Uplink: AI, Data Center, and Cloud Innovation Podcast

What if the real AI boom hasn’t started yet?Brink Sanders, SVP of Global Networking Sales at Cisco, joins us to map the shift from GPU-packed data centers to edge networks where AI operators, robots, and latency-sensitive apps will live, and why simplification is now the most valuable feature in enterprise networking.We dig into the unification of Meraki and Catalyst with a single license model, how G2’s product leadership is speeding innovation and slashing complexity, and why customers want hybrid choice without penalty: cloud where possible, on‑prem where required, and a smooth path between them.We get candid about the next bottlenecks – not model size, but campus and branch design. As inference grows and agentic workflows proliferate, east‑west traffic inside sites surges, and the security model must evolve beyond user-only thinking. Brink lays out how segmentation, identity, and observability adapt when AI agents become first-class actors. He also shares Cisco’s AI Canvas approach to cross-domain operations, plus a peek at a deep networking model trained on Cisco’s knowledge to assist CCIE‑level operations.If you’re choosing between platforms, clouds, and models while trying to keep options open, this conversation offers a pragmatic path forward.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

What if cloud storage were fast, predictable, and free of egress surprises?In this episode of Uplink, Wasabi CEO & Co-Founder David Friend joins host Michael Reid to break down how a clean architecture and a simple, one-price model reshaped the economics of cloud storage – especially for AI-driven workloads.David shares why S3 compatibility was essential, how software-driven durability achieves eleven nines without late-night rebuilds, and how Wasabi scaled from a bold prototype to selling a petabyte every few hours. We explore hidden cost traps like egress and API fees, the rise of SSDs over HDDs, and the demands of next-gen AI applications.He also walks through sovereignty and compliance options—from replication strategies to fully managed, isolated deployments—and shares founder stories spanning ARP synthesizers, trend-spotting apps, and decades of building with the same engineering team.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

The internet’s greatest strength—connecting everything to everything—has become its biggest risk for industries that can’t afford downtime or hijacks.In this episode of Uplink, we sit down with Martin Bosshardt, CEO of Anapaya, to explore how the SCION protocol brings private-network control to the public internet – without replacing BGP.Martin unpacks how this architecture enables multiple trusted paths, keeps routing invisible to attackers, and confines data flows within national boundaries, all while improving performance and resilience.From banking to healthcare, he shares real-world examples of how SCION protects critical infrastructure and enables digital sovereignty in an increasingly hostile landscape.If you care about securing critical systems, reducing attack surfaces, and building reliable networks for AI-era workloads, this episode is for you.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

What does it take to build a technology business from scratch in a new market?In this episode of Uplink, Emmanuel Sevray, Head of Sales SEMEA, and Lionel David, Solutions Architect at Megaport, reveal how they transformed a virtually non-existent operation into a thriving business serving over 100 major French companies in less than four years.From delivering 50 Gbps during peak mass-mailing campaigns to turning customer challenges into platform innovations, Manu and Lionel share how a small team of five created a blueprint for success now shaping Megaport’s growth across Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.We explore the importance of complementary skills, the agility of making big decisions in 24 hours, and how ecosystem partnerships power expansion. Their story is one of hustle, creativity, and technical excellence.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

From failing his bachelor’s degree three times to becoming the architect of Europe’s internet backbone, Raphael Maunier’s story is as unconventional as it is inspiring.The Co-Founder and COO of OpsMill shares how a two-week Paris vacation turned into a pioneering career building internet exchanges, fighting DDoS attacks, and leading companies to acquisitions by tech giants.Raphael talks about his bold leap into configuring Cisco routers with zero formal training, the mindset that carried him through founding France IX and Acorus Networks, and why his leadership philosophy centers on building teams of rock stars rather than chasing individual stardom.This wide-ranging conversation explores entrepreneurship, innovation, and how automation and AI can transform human work, not replace it.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

Data sovereignty is more than a buzzword in Europe – it’s a regulatory and operational reality. In this episode of Uplink, Nicolas Duffour, Strategic Development Director at Cloud Temple, unpacks how European organizations are balancing security, sovereignty, and innovation in the cloud.From his experience as CIO and CTO for French government ministries to his role helping enterprises and public agencies adopt hybrid cloud models, Nicolas shares how Cloud Temple became one of just four providers in France to earn the prestigious SecNumCloud qualification.We dive into Cloud Temple’s unique hybrid strategy of complementing hyperscalers instead of competing with them, and how their approach helps customers in healthcare, banking, utilities, and government meet strict compliance requirements without slowing down innovation.This episode also explores cultural differences in cloud adoption across Europe, from France’s infrastructure-first focus to Germany’s demand for advanced platform services, and what’s next as Cloud Temple expands its AI and multicloud capabilities.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

