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Dec 1, 2023 • 15min

Unleashing the Power of Data Centers in Querétaro

The global data center industry is witnessing an unprecedented surge, with Querétaro, Mexico emerging as a key player in this expansion. In a recent interactive session, Steve Sasse, the Regional Director for Data Center Hawk Latin America, and Ed Pastor, the President of Data Center Consultants of Mexico (DCM), delve into the rapid advancement and future potential of the data center market in Querétaro. The Rise of Data Centers in Querétaro Querétaro, a Mexican region, has experienced a significant upswing in its data center industry in the past few years. At present, it commands nearly 95 megawatts of commissioned power. Yet, the market is exhibiting a mounting demand for power, estimated to be around 700 megawatts, signifying immense growth opportunities for Querétaro. Why Querétaro is a Favored Destination for Data Centers Steve and Ed explore the reasons behind Querétaro's appeal as a preferred location for data center establishment over Mexico City, located just 120 miles to the south. The key factors include: Ease of Access: Navigating through Mexico City's infamous traffic and logistical hurdles can be a deterrent for data center build-outs. Querétaro, in contrast, offers less complicated accessibility. Talented Workforce: The workforce in Mexico City mirrors the high caliber of talent seen in New York City. The local labor force is recognized for its hard work and commitment. Safety and Security: Querétaro offers a secure working and living environment, making it an optimal choice for businesses and their employees. Economical Land Prices: Land costs in Querétaro are significantly less than in Mexico City, making it a cost-effective choice for data center initiatives. Power Supply: Querétaro is making commendable progress in resolving power supply issues. There's a guarantee from the government to ensure the necessary power is accessible to facilitate this burgeoning industry. Specific Initiatives in Querétaro Ed Pastor notes that the promised power supply has been received for two specific locations in Querétaro, indicating that power-related challenges are being progressively addressed, rendering Querétaro increasingly suitable for data center initiatives. The Road Ahead for Querétaro's Data Centers As they look to the future, Steve and Ed forecast sustained growth in Querétaro's data center market. They feel the market's evolution will hinge on aspects like land price trends, alternate power sources (e.g., solar and cogeneration), and enhancements in infrastructure. Importantly, hopes are high that the government's initiatives will meet the market's expectations. Ed Pastor also alludes to a promising project that amalgamates solar energy, cogeneration, data centers, industry, and an academic center within a large-scale industrial park. This ambitious venture could unequivocally elevate Querétaro's standing as a data center powerhouse. Conclusion Querétaro, Mexico, is poised to become an influential force in the global data center industry. With its growth potential and advantageous conditions, it's an appealing locale for data center development. As power supply constraints are being mitigated and infrastructure enhancements are in progress, Querétaro's data center future appears bright. We will continue to monitor this evolving market and keep you updated.
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Sep 28, 2023 • 18min

Navigating the Power Market: A Conversation with Legend Energy Advisors Founder & CEO Dan Crosby

The landscape of data centers is rapidly evolving, and the power market plays a crucial role in this transformation. In our latest video, we get the opportunity to delve deeper into this topic with Dan Crosby, the Founder & CEO of Legend Energy Advisors. Crosby, an industry expert, provides an in-depth perspective on the interdependence of data centers and power infrastructure, shedding light on the increasing significance of active participation by data centers in the power market. He asserts that an ideal data center environment should not only have reliable access to power but also be capable of tactically managing interactions with the market. Our conversation further explores the growing relevance of power density and on-site generation. Crosby emphasized that with the rising penetration of renewable energy, it's essential for data centers to adapt accordingly. He advocated for data centers to play a proactive role in power management, even sharing instances when some data centers have returned power back to the grid during energy crises. Crosby also touched upon the shifting responsibility from data center operators to tenants. He highlighted the potential cost savings in power rates that could be achieved by responding to catastrophic events or price spikes in real-time. According to him, such a response strategy enables data centers to enhance their resilience, reduce costs, and be better corporate citizens and grid participants. In conclusion, Crosby stresses the importance of understanding grid dynamics and gaining control over energy intensity. He believes that these factors can unlock significant benefits for data centers, including cost savings and increased resilience. Watch the full interview to get more insights from Dan Crosby on the evolving role of data centers in the power market, especially in the context of green energy. As always, we are committed to providing you with the most accurate and relevant information from industry leaders. Stay tuned for more engaging dialogues.
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Sep 20, 2023 • 25min

