From Dial-Up to Colo: The Impact of AI on Data Center Design

The digital infrastructure landscape has come a long way since the dial-up era – and Jay Smith has seen it all. With nearly three decades of experience in data center operations, Jay, VP of Data Center Operations and Engineering at Evocative, joins host Michael Reid to unpack the radical transformation sweeping the industry.From the myth that the cloud would kill colo to today’s AI-driven colocation renaissance, Jay offers a grounded yet forward-looking take on how the physical layer is adapting to the demands of artificial intelligence. Think power densities pushing 275kW per rack, liquid cooling strategies that look more like high-performance engines than server rooms, and the return of on-site power generation with surprising benefits.We also explore what AI inference means for edge computing, why rear-door heat exchangers are essential, and how the next generation of data center talent doesn’t necessarily need a four-year degree to get started.🎧 If you’re curious about the infrastructure powering the AI boom, this one’s for you.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI – with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid, we dive into cutting-edge trends with top industry experts. 👍 Follow the show, leave a rating, and tell us what you think. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/ 📺 Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iRGZBBx1_eg 🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/🔗 Learn more about Evocative Data Centers: https://evocative.com/