From aspiring diplomat to tech leader fluent in five languages, Elena Chernykh has a unique vantage point on bridging East and West in today’s digital infrastructure.As Head of Europe Enterprise Sales at CITIC Telecom CPC, Elena’s leading the charge in creating compliant, AI-ready networks that power global business.In this episode of Uplink, Elena joins host Michael Reid to explore:how CITIC evolved from simple connectivity to building controlled AI environmentsthe shift from traditional networks to dynamic “Network as a Service” modelsthe rise of proactive, AI-driven cybersecurity and self-healing networkswhy partnerships and local expertise are essential for global expansion.A fascinating conversation on how technology, regulation, and geopolitics intersect in the next era of connectivity.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

The digital infrastructure powering our connected world remains largely invisible to most of us – but the way it’s bought and sold is being completely transformed.In this episode of Uplink, Michael Reid is joined by Ben Edmond, founder and CEO of Connectbase, to unpack how his company is building the world’s first true marketplace for connectivity. With 4.2 million unique quotes processed every month and 1.9 trillion rows of location-based connectivity data, Connectbase is redefining how providers and enterprises access real-time intelligence.Ben shares how Connectbase is streamlining what was once a manual, fragmented process and how the platform is expanding globally, with Europe emerging as the fastest-growing region. His ultimate vision: a global marketplace where connectivity is available “where you need it, when you need it, the way you need it”, all with unmatched simplicity and speed.Discover how Connectbase is modernizing digital infrastructure after decades of spreadsheets, emails, and manual workflows.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

What happens when a social media obsession evolves into one of the most unconventional and impactful roles in B2B tech?In this episode of Uplink, we sit down with Alexis Bertholf, Megaport’s Global Technical Evangelist, whose mission is to make network engineering cool again.Alexis shares her journey from Cisco to creating a role with no blueprint, her belief that networking is “the oxygen of technology,” and why community building matters more than ever in the AI and cloud era. She also reveals Megaport’s upcoming virtual summit designed to educate and connect engineers, executives, and newcomers alike – without the sales pitch.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

Redundancy isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the backbone of modern digital infrastructure.In this episode of Uplink, Kevin Schlosser, Interconnection Product Manager at NTT Global Data Centers, joins host Michael Reid to unpack the meticulous network design strategies that keep AI- and cloud-powered systems online.Kevin reveals how today’s data centers are built with failure in mind – think four diverse entry points, rigorous fiber path mapping, and redundancy plans tailored to each customer’s risk profile.We explore the AI-driven surge in bandwidth needs—with 100G now standard and 400G on the rise—and how cooling innovations like immersion and liquid systems are meeting unprecedented computational demands.Perhaps most surprising? The most resilient connectivity may come from providers without their own fiber, leveraging multiple carriers to avoid single points of failure altogether.If you design, deploy, or depend on high-availability networks, this is your insider’s guide to building for resilience in an unpredictable digital future.🚀 Uplink explores the future of connectivity, cloud, and AI with the people shaping it. Hosted by Michael Reid.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

From flat-rate dial-up to a fiber-powered future, Carlos Eduardo Sedeh has been at the center of Brazil’s digital transformation. In this episode of Uplink, the CEO of SAMM (formerly Megatelecom) joins host Michael Reid to explore how his early innovations disrupted a market dominated by high-cost internet access – and how that same customer-first mindset continues to shape one of Brazil’s most agile B2B telecom networks.Carlos walks us through SAMM’s evolution via seven acquisitions, a growing footprint of underground fiber, and a business strategy rooted in listening. You’ll get a unique look at Brazil’s complex telecom market, from fragmented competition and high interest rates to the challenge, and promise, of bridging the digital divide. 🚀 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 video episodes on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube 🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

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/

The digital revolution sweeping across Latin America is transforming more than tech infrastructure - it’s reshaping entire economies. In this episode of Uplink, Gabriel Del Campo, VP of Data Center, Security & Cloud at Cirion Technologies, reveals how LATAM is building a bold future through AI-ready data centers, sustainable energy, and visionary public policy.From purpose-built facilities with advanced cooling and high power density to governments rolling out incentives for tech investment, Gabriel unpacks how a region once considered emerging is now leading on digital transformation. We dive into the challenges and opportunities of operating in a "federation of countries" with shared time zones, growing talent, and an entrepreneurial surge of unicorns fueling innovation.Whether you're building, investing, or connecting - this conversation offers a  crucial perspective on one of the world’s most dynamic digital frontiers. 🚀 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/LvJbyffHP3k 🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/🔗 Learn more about Cirion Technologies: https://www.ciriontechnologies.com/

