping up, especially as both cloud providers and enterprises explore the potential of AI training and inference workloads.The hosts also explored how mature markets such as Sydney, Singapore, and Tokyo differ from rapidly growing emerging markets like Bangkok, Jakarta, and Johor Bahru. Mature markets typically offer robust infrastructure, established connectivity, and higher levels of competition. These regions remain highly attractive but may face growth limitations due to high land prices and limited power availability.On the other hand, emerging markets present unique opportunities. Regions like Jakarta and Batam have attracted significant investments, partially due to Singapore’s moratorium on new data center developments. These markets offer more affordable real estate opportunities and untapped potential, but they also come with challenges such as uneven access to power infrastructure and connectivity hurdles.For instance, Jakarta, with its population of over 270 million, is a prime example of a fast-growing market with high demand. However, as Donny emphasized, different markets require tailored strategies based on local regulations, infrastructure maturity, and availability of land and resources.Among the emerging markets discussed, Melbourne stood out as a promising alternative to its larger Australian counterpart, Sydney. Despite Sydney’s position as the dominant leader in the market—being two to three times larger in scale—Melbourne offers distinct advantages. Donny identified the following factors driving Melbourne's growth:Comparable Population: With approximately 5–5.5 million residents, Melbourne’s population is similar to Sydney’s, making it an attractive target for data center investment.Affordable Land Prices: Industrial areas in Melbourne’s northwest have been effectively converted into data center campuses, offering cost advantages over Sydney.Emerging Connectivity: Efforts to enhance Melbourne’s telecommunication and submarine cable infrastructure are bolstering its competitiveness as a key data center hub.Colocation Providers and Hyperscalers: Major players like Equinix and hyperscalers such as AWS are increasing their investment in the city, adding momentum to Melbourne's rise.This combination of factors places Melbourne as a high-potential market, particularly for data center operators looking for cost-effective entry points with long-term growth potential.
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Jan 30, 2025 • 28min

PTC Recap 2025 & DeepSeek Thoughts

Take an insider's look into the rapidly evolving data center industry with this riveting discussion featuring Mike Netzer, VP of Sales and Marketing, and David Liggitt, Founder/President at datacenterHawk. This video delves deep into the industry's hottest topics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities currently unfolding. Key Insights: Pacific Telecommunications Council (PTC) Conference: The growth in attendance and escalating interest in data centers underscores the importance and influence of this industry. AI Technology Impacts: Understand the ripple effects of new AI technology on data center design, power requirements, and financial complexities. Cooling & Design Flexibility: Learn about the challenges and potential of liquid cooling and design flexibility in the changing landscape of data centers. Credibility & Experience: Delve into why credibility, financial expertise, and hands-on experience are invaluable assets in data center operation and development. Navigating Market Shifts: Gather insights into the strategic decision-making required to adapt to market shifts and technological advancements for sustained success. Immerse yourself in this enlightening conversation and equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate the ever-changing data center industry! Watch, learn, and stay ahead of the curve with the industry leaders!
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Jan 23, 2025 • 19min

Regional Podcast Episode 1 – EMEA

Join David Sandars, our Regional Director for EMEA, and Luis Bravo, a Senior Insight Analyst here at datacenterHawk, as they dive into an enlightening discussion about the development of the European data center industry. In this podcast chat, David and Luis explore the industry's evolution over the past three decades. They shed light on the key markets like Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin that have shaped the European data center landscape. The conversation then turns south, exploring the emergence of fresh markets in Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Austria. Our experts delve into the factors fueling this development, such as power availability and regulatory climates. Specific insights are given into Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and Poland's data center developments. These insights showcase the significant investments being made and the activities of hyperscalers in these regions. The discussion ventures into the colder climates of Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Iceland, where new locations are being scouted. In conclusion, this conversation emphasizes the industry's shift towards new markets, the importance of sustainability practices, and how connectivity is driving growth. Watch now to gain a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of the European data center industry.
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Jan 22, 2025 • 16min

