As data centers have continued to shift and grow, the data center industry has had to adapt. Along with this growth, new opportunities and challenges have arisen for businesses in the space. In order to stay ahead of the curve, it's important for companies to be aware of these changes and how they can impact their business. In this video discussion with Randy Rowland, COO of Cyxtera, we discussed some of the latest changes in the data center industry and how businesses like Cyxtera have been able to adapt and change with them.

#1 Data Centers are Shifting East

For a long time, North America has been home to the majority of data centers. However, that is starting to change. As data centers continue to migrate eastward, Asia is quickly becoming a major player in the space. This shift is largely being driven by two factors: first, rising demand from Asian companies and governments; and second, falling costs in Asia relative to other regions.

As a result of this migration, businesses need to start paying attention to new markets like China and India if they want to remain competitive in the data center space. 

#2 The Rise of Edge Computing 

Another trend that is impacting the data center industry is edge computing. Edge computing refers to the practice of moving processing power closer to where it is needed most. This is often done to improve performance or reduce latency.

As the internet of things (IoT) continues to grow, the demand for edge computing is expected to increase. This is because devices that are part of the IoT often need to communicate with data centers in real-time. By moving processing power closer to these devices, businesses can ensure that data is processed quickly and efficiently.

#3 Data Centers are Getting Greener 

As awareness of the environmental impact of data centers has grown, so too has the pressure on businesses to operate in a more sustainable way. As a result, many data centers are now adopting green practices, such as using renewable energy, recycling waste heat, and using more efficient cooling systems.

Adopting these practices not only helps to reduce the environmental impact of data centers, but can also lead to cost savings. As energy costs continue to rise, businesses that have adopted green practices will be better positioned to remain profitable.

#4 The Cloud is Here to Stay 

The cloud has caused some big changes in the data center industry, and its impact is only expected to grow in the years to come.

The cloud offers a number of advantages over traditional data center models, including increased flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. As a result, more and more businesses are moving to the cloud. 

The cloud is also having a major impact on the way data centers are designed and operated. As more businesses move to the cloud, data centers are becoming more standardized and simplified. This trend is expected to continue as the cloud becomes an increasingly integral part of the data center industry.

Looking to the future, it's clear that the data center industry is undergoing a period of major change. Businesses that are able to adapt and take advantage of these changes will be well-positioned for success.