From gaming rigs to high-performance AI infrastructure, Julien Gauthier’s journey with Arkane Cloud mirrors the meteoric rise of GPU demand. In this episode of Uplink, the CEO and founder of Arkane Cloud shares how a pivot from 3D rendering to AI compute positioned his Paris-based company at the forefront of the AI infrastructure wave.Julien walks us through the evolution of NVIDIA’s architecture, the challenges of deploying high-density GPU clusters, and why American AI companies are flocking to France for inference workloads. Operating a 1,000-GPU cluster with plans to scale to 6,000, Arkane Cloud is building the backbone of the AI era, one cabinet at a time.From financing hurdles to liquid cooling breakthroughs, this is a deep dive into what it really takes to deliver GPU-as-a-service at scale. 🚀 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 video episodes on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mmAMAnlSGFI 🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/🔗 Learn more about Arkane Cloud: https://arkanecloud.com/

What does it take to build and manage $100 billion in digital infrastructure? For Marc Ganzi, CEO of DigitalBridge, it starts with long-term thinking, trusted relationships, and a deep understanding of power, scale, and global connectivity. In this episode of Uplink, Marc joins host Michael Reid to talk about the transformation of telecom infrastructure into the high-performance, cloud-connected edge required for AI and next-gen workloads.Marc shares how DigitalBridge went from legacy asset turnaround to a digital infrastructure powerhouse managing over $100B, and why he believes infrastructure is the ultimate enabler for what comes next, edge computing, AI, and beyond. This is a deep dive into the convergence of finance, fiber, and future-focused innovation. 🚀 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 video episodes on YouTube: https://youtu.be/kWJRpBILWoo 🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/Learn more about DigitalBridge: https://www.digitalbridge.com/

From cattle ranches to cloud networks, Matt Simpson’s journey into tech is anything but ordinary. In this episode of Uplink, Megaport’s EVP of Business Development and Global Channel shares how a coffee with founder Bevan Slattery led to 11 years of building a global network platform. Matt dives into Megaport’s early scrappy days, the bold expansion into Brazil, and why AI companies now choose data centers based on Megaport’s presence. A story of career pivots, global growth, and the future of digital infrastructure.--🚀 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 video episodes on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more about Megaport: https://www.megaport.com/

The AI revolution isn't just about algorithms; it's fundamentally reshaping the physical world of data infrastructure. In this episode of Uplink, host Michael Reid is joined by Gavin Dudley, VP of Sales at Macquarie Data Centers, to explore how AI is turning the data center industry upside down.Gavin shares his expert view on why data centers have suddenly become the "rockstars of tech infrastructure." We dive into the practical shifts happening on the ground, from the move away from generic facilities to purpose-built environments designed for AI's unique demands. You'll learn why advanced liquid cooling is becoming essential to handle the heat from dense AI computations and, as Gavin puts it, why "plumbers are going to rule" tomorrow's data centers.The conversation also covers the critical role of data sovereignty in a world where AI models are invaluable business assets, and how a new tiered hierarchy of data centers is emerging for training, inference, and edge deployments. The episode offers a clear look at the strategic thinking and engineering shifts required to build and manage the infrastructure of tomorrow.--🚀 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 let us know what you think. New episodes every two weeks. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All streaming links available at: https://www.uplinkpod.com/ 📺 Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube 🔗 Learn more:Megaport – https://www.megaport.com/

AI is driving data infrastructure to a breaking point.In this episode of Uplink, Jonathan Atkin—Managing Director and Global Head of Communications Infrastructure Investment Research at RBC Capital Markets—joins host Michael Reid to break down the shifting landscape of digital infrastructure.They explore how:AI is fueling massive increases in capital expenditureHyperscalers are adapting their strategies to stay competitiveStarlink and satellite connectivity could reshape rural accessPower and cooling innovations are redefining the data centerPrivate infrastructure developers are gaining momentumJonathan also offers his perspective on the ROI challenges of AI infrastructure—and why companies are still betting big.--🚀 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 let us know what you think. New episodes every two weeks. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All streaming links available at: https://www.uplinkpod.com/ 📺 Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube 🔗 Learn more:Megaport – https://www.megaport.com/