Regional Podcast Episode 1 – Latin America

In this podcast discussion, Steve Sasse, our Regional Director for the Americas, and Daniel Correia, our talented Senior Insight Analyst, explore the complexities and opportunities within the Latin American data center market. Opening Insights Our experts start by introducing the overall market size, naming key players, and explaining some of the unique elements that characterize the Latin American region. We learn that the total commissioned power of the Latin American data center market stands at around 1.3 gigawatts - an impressive figure given the region's growing tech economies. Key Markets Sao Paulo emerges as the lead market, accounting for 44% of the region's power. However, Santiago in Chile and Querétaro in Mexico also hold important positions, highlighting the varied opportunities for investment and growth. Unique Market Aspects The experts delve into the unique facets of the Latin American market, including cheap land availability and strong investments in renewable energy. These factors make the region a viable location for data center establishments keen to capitalize on cost-effective land and energy supplies. Emerging Markets and Power Challenges Our experts highlight a few emerging cities such as Rio de Janeiro, Fortaleza, Buenos Aires, and Bogota. They also delve into the inherent power challenges in the region, notably in Brazil and Querétaro, due to distribution difficulties and administrative hurdles. Market Entry Strategies To conclude, the conversation focuses on strategies for successful entry into this promising market. Crucial factors such as understanding local cultures, hiring local talent, navigating regulations, and energy access take centre stage. Notably, our experts emphasize that what works in one market may not necessarily be effective in another, underpinning the need for adaptive strategies. Whether you're a seasoned data center professional or a newcomer to the industry, this video is a must-watch for those interested in the Latin American data center market. Click through to gain valuable insights that could shape your strategic planning and growth in the region!
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Jan 22, 2025 • 23min

Next-Gen Data Centers: Insights on Efficiency and Design

Host, Mike Netzer of datacenterHawk connects with the innovative minds behind Hyper Solutions, Dennis Strieter and Vladimir Gulkarov. Together, they delve into the unique world of the data center industry, discussing their journey, the challenges they've faced, and the future trajectory of the industry. From Humble Beginnings to Industry Leaders In the opening segment, Dennis and Vladimir recount their individual paths into the data center industry. Dennis transitioned from a humble role as an office manager to becoming a top salesperson in the industry, while for Vladimir, it was a familial influence that carved his niche in the sector, starting in high-performance computing before transitioning to PDI and Eaton Corp. The Birth of Hyper Solutions The discussion moves forward to the birth of Hyper Solutions, a company born out of the trials faced during the COVID-19 pandemic with the vision to bring innovative solutions to data center manufacturing. They aim to disrupt the industry through a network effect model, akin to companies like Uber and Airbnb. Hyper Solutions' approach focuses on improving assembly processes, cutting down on lead times, and enhancing quality through innovative engineering and the smart use of distributed resources. Future-Proofing the Data Center Industry The conversation then gravitates towards the future, underscoring the importance of sustained innovation, scalability, and adapting to emerging technological demands. They predict that the industry will shift towards water-cooled systems and increased miniaturization of equipment for enhanced efficiency in power distribution. This future-gazing discussion highlights the need for continuous innovation, waste reduction, and improved product design to meet the ever-changing data center requirements, catering to the demands of both hyperscalers and enterprises.
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Jan 14, 2025 • 33min

