Adam Gibson discusses the evolution of the data center (DC) industry, noting that while the physical structure remains consistent, customer demands and equipment allocation have changed significantly.
He highlights the growing importance of quantum computing, driven by advancements from companies like IBM and Intel.
Gibson emphasizes the need to retrofit existing DCs to accommodate higher power and cooling demands, suggesting innovative solutions such as liquid cooling and submersible racks.
He predicts a gradual shift in industry practices, driven by AI and monitoring systems, to enhance cost-effectiveness and capacity.
Joshua Feinberg agrees, noting the period of rapid change ahead, particularly in the areas of utility power and hardware advancements.
This video is excerpted from the podcast Ep. #38 Adam Gibson, VP of Global DC Development of Megaport | Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast.
Action Items
- Explore ways to retrofit older data center sites to handle higher-density solutions.
- Investigate the use of direct liquid chip cooling and submersible rack cooling technologies for high-density data centers.
- Implement AI-based monitoring and capacity planning systems in data center operations.
Outline
Future of Data Center Design and Quantum Computing
- Joshua Feinberg asks Adam Gibson about the future of data center design and build projects, and how they might change over the next 2-4 years.
- Adam Gibson explains that while the physical structure of data centers has remained consistent, customer demands and equipment allocation have evolved significantly.
- Gibson highlights the growing importance of quantum computing, noting that while the military and researchers have used it for years, it is now becoming more mainstream.
- He mentions that large tech companies like IBM and Intel have been supporting quantum computing, which is influencing the industry's direction.
Adapting Existing Data Centers for Future Demands
- Gibson discusses the need to retrofit existing data centers to meet the increasing power and cooling demands, such as upgrading from 10 kilowatts per rack to 20-40 kilowatts.
- He explores various cooling solutions, such as direct liquid chip cooling, submersible racks, and read or heat exchangers, as alternatives to traditional air cooling.
- Gibson points out that older data centers with existing cooling infrastructure can be repurposed for higher-density applications without major construction.
- He emphasizes that this approach will become more common as the industry struggles to meet the growing demand for capacity and infrastructure.
Operational Efficiency and AI Integration
- Gibson notes the increasing use of monitoring systems and AI in data centers to optimize capacity and cost-effectiveness.
- He believes that older sites will see significant improvements and become more important due to their original cooling infrastructure design.
- The shift towards higher-density solutions and AI-driven operational efficiency will be a key trend in the coming years.
- Gibson highlights the importance of adapting existing facilities to meet the demands of modern technology while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Data Center Industry
- Joshua Feinberg summarizes the discussion, noting the period of rapid change and the need for retrofitting existing facilities to meet new demands.
- He emphasizes the importance of addressing utility power and hardware advances to support the transition.
- Gibson agrees, stating that the industry will be on a roller coaster ride with constant changes and challenges.
- Both agree that the future will require adaptability and innovation to meet the evolving needs of data center operations and quantum computing.
Resources
Do you want to stay up to date about upcoming episodes?
Subscribe to the Data Center Sales and Marketing Newsletter
