The QTS Experience

Peter Gross, a pioneer in the data center industry, joins me to discuss the seismic shifts reshaping critical infrastructure. From AI-driven innovation to the challenges of power shortages and the rise of Data Center Campuses, Peter delivers a masterclass on why this industry is experiencing explosive growth—and why it’s never been more exciting (or complicated). We explore everything from high-density racks and flexible designs to the surprising role of Nordic countries in the data center ecosystem. Plus, Peter shares his thoughts on AI's mysterious learning processes and why humanity should remain optimistic about its future—despite the occasional regulatory paperwork overload. (Spoiler: Icelandic golf courses make an unexpected appearance.)

Scott Bergs, CEO of Dark Fiber and Infrastructure, sheds light on the elusive world of dark fiber and the critical need for modern connectivity. He shares his transition from technology lawyer to telecom innovator, emphasizing how infrastructure development can support AI and economic growth. The discussion touches on combating misinformation in community projects, using hog farming as an example, and the importance of proactive communication in infrastructure planning. Bergs offers a unique blend of humor and insight, likening his company's role to 'the plumbers of the Internet'.

In this episode, I sit down with Ciaran Flanagan, VP & Global Head of Data Center Solutions & Services at Siemens, to discuss the future of data centers amidst the challenges of the "Energy Trilemma"—balancing cost, reliability, and decarbonization. Ciaran shares his insights into how Siemens leverages digital twins to enhance data center design, real-time operations, and risk management. We explore the heightened energy demands brought by AI and the importance of collaboration with utilities to ensure sustainable growth. With his vast industry experience, Ciaran offers a fresh look at how regulation, innovation, and digital transformation are reshaping the data center landscape. Ciaran Flanagan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciaranflanagan/ Siemens: https://www.linkedin.com/company/siemens/  Ciaran Flanagan. Is Group Vice President & Head of Global Datacenter Solutions, Siemens. He is tasked with the continued development of Siemens as a technology provider to the global datacenter industry and growing Siemens presence in this exciting market. Prior to Siemens Ciaran held several leadership positions in the datacenter industry, most recently as Managing Director with ISG Ltd and previously as Vice President at ABB. Ciaran was Head of Datacenter Strategy at Nokia/Microsoft & previously held Consulting and Business leadership roles at Cirrascale Cloud Services & Intel Corporation. Ciaran has consulted with several Fortune 100 companies in the area of Datacenter operations, technical architecture, energy efficiency, procurement strategy and financial planning. He was a Founding Contributor to the EU Datacenter Code of Conduct and a Contributing Member of The Green Grid and the Open Datacenter Alliance. Ciaran has served as a Judge for Uptime Institute's Green Enterprise IT Awards and is a regular speaker and contributor to various industry bodies. Ciaran lives in Dublin, Ireland & graduated from Trinity College Dublin with BSc. in Computer Science and holds a postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration from Henley Management College and a diploma in executive leadership from IMD, Lausanne. Additionally, Ciaran holds an undergraduate Diploma in Electrical & Electronic Engineering & a post graduate Diploma in Sustainability Leadership in Business.

Buddy Rizer: LinkedIn Loudon County Economic Development Authority Buddy Rizer is the Executive Director of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, the 2021 Economic Development Organization of the Year. During his tenure, Rizer and his team have attracted more than $50 billion in new commercial investment and more than 50 thousand new jobs. During this time, the growth in the commercial base has help lower the tax rate in Loudoun by more than 41 cents on the dollar, saving residents thousands of dollars annually on their tax bill.  Mr. Rizer has been named a Tech Titan 7 times by Washingtonian Magazine, has been named one of the 50 most influential Virginians 6 times by Virginia Business Magazine, is a 4-time member of Virginia’s Power 500, and was three times named to the Washington Business Journal’s Power 100 as one of the most influential businesspeople in Washington, DC.  Mr. Rizer is a Certified Economic Developer, a certified Entrepreneurship Development Professional, and a graduate of Virginia Tech's Local Government Management Graduate Certificate Program.

Bill Kleyman, CEO of Apolo, a pioneering AI platform for data centers, dives deep into the transformative world of data center evolution. He discusses how AI is revolutionizing operations with innovations like higher-density racks and liquid cooling. Bill emphasizes the importance of bravery in adapting to rapid changes and explores the necessity of personalized managed services for enterprises. He encourages a curious approach to AI, likening emotional challenges to ancient myths, and shares insights on translating vision into actionable steps in a dynamic industry.

In this episode of The QTS Experience, David McCall is joined by Jon Trout, CEO of Chekhub and an expert in data center operations and workflow. They delve into the transformative potential of AI for workforce enablement, exploring how AI can be used to build efficient processes and procedures, convert raw data into actionable insights, and ultimately enhance operational efficiency. Jon also shares his insights on the importance of data privacy, avoiding AI hallucinations, and connecting to a higher purpose in the data center industry. Join us for this insightful conversation on the next QTS Experience.

In this episode of The QTS Experience, David McCall sits down with Mark Gusakov, Chief Certification Officer at the International Data Center Authority (IDCA), to discuss the challenges and opportunities in attracting and retaining talent in the data center industry. They explore Mark’s journey, the importance of mental health and wellness in the workplace, and how storytelling and community-building play vital roles in the industry. Join us for the conversation on the next QTS Experience

Bridging the Gap: This week Brian Jabeck joins me to discuss the critical energy challenges facing data centers and the power grid. They explore the transition from traditional energy to nuclear, the 500-hour peak load dilemma, onsite power generation, and whether too much technology poses risks. They also discuss the future of legacy data centers, the importance of community, and how workforce enablement will play a vital role in meeting growing energy demands. Join us for the conversation on the next QTS Experience.

Datacenter Hawk on Data Centers: Lately, most conversations about Data Center construction have centered around AI Data Centers.  David Liggitt, CEO of Datacenter Haw, says Enterprise and traditional Hyperscale growth is tremendous too. David joins me this week to discuss this and other key topics public utility growth and investment, emerging data center market expansion, and the growing discussion of self-generated energy. Join us for the conversation on the next QTS Experience. David Liggitt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidliggitt/ Data Center Hawk: https://datacenterhawk.com/ Data Center Hawk 2024 Predictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRZ81B0y5WI

Powering the AI Industrial Revolution: Geoff Bland, an industry veteran from Lifecycle Power, shares his unique insights on the evolving energy landscape, from navigating the turbulent waters of investment and regulation to harnessing AI's potential. We'll explore the challenges and opportunities in a world where Self Generation, dispatchable power, and microgrids are taking center stage. Don't miss this enlightening conversation on the future of energy! Join us for the Conversation on The QTS Experience