In episode 40 of the NEDAS Live! Podcast, Ilissa Miller is joined by Steve Scott, a seasoned Digital Infrastructure Expert with over 20 years in the industry. Together they explore the evolution of the industry, from its infancy during the dotcom boom to the current focus on power, renewables and sustainability. Along the way, Steve shares insights on the latest trends, including the explosion of AI, the vital role of subsea cable systems, and the ongoing challenges to finding sustainable power solutions for today’s massive hyperscale data centers.
The Transformation from Real Estate to Digital Infrastructure
Reminiscing about the industry’s early days, Scott illustrates how during this era, data centers were primarily viewed as real estate ventures. However, the advent of the dot-com boom in the early 2000s marked a watershed moment, reshaping data centers from simple space providers into integral components of the digital ecosystem. Scott’s journey mirrored this transformation, as he transitioned from a real estate-focused role to one deeply rooted in the evolving digital infrastructure landscape.
Empowering Applications Through Infrastructure
Moreover, Scott underscored the pivotal role played by applications in driving digital infrastructure growth. In an era defined by the prominence of AI and machine learning applications, the demand for bandwidth and processing power has surged to unprecedented levels.
Scott and Miller explored the significance of subsea cable systems, poised to reshape data traffic dynamics and facilitate more efficient access to cutting-edge applications. These systems are set to bring about substantial changes, including increased bandwidth, faster data flows, and more robust infrastructure. Scott highlights the symbiotic relationship between infrastructure expansion and the development of increasingly sophisticated applications.
Navigating the Power Challenge
Transitioning into the intricate world of power management within data centers, Scott emphasizes that power considerations extend far beyond simple availability; they encompass factors such as power type, cost, and environmental impact. This complexity has given rise to a pressing need for renewable energy solutions and the industry’s concerted efforts to address environmental concerns sustainably.
Scott’s insights shed light on the evolving landscape of renewable power, with regional disparities in accessibility and challenges in implementation. Scott pointed out that certain regions, like Northern Europe, offer abundant renewable resources but face logistical challenges due to low population density.
In this rapidly evolving landscape, it is evident that digital infrastructure will continue to be pivotal to our increasingly digitized world. The collaboration between experts like Steve Scott and forward-thinking industry leaders paves the way for innovation and progress, ensuring that we can meet the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.
Tune in to NEDAS Live! Episode 40, “Evolving Digital Infrastructure: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Opportunities,” to discover Steve Scott’s reflections regarding the evolution of the industry he has resided in for over two decades. Click here to listen.