Cloud costs are climbing, and optimization isn’t always enough.In this episode, Jonathan Staff, Head of Private Cloud at Macquarie Cloud Services, explores how organizations are managing the growing complexity of cloud services. He shares his perspective on cost management, the role of hybrid cloud in balancing efficiency and flexibility, and the impact of AI on infrastructure planning.We cover topics like egress costs, data management strategies, and customer case studies that show how companies are adapting to rising demands. Whether you're rethinking your cloud approach or looking for ways to improve performance without overspending, this conversation offers a practical view of where cloud infrastructure is headed.--🚀 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 let us know what you think. New episodes every two weeks. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All streaming links available at: https://www.uplinkpod.com/ 📺 Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube 🔗 Learn more: Macquarie Cloud Services – https://www.macquariecloudservices.com/ Megaport – https://www.megaport.com/

Before Uplink had a name or a theme song, this conversation laid the groundwork for what the podcast would become—real, unfiltered conversations with the people building the digital world.In this special "From the Vault" episode, Megaport CEO Michael Reid talks with Gui Soubihe, CEO and founder of Latitude.sh, about the explosion of AI workloads, the demand for GPU resources, and how Latitude.sh is delivering Bare Metal and GPU as a Service globally.Gui breaks down the intersection of infrastructure, performance, and developer experience—and how Megaport's private network helps power it all.--🚀 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 let us know what you think. New episodes every two weeks.📺 Watch video episodes on YouTube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more:Uplink Podcast – https://www.uplinkpod.com/Latitude.sh – https://mp1.tech/Latitude Megaport – https://www.megaport.com/#AIInfrastructure #GPUaaS #BareMetal #CloudInfrastructure #EdgeCompute #Connectivity #UplinkPodcast

Forget cloud-only strategies—AI is driving a resurgence in colocation and a rethink of what hybrid infrastructure really means.--AI has flipped the script on how we think about digital infrastructure. In this episode, we’re joined by TierPoint SVP Don Schuett to explore how the surge in AI demand has fundamentally reshaped the data center industry—impacting everything from hardware design to real estate strategy.We dive into the rise of liquid cooling technologies—from chilled water systems to direct-to-chip conduction—designed to handle the heat output of next-gen GPUs. With power density levels soaring, traditional air cooling just doesn't cut it anymore.But it's not just about hardware. The resurgence of colocation, once dismissed in the era of public cloud dominance, is back in full force. Why? Because enterprises now operate in a hybrid world—balancing cost, performance, and risk across a mix of on-prem, colo, and cloud. And that means connectivity is more important than ever.We also unpack how economics are driving location strategy. It’s no longer just about power availability—it's about tax incentives, capital efficiency, and long-term scalability. As AI investment heats up, the market is flooded with new players—from real estate developers to speculative investors—all chasing the next big opportunity.Whether you’re building infrastructure, deploying AI workloads, or planning your next data center move, this episode will help you understand the forces reshaping the digital foundation of modern business.--🚀 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 let us know what you think. New episodes every two weeks.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All streaming links available at: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch video episodes on Youtube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more:Tierpoint – https://www.tierpoint.com/Megaport – https://www.megaport.com/#AI #DataCenters #DigitalInfrastructure #CloudComputing #LiquidCooling #Colocation #UplinkPodcast

What if the cleanest energy market in the world was also the most cost-effective? Elea CRO Tito Costa joins us to unpack how Brazil’s renewable energy advantage is reshaping the economics of AI-ready infrastructure.--Brazil's renewable energy matrix is revolutionizing data center operations while attracting global attention. With 90% of the country's power derived from renewable sources (primarily hydroelectric, solar, and wind), Brazil offers a stark contrast to most global markets struggling with just 20-30% renewable energy penetration. This sustainable advantage comes with remarkable economics – clean energy costs just six cents per kilowatt-hour without premium pricing.For organizations wrestling with power constraints for AI infrastructure, Brazil presents a compelling alternative. While importing equipment still poses challenges, the fundamental economics are shifting conversations among global hyperscalers. This renewable foundation supports Elea's expansion from its 2018 founding (through the acquisition of five data centers) to nine facilities across key Brazilian cities including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Curitiba, and Porto Alegre.The Brazilian market maintains unique characteristics, with approximately 80% of IT infrastructure still operating on-premise – a figure even higher outside major metropolitan areas. This resulted partly from the historical absence of carrier-neutral facilities in secondary markets and significant latency challenges between regions. When devastating floods hit Porto Alegre in 2023 (described as "Brazil's Katrina"), many corporate data centers were submerged while Elea's professional facility remained operational, dramatically demonstrating the value of purpose-built environments.Cloud adoption in Brazil has followed a different trajectory than more mature markets. Many organizations attempted to "jump the cycle" by moving directly from on-premise to cloud without adequate preparation, leading to significant repatriation as costs exceeded expectations. Now companies are taking a more measured approach – moving to colocation first, then strategically planning their cloud journey with greater sophistication.Excited to learn more about sustainable data center operations? Subscribe now to hear future conversations about innovative infrastructure solutions from around the world!This conversation was recorded in January 2025 at the Pacific Telecommunications Conference in Hawaii.  --🚀 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 let us know what you think. New episodes every two weeks.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All streaming links available at: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch video episodes on Youtube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more:Elea Digital – https://eleadatacenters.com/en/Megaport – https://www.megaport.com/#Sustainability #RenewableEnergy #Datacenters #AIInfrastructure #BrazilTech #CloudComputing #DigitalTransformation

