Roundtable Recap: 20-Year Cloud, AI/ML Forecast; Adapting Legacy Sites for Data Centers; Sustainable Onsite Power Hopes; U.S. Supply Chain Outlook
Our Data Center Executive Roundtable for the Fourth Quarter of 2023 asked for our four industry leaders' considerations on topics including:
- Envisioning cloud, AI and ML demands for the data center industry's next 20-year cycle.
- Creative/adaptive reuse of vacant office, retail and other commercial real estate properties for data center design and construction development.
- Opinions on which data center onsite power generation technologies and solutions present the best sustainability outlook for investors, developers and operators.
- Reflections on on main chances going into 2024 and beyond, geographical and otherwise, for an expansion of U.S. manufacturing capabilities for providers of equipment to the North American data center industry.
Here is the full question and answer session, organized by topic:
- Envisioning Cloud, AI and ML Demands for Data Centers' Next 20-Year Cycle
- Tips On Adaptive Reuse of Vacant Properties for Data Centers
- Best Chances for Future Sustainable Data Center Onsite Power Generation
- Manufacturing Outlook and Possibilities for U.S. Data Center Supply Chains
Here are links to the individual Q&A summaries for each of our distinguished panel members:
- Zech Connell, VP, Program Development, BluePrint Supply Chain
- Nicole Dierksheide, Director - Category Large Engines>600KW, Kohler Co.
- Drew Thompson, Associate VP, Commercial, Connectivity and Industrial Group, Black & Veatch
- Mike Zapata, Head of Data Centers, Siemens Smart Infrastructure USA
The conversation is moderated by Data Center Frontier Editor in Chief Matt Vincent.
Thanks to all of our executive participants for sharing their time and insights!
About the Author
Matt Vincent
Matt Vincent is Editor in Chief of Data Center Frontier, where he leads editorial strategy and coverage focused on the infrastructure powering cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. A veteran B2B technology journalist with more than two decades of experience, Vincent specializes in the intersection of data centers, power, cooling, and emerging AI-era infrastructure. Since assuming the EIC role in 2023, he has helped guide Data Center Frontier’s coverage of the industry’s transition into the gigawatt-scale AI era, with a focus on hyperscale development, behind-the-meter power strategies, liquid cooling architectures, and the evolving energy demands of high-density compute, while working closely with the Digital Infrastructure Group at Endeavor Business Media to expand the brand’s analytical and multimedia footprint. Vincent also hosts The Data Center Frontier Show podcast, where he interviews industry leaders across hyperscale, colocation, utilities, and the data center supply chain to examine the technologies and business models reshaping digital infrastructure. Since its inception he serves as Head of Content for the Data Center Frontier Trends Summit. Before becoming Editor in Chief, he served in multiple senior editorial roles across Endeavor Business Media’s digital infrastructure portfolio, with coverage spanning data centers and hyperscale infrastructure, structured cabling and networking, telecom and datacom, IP physical security, and wireless and Pro AV markets. He began his career in 2005 within PennWell’s Advanced Technology Division and later held senior editorial positions supporting brands such as Cabling Installation & Maintenance, Lightwave Online, Broadband Technology Report, and Smart Buildings Technology. Vincent is a frequent moderator, interviewer, and keynote speaker at industry events including the HPC Forum, where he delivers forward-looking analysis on how AI and high-performance computing are reshaping digital infrastructure. He graduated with honors from Indiana University Bloomington with a B.A. in English Literature and Creative Writing and lives in southern New Hampshire with his family, remaining an active musician in his spare time.
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