Digital infrastructure is no longer just a technical necessity – it has moved from the background to become a strategic asset, shaping the future of business, innovation and sustainability. Operating largely out of public view, data centres have become the invisible backbone of our digital economy, powering everything from streaming services to global financial systems. As digital transformation accelerates, understanding these essential facilities becomes increasingly important for decision-makers across all industries. In this special series from dotmagazine, six experts share insights into how these essential facilities are evolving to meet tomorrow’s challenges while creating competitive advantages today.
Scalable data centre design for future demands
As demand for digital services continues to grow, efficient data centre planning has become more critical than ever to support this expanding digital infrastructure. Ulrich Terrahe from DC-Beratung GmbH highlights the importance of mindful resource management – particularly power density – in ensuring that data centres remain scalable and cost-effective. In his article on scalable data centre design, he emphasises that “data centre capacity should be planned with the future in mind.” By aligning infrastructure with both current and anticipated server demands, businesses can avoid costly capacity mismatches, reduce environmental impact, and create data centres truly built for tomorrow’s technology.
AI, connectivity and local infrastructure
This forward-thinking approach becomes even more crucial as AI reshapes infrastructure requirements. As AI workloads push the limits of data infrastructure, Mustafa Keskin from Corning Optical Communications spotlights how next-generation optical transceivers – like 1.6T modules and co-packaged optics – are reshaping high-performance connectivity. “It all boils down to the momentum created by generative AI,” he observes, as growing demands for speed and scalability drive the need for advanced fibre solutions.
Overall, the impact of these technical advances extends far beyond the data centre walls. Hanno Kempermann from IW Consult explains that data centres are central to Germany’s AI-powered future. As he indicates, “they are the backbone of the AI revolution,” supporting everything from rural startups to major enterprises. As AI drives new products, services, and jobs, expanding local digital infrastructure is key to making sure all businesses can benefit – no matter where they’re located.
Rethinking energy for resilient, sustainable infrastructure
In this transformation, energy has emerged as both the defining challenge and opportunity. Jan Moll of the dtm group argues for a paradigm shift, pointing out that, “Electricity is not just another utility – it’s our lifeblood.” He urges the industry to rethink its energy model by embracing local generation, AI-powered microgrids and flexible architectures that allow for true resilience. The future of sustainable digital infrastructure will be decentralised, intelligent and increasingly autonomous.
In further building on this energy focus, Alicja Niekrawietz of etalytics shows how data centre operators can move “beyond the capabilities of static control sequences” by transforming compliance-driven data into actionable insights. With AI-powered systems and holistic energy intelligence, operators can reduce costs, extend asset life, and make sustainability a competitive advantage – not just a checkbox.
Strategic partnerships: a key to SME success
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) looking to leverage these advances, strategic partnerships offer a critical pathway forward. Gabriel Willigens of ITENOS GmbH argues that SMEs are better off not going alone. “Stay focused on what you do best – and let partners handle the infrastructure,” he notes, pointing to the value of strategic collaboration in navigating complex areas like cloud, data centres and compliance. For SMEs looking to grow while staying resilient, smart partnerships offer a path to innovation without overstretching internal resources.
Thriving in the digital future
For any company facing skill shortages, rising complexity, or questions about how to build a future-proof digital foundation, the insights shared in this edition of dotmagazine are more than just reflections – they are strategic imperatives. Together, these approaches enable organisations not only to survive in a fast-changing digital world, but to thrive in it.