Bridging the Gap: A Conversation with Metro Edge CEO Craig Huffman

In a recent interaction, we were privileged to have an insightful conversation with Craig Huffman, the co-founder and CEO of Metro Edge. Huffman, a seasoned professional in the digital infrastructure and data center industry, shared his views on the sector's current landscape, future opportunities, and prevailing challenges. This dialogue aimed at IT professionals and investors, was not just informative but also underscored the need for robust engagement between the industry and the communities it serves. One of the key takeaways from our discussion was Huffman's emphasis on education. He believes that there is a pressing need to foster a stronger connection between schools and the technology sector. The idea is to spark interest and understanding about the industry among young minds, which could potentially lead to more intentional career paths in technology and data centers. Huffman used a personal anecdote to illustrate this point - he kindled his son's curiosity about data centers by drawing a link between his interest in Xbox gaming and the underlying technology. By doing so, he was able to demonstrate how everyday interests are intertwined with the world of data centers and digital infrastructure. We also delved into the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Huffman emphasized the disruptive potential AI holds for various job sectors and stressed the importance of proactive preparation for these changes. In this context, Huffman highlighted the commendable efforts of organizations such as AI Masons. This group provides valuable educational resources to college students and has joined forces with Metro Edge as part of their social impact plan. Huffman strongly advocates for a deep understanding and investment in digital infrastructure. He believes that by doing so, we can better equip tomorrow's workforce for a tech-centric future. For those interested in learning more about Metro Edge's work and their social impact plan, Huffman recommends visiting their official website. Wrapping up our conversation, Huffman expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to share his insights with our audience. He conveyed his eagerness for future discussions that continue to explore and expand on these critical industry topics. As always, we strive to bring you the most accurate and relevant information from industry leaders like Craig Huffman. We understand that the data center industry is a complex one, and we're committed to providing clear, authoritative content that speaks directly to you, our valued readers. Stay tuned for more such engaging dialogues.
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Jun 28, 2023 • 16min

Quantum Solutions: A Revolutionary Approach to Data Center Infrastructure

Explore a groundbreaking quantum solution for data center infrastructure. We recently spoke with Tony Grayson, a tech industry innovator, about his groundbreaking quantum solution for data center infrastructure. Tony's journey began with a unique background and a desire for more family time after a successful career in the U.S. Navy. In this blog post, we'll explore the insights shared by Tony and delve into the fascinating concept behind his quantum solution. An Unconventional Journey to Tech Tony Grayson's career took a unique path as he transitioned from a 21-year tenure in the U.S. Navy, where he achieved his lifelong goal of commanding his own submarine. Craving more family time, Tony joined Facebook and later Oracle, where he managed physical infrastructure. It was at Oracle where he encountered a significant challenge—fitting the racks required for Oracle Cloud into existing Enterprise Data Centers. This obstacle ignited Tony's passion for creating an "Oracle in a box" solution, ultimately leading him to his current project. Unveiling the Quantum Solution Tony's vision materialized through a Compass owned company called Edge Point. With their support, Tony developed the concept of an edge quantum solution, designed to address concerns such as security, privacy, latency, and the desire for physical proximity to servers. This distributed architecture of network nodes and racks, deployable anywhere from the Arctic to the desert, represents the future of data center infrastructure. The Innovative Concept of Quantum Solutions While the industry often concentrates on large hyperscale data centers, Tony's quantum solution presents a novel approach. It aims to simplify data center deployment and make it customizable, catering to specific requirements while eliminating extensive site selection. By offering these solutions as a service, Tony's team can manufacture, deploy, and operate the units, allowing clients to focus on their core business while leveraging the best data center solution available. Revolutionizing Sustainability, Strength, and Customization To overcome traditional data center infrastructure limitations, Tony and his team reimagined their quantum solution's design. They emphasized sustainability by adopting a composite material that not only reduces carbon emissions but also provides superior strength. The modular design of these units enables mass customization, akin to the automotive industry, optimizing supply chains and ensuring cost-effectiveness without compromising quality. The Future of Quantum Solutions Tony's quantum solution offers unprecedented flexibility for data center infrastructure due to its rapid deployment and easy relocation capabilities. These mobile data centers can be used in various scenarios, such as hubs for rural broadband expansion, supporting fixed wireless telecom networks, and enabling monetization of land, power, and fiber resources. Additionally, they present a viable alternative to traditional on-premises infrastructure for companies seeking to scale without fully migrating to the cloud. Conclusion Tony Grayson's quantum solution signifies a transformative leap in data center infrastructure. By integrating sustainability, strength, customization, and mobility, his team has crafted a solution that meets the industry's evolving demands. Whether supporting remote areas with reliable connectivity or providing scalable options for businesses seeking on-premises infrastructure, quantum solutions are set to shape the future of data centers. With Tony's vision and ongoing advancements in technology, the possibilities for quantum solutions are limitless.
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May 31, 2023 • 23min

