As artificial intelligence (AI) applications continue to take over modern data centers, accompanying them are a slew of new design, cooling, and energy challenges that the data center industry must address.
While many of today’s colocation providers feel that their existing data centers are capable of powering AI applications, that could quickly change as rack power densities continue to increase. Many of the colocation providers and hyperscalers that operate AI data centers will soon need to address important questions about retrofitting and redesigning traditional data centers to meet AI requirements.
To help these organizations prepare for the future, Compu Dynamics and InterGlobix have united to launch their inaugural Thought Leadership Summit, an event designed to bring together data center professionals and leaders to share best practices and gain insights into how emerging technologies like AI are transforming and impacting the data centers.
To learn more about the upcoming Thought Leadership Summit and the topics that will be explored throughout the event, The Modern Data Center Journal sat down with Vinay Nagpal, CEO of InterGlobix. Here is what he had to say:
The Modern Data Center Journal (MDCJ): Can you tell our readers what InterGlobix is and the role the company plays in the data center space?
Vinay Nagpal: InterGlobix is a global consultancy, advisory, and media company at the forefront of shaping the digital infrastructure landscape. InterGlobix serves as a vital bridge between industry stakeholders and the dynamic world of digital connectivity, and it specializes in in the convergence of data centers, subsea cables, and terrestrial fiber optics.
InterGlobix plays a pivotal role in the data center space as a strategic advisor and consultant. We provide comprehensive solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of data center providers, subsea and terrestrial fiber companies, and various players within the Internet infrastructure ecosystem, including data center brokers, real estate providers, and land developers.
“The surge of AI immediately impacted the growth of and demand for data centers, as these facilities are crucial for fueling AI technology and its scale and power density needs. They are effectively the engine behind AI.” -Vinay Nagpal
We also work closely with economic development authorities to accentuate the economic impact of data centers on local economies. We liaise with data center site selection teams and data center brokers. Whether advising on site selection, facilitating business development opportunities, or spearheading infrastructure development initiatives, InterGlobix is committed to advancing the digital infrastructure sector on a global scale.
With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and driving sustainable growth, InterGlobix is dedicated to empowering our clients and partners to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.
MDCJ: How has the emergence of AI impacted the data center industry thus far? What role do you foresee AI playing in data centers in the future?
Vinay Nagpal: The surge of AI immediately impacted the growth of and demand for data centers, as these facilities are crucial for fueling AI technology and its scale and power density needs. They are effectively the engine behind AI.
AI has already revolutionized data centers by optimizing energy usage, enhancing operational efficiency, and enabling predictive maintenance. In the future, AI will play a pivotal role in managing massive datasets, driving automation, and powering analytics for data-driven decision-making. As data volumes grow and edge computing expands, embracing AI-driven innovations will be crucial for staying competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
“The collaboration between InterGlobix and Compu Dynamics for the inaugural Thought Leadership Summit stems from a shared commitment to driving innovation and advancing the digital infrastructure landscape.” -Vinay Nagpal
The playing field is constantly shifting, so data centers will need to adjust and readjust continually in terms of not only design—thinking about structure, rack requirements, and energy supply—but also construction and operations to ensure they are meeting both the growing demands of the new technology and the enterprises and people who are using it.
MDCJ: Next month, InterGlobix and Compu Dynamics will hold their inaugural Thought Leadership Summit. How did this collaboration come about?
Vinay Nagpal: The collaboration between InterGlobix and Compu Dynamics for the inaugural Thought Leadership Summit stems from a shared commitment to driving innovation and advancing the digital infrastructure landscape. With a focus on exploring cutting-edge technologies like AI, machine learning (ML), and big data, both companies recognized the need to convene industry leaders and experts to discuss the implications of these advancements for the data center industry. Through InterGlobix’s new Event Collaboration service, we joined forces with Compu Dynamics to realize an event that would address these topics.
Liquid cooling has emerged as a critical theme within the summit, reflecting the increasing importance of energy-efficient cooling solutions in modern data centers. By addressing real-world use cases and trends and providing first-hand views into cutting-edge technology partners, the summit aims to provide attendees with actionable insights and strategic guidance to navigate the evolving digital infrastructure ecosystem.
“The Summit promises an engaging exploration of the transformative impact of AI on the digital infrastructure landscape.” -Vinay Nagpal
Through this collaboration, InterGlobix and Compu Dynamics seek to create a platform for knowledge-sharing, networking, and thought leadership that will empower participants to stay at the forefront of technological innovation and drive positive change within the industry. The goal of this inaugural summit is not only to demystify AI infrastructure and its implications for the data center industry, but by addressing real-world use cases and trends, it aims to provide attendees with actionable insights and strategic guidance to navigate the evolving digital infrastructure ecosystem.
MDCJ: What sorts of discussions will be taking place during the Summit?
Vinay Nagpal: The Summit promises an engaging exploration of the transformative impact of AI on the digital infrastructure landscape. Attendees will delve into diverse perspectives, starting with a keynote from Jason Black of NVIDIA and followed by panels discussing AI’s influence across industries and its specific implications for data center infrastructure. As the importance of energy-efficient cooling solutions in modern data centers is increasing—and rapidly—liquid cooling will be a particularly critical subtopic within the summit.
The event also offers ample networking opportunities and vendor technology demonstrations to foster connections and showcase innovative solutions. A highlight of these opportunities is the Fireside Chat that I will be moderating, which will feature industry luminaries from NVIDIA, Microsoft, and other technology companies as part of the growing Internet ecosystem. These knowledgeable and experienced leaders will provide valuable insights into AI’s role within the digital infrastructure ecosystem.
“By participating in discussions led by industry experts, attendees can stay ahead of emerging trends, identify new opportunities, and network with peers and potential collaborators.” -Vinay Nagpal
The inaugural Summit culminates with a panel discussion on the future of data center design, which will ensure attendees gain comprehensive perspectives on AI’s trajectory and its significance for the evolving data center landscape.
MDCJ: Who from the data center industry should attend the Thought Leadership Summit, and why is this a “must attend” event for them?
Vinay Nagpal: This inaugural Thought Leadership Summit is a must-attend event for professionals across the data center industry spectrum, including data center providers, infrastructure developers, technology vendors, industry stakeholders, and end users. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into the transformative impact of cutting-edge technologies like AI and ML across the digital infrastructure landscape, both today’s and the future’s.
By participating in discussions led by industry experts, attendees can stay ahead of emerging trends, identify new opportunities, and network with peers and potential collaborators. Whether they’re seeking to optimize their data center operations, explore innovative solutions, or stay informed about the latest industry developments, this Summit provides a unique platform for learning, networking, and thought leadership in the continually evolving digital infrastructure ecosystem.
