The Top Reasons Everyone is Talking About Data Centers
Connecting the Dots in Our Modern World
BY JASON HOPPER
Have you ever stopped to think about how technology has become an integral part of your life in the last five years? Today, we have come to expect groceries delivered to our doorstep, the availability to order almost anything under the sun with one click, and the ability to see our friends, family, and colleagues on video calls - all from our phones, almost instantaneously!
Do you know how all of this is possible? The truth is, these everyday conveniences would not be available to you without data centers, the invisible glue connecting our digital lives.
Conversations about data centers are everywhere today. It is online, on your social feed, and in the news. Here are the 3 top reasons we are all talking about data centers:
1. The Cloud Is Everywhere
The migration to cloud computing has been nothing short of explosive. In 2015, only about 30% of businesses used cloud computing, enabled by data centers. Today, that number is closer to 90%. It is also estimated that every connected individual will interact with a cloud service hundreds if not thousands of times a day. Every time you take a photo, create a social post, reply to an online thread, or access an app, you are relying on a data center. The “cloud” is not a mystical place. It is a network of real, physical buildings packed with servers, working around the clock to keep our digital world running.
2. The Rise of AI and Machine Learning
Artificial intelligence and machine learning are no longer futuristic concepts. They are part of our daily routines. From voice assistants that help manage our schedules to smart devices that anticipate our needs, AI relies on massive amounts of data processed in data centers. As machines increasingly communicate with each other (think autonomous vehicles or smart appliances), the demand for faster, more powerful data centers continues to grow. These “AI Factories” will be the catalyst for a new information revolution that will solve new challenges, generate new outcomes, and improve the quality of our lives.
3. Global Connectivity and Lifestyle Shifts
The pandemic accelerated our reliance on digital tools, making remote work, online learning, and telehealth part of our modern society. At the same time, innovations like satellite internet were bringing connectivity to even the most remote corners of the globe. This democratization of technology means more people than ever before are tapping into digital services, all of which depend on data centers.
To put it all in perspective, there are almost 4,000 data centers (at the time of this article) in the United States alone. Without continued investment in these facilities, the digital conveniences we have come to rely on, from online banking to streaming our favorite shows, would not be possible.
The technology that powers our lives is evolving at an exceptional pace. To support this growth, we must continue to invest in the development of data centers and strive to find new solutions that will meet the computing, cooling, and power needs they will require. Together, we will be able to develop these critical pieces of infrastructure that will enable the continued growth of our connected world.
With more than 26 years of experience, Jason Hopper serves as Director of Business Development for Mortenson's Data Center business. He works closely with customers to deliver mission-critical facilities, collaborates with industry partners, and looks for creative ways to improve how projects are delivered. Jason enjoys leading teams, sharing insights, and mentoring the next generation of creative thinkers. Most of his career has focused on large, technical projects, and he appreciates the unique challenges of the data center industry.
Jason holds a Bachelor of Science in Construction Science from Texas A&M University and loves spending college football season in Texas and Oklahoma, where two of his four children go to school.