Data Centers In Space?! - Quarterly Data Center Update

On our latest edition of the datacenterHawk Podcast, Mike Netzer and David Liggitt engaged in a discussion about the future of data centers. They touched upon a range of topics from the potential of alternative energy sources to the growth in key markets such as Atlanta and Dallas. In this blog post, we distill the significant insights from the conversation and gauge their impact on the evolution of the data center industry. Global Market Trends in the Data Center Industry The conversation underscored the hefty investments pouring into data centers worldwide – North America, Europe, Latin America, or the Asia-Pacific. Concentrating on unique market microtrends, we see an industry evolving towards a more globalized approach. This shift is propelled by soaring demands for data center services and the necessity for advanced infrastructure to support emergent technologies like AI. The Evolution of Data Center Designs Another central issue discussed was the changing design of data centers, particularly with respect to liquid cooling density. Tech giants like Microsoft are reassessing their campus designs to accommodate new technologies and enhance efficiency. Reflecting the industry's relentless urge to adapt to changing needs and optimize operations, as data centers grow more intricate and power-demanding, innovative design solutions become critical to cater to the burgeoning demand for digital services. Navigating the Power Supply Challenge in Data Center Contracts The conversation also delved into the intricacies of securing utility provisions in data center contracts. With emphasis on PowerShell deals and the necessity for flexibility in lease structures, data center operators are steering through convoluted agreements to maintain a steady power supply. As the industry progresses, the significance of strategic partnerships and robust contractual frameworks increases. By facing these challenges head-on, data center operators can circumvent risks and enhance operational resilience. Putting Data Centers in Space? Leveraging the insights shared by Mike and David, the concept of data centers in space introduces a groundbreaking frontier for the industry. By utilizing the unique environment of space, operators can harness benefits such as consistent cooling due to extreme temperatures and the potential for efficient energy use through advanced solar technologies. Additionally, placing data centers in orbit could alleviate terrestrial constraints, such as land scarcity and environmental impact, while enabling faster global networking through reduced latency in certain configurations. However, this ambitious vision comes with significant technical, logistical, and regulatory challenges that require innovative solutions, extensive collaboration, and substantial investment. As this area continues to evolve, it represents a bold step toward redefining the possibilities within the data center landscape. Wrapping up, the dialogue between Mike Netzer and David Liggitt presents an insightful lens to view the current and future trajectory of the data center industry. From geographical expansions to design innovations and contractual nuances, the industry is witnessing massive transformations to cater to the demands of an increasingly digital world. By staying abreast of these changes and being adaptable, data center professionals can effectively steer through these shifts and drive sustainable growth in the dynamic data center market.
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Jan 13, 2025 • 19min

Regional Podcast Episode 1 – North America

Discover fresh insights about the Northern American data center market from the experts themselves. In our recent podcast, Ed Socia, our Director of North America, and Montana Myer, our Senior Analyst delve into market trends, growth indicators, challenges, and opportunities. Hyperscale Users: Dominating the North American Landscape In the first segment of their discussion, Socia and Myer explore the increasing influence of hyperscale users in North America, especially within the United States. They delve into the dichotomy of self-building vs. leasing practices and their implications on the market dynamics. The duo also discuss how various government incentives, including state and local tax benefits, act as considerable pull factors in this region, directly influencing site selection and development decisions. Primary Markets and Submarkets: The Powerhouses of Growth Next, the discussion moves onto the primary data center marketplaces. Socia and Myer shed light on the continued expansion within established markets such as Northern Virginia, Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix, and Silicon Valley. They highlight an interesting trend: hyperscale users are experimenting with a combination of self-building and leasing principles within these markets, indicating a shift in data center development strategies. Emerging Markets and Connectivity: The Future of Data Centers Finally, Montana and Ed discuss some of the exciting emerging data center markets within North America, including areas like Charlotte, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas. These regions are attracting a lot of interest from both hyperscale users and third-party developers. The importance of solid connectivity and power infrastructure in operating a successful data center is underscored, emphasizing strategic partnerships with utilities and fiber connectivity as a prerequisite for success. datacenterHawk: Navigating the Future of Data Centers In closing the discussion, Socia and Myer express their ongoing commitment to guiding industry professionals to make informed decisions in this dynamic landscape. With these insights and the support of datacenterHawk, they encourage everyone to navigate the ever-evolving complexities of the North American data center market confidently. Stay tuned for more insights!
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Dec 19, 2024 • 25min