Navigating the Growing Latin America Data Center Market

The Latin America data center market is a vibrant and evolving space with its own unique opportunities and challenges. In this video, we explore insights shared by Steve Sasse, Datacenter Hawk's regional director for Latin America, on the region's data center landscape. With extensive experience in the telecom industry and deep knowledge of the Latin American market, Steve offers valuable perspectives on navigating this fast-growing region. Understanding the Latin American Market Companies must adapt to various laws and regulations across different countries in Latin America. One critical factor to consider is the inflation rate, which varies across the region. Providers often incorporate price increases into their contracts to mitigate the impact of inflation. Additionally, currency devaluation is common, requiring careful consideration of contract currency to protect against potential losses. Unique Connectivity Challenges Latin America faces connectivity challenges due to limited intra-regional connectivity. While markets like Brazil and Chile have established hyperscale cloud nodes, the lack of interconnection between countries within the region hampers low-latency connectivity. To address this, hyperscale providers are now focusing on establishing localized or regional cloud nodes to improve connectivity and reduce latency. Primary Markets and Data Center Density Data center density is concentrated in primary markets, usually the capital cities or largest metropolitan areas. Secondary markets are limited, with some existing primarily due to submarine cable capacity and landings. Despite the presence of secondary markets, data center activity remains concentrated in the largest metropolitan areas. Addressing Underdeveloped Digital Infrastructure Compared to the United States and the United Kingdom, Latin America has underdeveloped digital infrastructure, highlighting the potential for growth and investment in the region's data center market. This emphasizes the need for extensive infrastructure development to improve connectivity and reduce latency. The Rising Data Center Hub: Mexico Mexico is emerging as a thriving market in Latin America, witnessing impressive data center construction and expansion. The city of Querétaro is gaining attention as a burgeoning data center hub, with growing data center ecosystem. Notably, Mexico's fiber connectivity is primarily terrestrial, unlike other Latin American countries, which rely on submarine cables. Conclusion Latin America's data center market presents unique opportunities and challenges. As the region continues to develop its digital infrastructure, companies must adapt to diverse laws, regulations, and market conditions. Addressing connectivity challenges and establishing localized cloud nodes are crucial for efficient data transmission within Latin America. With Mexico emerging as a significant player in the market, the region is poised for further expansion, making it an exciting space for data center investment and innovation.
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Apr 18, 2023 • 25min

Navigating Uncertainty in Data Center Pricing

Explore the factors affecting data center pricing such as location, scalability, security, reliability, and latency. Market dynamics like supply and demand, advancements in technology, and regulatory changes also impact pricing. The data center industry is undergoing significant change, with new market dynamics, technological advancements, and regulatory requirements shaping the pricing landscape.
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Mar 21, 2023 • 36min

