

datacenterHawk
datacenterHawk
Helping people make the best data center decisions possible.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 20, 2023 • 24min
The Evolution of Data Center Infrastructure with Matt Pfile, CEO of Crane Data Centers
Pioneering Path: From Google to Crane Data Centers
In an illuminating podcast conversation, Matt Pfile, the visionary behind Crane Data Centers, shared his transformative journey from a significant tenure at Google to founding Crane. Matt's pivotal role at Google, focusing on network and data center acquisitions for over a decade, offered invaluable insights into the industry's scale and long-term perspectives, laying a robust foundation for his leadership at Crane.
Industry Metamorphosis: The Evolution of Scale
The dialogue vividly highlighted the industry's paradigm shift, notably the evolving definition of scale. Matt articulated how customer demands surged from 1-5 to 5-20 and even up to 200 megawatts, signaling a dramatic market transformation. This escalating demand, encompassing both hyperscalers and middle-scale buyers, underscored the challenges and opportunities propelling the data industry into an era of unparalleled growth.
Sustainable Innovation: Crane's Eco-Focused Vision
Matt emphasized Crane Data Centers' unique vision centered around sustainability. From pioneering site selection methods using recycled water to construction methodologies prioritizing renewable inputs and LEED-certified facilities, Crane's commitment to eco-friendly solutions stood out. The discussion also navigated Crane's strategic market approach, targeting major data hubs while gearing up for the demands of ML and AI-driven workloads.
Agile Futures: Crane's Adaptive Framework
The conversation shed light on Crane's adaptability and future-ready strategies. Through a strategic separation of operating and property companies, Crane ensures nimble responses to customer needs without capital constraints. Positioned as an innovative force in the data infrastructure landscape, Crane stands ready to navigate industry evolution, promising groundbreaking contributions in the coming years.

17 snips
Dec 1, 2023 • 27min
The Evolution of the Data Center Industry: AI, Hyperscale, and Beyond
In this podcast, Mike and David discuss the impact of AI on the data center industry, including the increasing demand for power and space driven by AI applications. They highlight the challenges of innovative cooling solutions and strategic location choices for data centers. The hosts also explore the pricing impact of AI on the industry and the need for due diligence when evaluating company commitments.

Dec 1, 2023 • 25min
Navigating the Future of Data Centers: Connectivity, Geopolitics, and Global Trends
The future of data centers will be influenced by connectivity and the emergence of low orbit satellites. New developments will focus on creating smaller nodes with larger capacity to enhance user experience. Geopolitics is driving the demand for resilient connectivity to prevent global scale issues. Sustainability and connectivity are identified as key factors that will drive industry efficiency.

Dec 1, 2023 • 22min
Harnessing Opportunities and Growth in LATAM's Digital Landscape
Explore the burgeoning digital landscape in LATAM, the untapped opportunities awaiting discovery, and hear why Mexico might just outpace Brazil in the digital race.
In this insightful discussion, Santiago Suinaga, a key figure in the LATAM digital sphere, sheds light on the fascinating dynamics of the rapidly evolving digital landscape in Latin America, with a particular focus on Mexico and Brazil.
The conversation highlights the massive growth witnessed in the region's digital industry over the last three to five years. The keynote points out that this growth is not a fleeting phenomenon. Instead, it's a stepping stone that opens up opportunities for the next wave of expansion in the coming years.
The discussion centers around the interplay between the need for computational capabilities and energy availability in the market. Suinaga perceives immense opportunities in markets that have been traditionally overlooked due to their lack of energy resources. These less-explored markets have much to offer in terms of cost-effectiveness and potential growth.
The conversation draws to a close with a comparison between Brazil and Mexico's digital markets. Despite Brazil's robust economy and digital market, Mexico's geographical proximity to the U.S. is speculated to put Mexico in a unique position to harness unprecedented growth and potentially outpace Brazil.
---
Explora el emergente panorama digital en LATAM, las oportunidades sin explotar que esperan ser descubiertas, ¡y entérate de por qué México podría superar a Brasil en la carrera digital!
En esta perspicaz discusión, Santiago Suinaga, una figura clave en la esfera digital de LATAM, arroja luz sobre la fascinante dinámica del panorama digital en rápida evolución en América Latina, con un enfoque particular en México y Brasil.
La conversación destaca el enorme crecimiento presenciado en la industria digital de la región durante los últimos tres a cinco años. El orador principal señala que este crecimiento no es un fenómeno fugaz. Por el contrario, es un trampolín que abre oportunidades para la próxima ola de expansión en los próximos años.
La discusión se centra en la interacción entre la necesidad de capacidades computacionales y la disponibilidad de energía en el mercado. Suinaga percibe inmensas oportunidades en los mercados que tradicionalmente se han pasado por alto debido a su falta de recursos energéticos. Estos mercados menos explorados tienen mucho que ofrecer en términos de rentabilidad y crecimiento potencial.
La conversación concluye con una comparación entre los mercados digitales de Brasil y México. A pesar de la robusta economía y mercado digital de Brasil, se especula que la proximidad geográfica de México con los EE.UU. coloca a México en una posición única para aprovechar un crecimiento sin precedentes y potencialmente superar a Brasil.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