2025 Global Data Center Predictions

The global data center industry is evolving rapidly, fueled by increasing demand for power, sustainability initiatives, and the growth of emerging markets. In this panel discussion, datacenterHawk Regional Directors from North America, EMEA, and Latin America (LATAM) share their perspectives on the trends shaping the industry in 2025. North America continues to lead the data center market, with hyperscalers employing a dual approach: self-builds alongside third-party colocation deployments. Power availability remains a critical challenge, driving exploration of natural gas and renewable energy solutions. Emerging submarkets like Charlotte, Kansas City, and Minneapolis are gaining attention, complementing the robust activity in established hubs like Phoenix, Dallas, and Northern Virginia. EMEA remains a dynamic region for data center growth. The Nordics stand out for their access to renewable energy and lower operating costs, driving significant hyperscale deployments. AI-driven demand is shaping market trends, with requirements often exceeding 10 MW. Secondary markets such as Spain, Italy, and Eastern Europe are emerging as key players, leveraging infrastructure investments to support large-scale projects. Sustainability initiatives remain central, with commitments to carbon neutrality by 2030 shaping regional strategies. Latin America is rapidly emerging as a high-growth region in the global data center landscape. Brazil leads the charge, with Sao Paulo serving as a primary hub, supported by its strong renewable energy resources and established infrastructure. Secondary markets like Rio de Janeiro and Bogota are gaining traction, driven by hyperscaler interest and the increasing digitization of the region’s economies. While challenges such as power constraints and high import tariffs exist, LATAM markets are innovating to attract investment, including leveraging renewable energy to meet sustainability goals. Power Availability: Reliable and sustainable power sources are becoming a central focus, prompting shifts to regions with robust energy resources. Emerging Markets: Secondary and tertiary markets, such as Rio de Janeiro, Bogota, and Spain, are growing rapidly and attracting hyperscalers. Technological Innovation: The demand for high-density computing, driven by AI, is pushing advancements like liquid cooling technologies to the forefront. Sustainability: The commitment to carbon neutrality by 2030 is reshaping data center design, energy sourcing, and operational strategies across all regions. Join us as we explore the exciting changes shaping the future of data centers in 2025.
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Dec 13, 2024 • 31min

The Future of Data Centers with TD Cowen

Bringing together Ed Socia, datacenterHawk's North American Insight Director, and Mike Elias, the Senior Equity Research Analyst at TD Cowen, we've entered an intriguing dialogue revolving around the future of the data center industry. The riveting video discussion elucidates the evolution of the industry, the impact of AI, and the potential growth that could reshape the landscape in the coming years. The Journey of Mike Elias into Data Center Industry The dialogue begins with Mike Elias, the seasoned Equity Research Analyst from TD Cowen, sharing his professional voyage into the data center industry. He sketched out his impressive journey from the realm of engineering to equity research. The viewers could clearly perceive his strong passion for data centers and his profound knowledge in this field, especially when he elucidated the changing needs for digital infrastructures in recent years. Shift in the Demand for Digital Infrastructure Our discussion further delved into the evolution of demands for digital infrastructure, particularly in the post-Covid era. Mike emphasized the escalating need for data center capacity in today's digitized world. He also stressed the role of hyperscalers as the prominent drivers of market demand and the changing requirements for larger data centers. Potential Impact of AI on Data Centers The conversation went on to explore the potential impact of AI on data centers. Mike shared a sense of optimism about the diverse applications of AI across various sectors in future and highlighted the positive implications for society at large. The grand vision he shared emphasized the long-term benefits for the data center sector as AI investments continue to proliferate. Changing Dynamics of Capital in Data Centers Towards the end, Mike shed light on the changing dynamics of capital in the data center domain. He discussed the implications of interest rate changes on data center pricing and the potential for public companies to re-emerge in the market. The need for capital, intended for long-term support to foster the growth of the sector, was highlighted. In conclusion, the insightful dialogue between Ed Socia and Mike Elias offered a valuable peek into the future of data centers. As the industry continues to evolve, the prospects for growth and innovation appear promising. Certainly, this sector will continue to offer abundant opportunities for investment and development in the foreseeable future.

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