Dallas Data Center Market Deep Dive

The Dallas market has become a major hub for data centers in recent years. This is due to its strong telecom infrastructure, reliable power supply and plenty of space that makes it an ideal place to build large-scale data center facilities. The city of Dallas has embraced this development, with a number of new purpose-built data centers popping up in the area. These data centers are home to a range of services, from cloud computing and colocation to dedicated hosting and disaster recovery. Dallas is becoming increasingly popular as an option for cloud providers and enterprise companies looking to keep their data safe and secure in the region. Overall, the market for Dallas data centers is constantly evolving and growing. With more companies looking to move their operations into the region, we can expect to see the Dallas data center market continue growing in the long run. This is because of its reliable infrastructure and connectivity, as well as its openness to new developments. Dallas is a great place for businesses to build out their IT operations, and with the right investments it could easily become one of the top data center hubs in the world.
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Mar 9, 2023 • 22min

The APAC Data Center Market

The APAC data center region is on a path of growth. The data center industry is a complex and constantly evolving field that requires specialized knowledge and skills, especially in the APAC region. As the data center demand continues to grow, so too has the need for investment in site acquisition, site preparation, hardware, and software. This increased capital cost is particularly evident in second-tier markets or those areas not previously utilized for data center development all over the world and especially in the APAC region. The next 3 to 5 years will see continued growth and evolution in the data center industry as new technologies, such as AI and machine learning are integrated, and new markets develop. This period of rapid change presents a great opportunity for those willing to stay informed and adaptive to the changing landscape. The data center industry will continue to provide those passionate about their craft with endless opportunities to grow, innovate, and make an impact on the world around them. With continued investment in research and development, advocacy for sustainability initiatives, international collaborations, and education, the field can only continue to expand and diversify. For those willing to stay informed and embrace change, the future of data centers looks bright.
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Dec 15, 2022 • 26min

2023 Data Center Predictions

In this podcast, we explore some of the key predictions for the data center industry in 2023, including difficulty in delivery, pull back from larger users, lease price increases, international expansion, and secondary market growth. By understanding these trends, data center operators and businesses can better prepare for the future and take advantage of new opportunities. 0:00 - Intro  0:55 - 2022 predictions review   6:19 - 2023 predictions overview  7:14 - Difficulty in Delivery  9:27 - Pull Back from Larger Users  12:06 - Price Increases on Retail, Wholesale, and Hyperscale  14:55 - Companies Expanding Internationally  19:22 - Secondary vs Primary Market Growth   23:15 - Closing Thoughts from David Overall, 2023 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the data center industry. And now more than ever, it is crucial for data center operators and businesses to stay up-to-date on these trends and developments in order to remain competitive and take advantage of new opportunities. By doing so, they can ensure success and continue to drive the industry forward. Check out our Insight tool to get deep analysis and trends updated each quarter on global data center markets.
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Dec 13, 2022 • 16min

The Challenges Of Planning Infrastructure with Evoque CEO, Andy Stewart

We recently sat down with Andy Stewart from Evoque Data Centers to discuss the challenges and progress of technology companies when it comes to infrastructure planning. We discussed how many tech companies nowadays require large amounts of power and why they need a partner who not only provides solutions for large-scale projects but also offers long-term planning and budgeting solutions. This is what Evoque calls “spend agility”. We also discussed the importance of sustainability, with renewable power being a major trend in data centers today. Andy believes that companies are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints and increase energy efficiency. He also noted that data center campuses are growing larger and more complex, meaning they need to be designed with sustainability in mind. Andy predicts that companies will continue to invest heavily in renewable solutions for their data centers over the next few years. With this trend becoming more popular among tech companies, Andy believes that the industry will continue to move towards a more sustainable future.  A big thanks to Andy for joining us and sharing his insights! It was great to complete the trilogy from a discussion perspective and we look forward to the next one.

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