Episode #30 of the Data Center Go-to-Market Podcast features an interview with Mark Acton, Data Centre Consultant at Acton Consulting.
- Discover how to adapt and stay flexible in a rapidly changing data center industry
- Learn the importance of building a strong professional network in the data center sector
- Understand the need to develop technical competence and expertise to succeed in data center roles
- Explore strategies for educating prospects and building trust as a trusted advisor
- Gain insights into upcoming data center regulations and standards, and how to prepare for them
Host:
Joshua Feinberg, CEO
DCSMI
Special Guest:
Mark Acton, Data Centre Consultant
Acton Consulting
Joshua Feinberg and Mark Acton discussed the challenges and opportunities in the data center industry. Mark Acton emphasized the importance of adaptability, networking, and staying informed about industry trends, as well as the need for a multi-disciplined approach and the effectiveness of LinkedIn for industry professionals. Mark also discussed the difficulties faced by the industry in complying with regulations and standards, particularly in the EU, and the potential impact of AI on data centers. Overall, Mark stressed the need for technical competence, staying up-to-date with industry trends and standards, and innovative solutions to reduce power consumption and meet growing demand.
Action Items
- Educate others on standards and sustainability issues to build trust and engage prospects
- Stay adaptable and flexible as the industry changes rapidly
- Network within the industry to build connections and opportunities
- Consider technical skills and ability when taking on new roles or advising others
Outline
Data center industry career paths and the importance of adaptability.
- Mark Acton, a data center expert, shares his journey from IT to facility management, highlighting the importance of understanding both perspectives.
- Acton emphasizes the need to measure and improve data center performance from both an IT and facility management standpoint.
- Advises those new to the industry to be adaptable and multi-disciplined, as change is constant in the data center sector.
- Emphasizes the importance of an inquiring mind and adaptability for success in the industry.
Adapting to industry changes, networking, and technical competence in the data center sector.
- Remain adaptable in a rapidly changing industry, and look for new opportunities.
- Adapt to industry changes and seek new roles that align with your career goals.
- Networking is key in the data center sector, where trust and respect are crucial for success.
- Joshua Feinberg: SaaS companies are ahead of the digital infrastructure industry in marketing and sales strategies.
- Mark Acton: Tech industry is risk-averse, and technical competence is crucial for success.
Data center regulations and standards in Europe, with a focus on ISO 30134 series and potential penalties for non-compliance
- Highlights common mistakes made by enterprise data centers and operators regarding industry standards, including a lack of understanding and misrepresentation of PUE.
- Predicts strict data reporting regulations for European companies and external operators with operations within Europe.
Data center sustainability, transparency, and regulations.
- Suggests standardizing global metrics for energy efficiency and ESG reporting to improve transparency and reduce costs.
- US companies may adopt similar regulations to improve transparency and reduce costs.
- Data centers face increasing regulatory and media pressure to reduce power consumption.
- Data centers should be more conscious of the additional choices and impact on energy consumption.
Future changes in data center roles, skills, and regulation.
- Predicts a more differentiated data center market driven by regulation and sustainability.
- Expects more adaptation and variation in data center roles and responsibilities.
- Technical skills are important for success in the sector.
- Adaptable people from various backgrounds thrive in the sector.
AI adoption, education, and trust in the data center industry.
- Educate before selling, and provide free information to build trust.
- Confusion reigns in the data center industry and opportunities for trusted advisers.
- Doubts significant change in daily life due to AI, despite increasing demand and marketing efforts.
- Believes AI workloads and power consumption will need to change in the future due to unsustainability.
Using AI to improve data center management.
- Suggests AI can improve data center management by predicting failures and optimizing compute usage.
- Mark Acton from Acton Consulting shares insights on go-to-market strategies for the data center sector.
- Acton recommends leveraging LinkedIn for client-facing professionals in the data industry
Guest Resources
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