RYAN BAUMANN, Kohler Power Systems
Ryan Baumann: Data is being generated at a staggering pace and the users and creators are moving to markets further from the typical infrastructure of the Internet backbone. As workloads shift to be closer to the growing “edge,” these “second tier” markets will need to grow to accommodate the additional decentralized compute.
Moreover, “first tier” markets will need the ability to push work loads to multiple secondary markets. Depending on the market and how forward-looking the cities are can also be a significant barrier to the growth. It is important that these regional municipalities are creating the right incentives, and that data center clients are partnering with them and the local utilities, early and often. If not properly coordinated, a land parcel may be selected and secured, but electrical power may not either be available at the needed amount or take years to deliver to site. So careful planning is key.
Additionally, it is imperative that we all become brand ambassadors of our industry to help encourage an understanding of what a data center is, why we need to embrace it and how we can sell the need for them in new markets. The labor shortage is impacting all aspects of first- and second-tier markets. We need to engage and expose the next generation of diverse and passionate leaders in all aspects of this business to be our future leaders.