How did data centers become one of the hottest industries on the planet? DataBank CEO Raul Martynek joins us to break down the explosive growth of digital infrastructure—and what it really takes to scale in the AI era.--The data center industry stands at the epicenter of today's technology revolution, experiencing what industry veterans call "the best market ever seen." In this revealing conversation with DataBank's CEO, we dive deep into the forces driving unprecedented growth in digital infrastructure and why this sector has become perhaps the hottest industry globally."If you're not doing well as a data center operator these days, I'm not exactly sure what you're doing," our guest explains, highlighting how dramatically the scale of facilities has evolved. What was considered massive in 2017 at just 10 megawatts now pales compared to today's 60-80 megawatt behemoths. DataBank recently secured $2 billion to fund 850 megawatts of new development across key markets including Dallas, Atlanta, and Northern Virginia.Behind these impressive numbers lies a complex reality many newcomers fail to grasp. The development process spans 3-4 years, involving intricate utility negotiations, equipment with 52-110 week lead times, and strategic connectivity planning. We explore why connectivity represents the "last leg of the stool" in successful data center development, illustrated through South Dallas's transformation into a major data center hub following a single fiber deployment.The conversation takes a fascinating turn examining how data centers are evolving to meet the demands of AI computing. With some racks now requiring 130 kilowatts, operators must implement sophisticated cooling solutions that can transition between air cooling and direct-to-chip liquid cooling. These technological adaptations happen against the backdrop of sustainability goals, with DataBank targeting 100% renewable energy by 2030.Whether you're a technology professional, investor, or simply curious about the infrastructure powering our digital world, this discussion provides valuable insights into why data centers represent the essential foundation for AI and the digital economy. The question remains: how long can this extraordinary growth continue?--🚀 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 let us know what you think. New episodes every two weeks.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All streaming links available at: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch video episodes on Youtube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more:DataBank – https://www.databank.com/Megaport – https://www.megaport.com/#Datacenters #AI #DigitalInfrastructure #TechPodcast #CloudComputing #Sustainability #PrivateConnectivity

What powers the AI revolution? Digital Realty CTO Chris Sharp joins us to explore the evolution of data centers—from invisible infrastructure to the epicenter of next-gen compute.--How did data centers transform from invisible infrastructure to the epicenter of the AI revolution? In this fascinating conversation with Chris Sharp, Chief Technology Officer at Digital Realty, we explore the remarkable evolution of digital infrastructure over the past two decades.Chris shares his unique perspective from 20+ years in the industry, walking us through the major technological shifts that have reshaped the landscape—from the early networking days through the cloud computing revolution and into today's AI-powered future. He offers an illuminating framework for understanding the economics of AI infrastructure: "tokens to Watts to dollars," which elegantly captures the computational output, power requirements, and financial considerations driving decisions in this space.The conversation takes us behind the scenes of what's really happening in the race to build AI infrastructure. While headlines focus on companies grabbing land for data centers, Chris reveals the deeper complexities: the engineering expertise required to support ultra-high-density computing, the critical power constraints limiting growth in key markets, and the fascinating emergence of nuclear solutions to these energy challenges.We also explore the global dynamics at play, from data sovereignty concerns to the risk of countries falling behind if they can't develop adequate power infrastructure. Chris provides valuable insight into how Digital Realty thinks about capital allocation across markets and the evolution of interconnection strategies to support distributed AI workloads.Whether you're interested in technology infrastructure, renewable energy, or the economics of AI, this conversation offers a rare glimpse into the physical foundation supporting our increasingly digital world. Listen now to understand the critical but often overlooked systems enabling the AI revolution.--🚀 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 let us know what you think. New episodes every two weeks.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. All streaming links available at: https://www.uplinkpod.com/📺 Watch video episodes on Youtube: https://mp1.tech/uplink-on-youtube🔗 Learn more: Digital Realty – https://www.digitalrealty.com/Megaport – https://www.megaport.com/#AI #CloudComputing #DataCenters #DigitalInfrastructure #Podcast