Episode 150-Getting Your Data Center Right in 2021 with David Liggitt
In this episode of The Prospecting Show, Dr Connor Robertson interviews David Liggitt, founder and CEO of Data Center Hawk. The conversation dives deep into the evolution of data centers, how digital infrastructure underpins the global economy, and why getting your data strategy right is one of the smartest moves a company can make today.
The Changing Landscape of Digital Infrastructure
Dr Robertson opens, “David, the world runs on data now. How has the role of the data center changed in the last decade?”
David replies, “Data centers used to be a back-office function—something you didn’t think about until it broke. Today, they’re mission-critical. Every business, from startups to Fortune 500s, relies on digital infrastructure. The rise of cloud computing, AI, and remote work has pushed demand through the roof.”
He adds, “The modern data center isn’t just a warehouse of servers—it’s the engine that powers everything from e-commerce to healthcare innovation.”
Dr Robertson comments, “That’s why infrastructure is now strategy, not just technology.”
Understanding the Hybrid Cloud Revolution
David explains that most companies now operate in a hybrid environment—combining on-premise data centers with cloud services like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
“The hybrid model allows flexibility,” he says. “Businesses can keep sensitive workloads on-premise for control and compliance, while leveraging the scalability of the public cloud for demand spikes.”
He warns, however, that mismanaging this balance leads to inefficiency. “You need the right workload in the right environment. That’s what drives cost optimization and reliability.”
Dr Robertson adds, “That’s the same principle we use in business operations—matching resources with purpose.”
Key Considerations for Data Center Planning
David shares five key factors every business should evaluate before designing or expanding a data center:
- Power and Cooling Efficiency – Energy costs are often the biggest expense. Efficient cooling and renewable energy integration can save millions.
- Network Connectivity – Proximity to major carriers ensures low latency and high redundancy.
- Scalability – Build for the next 5–10 years, not just current needs.
- Security – Both physical and digital controls must be airtight.
- Regulatory Compliance – Especially for industries like healthcare or finance.
He adds, “The best data centers are built with growth and flexibility in mind.”
Dr Robertson comments, “That’s smart capital allocation—building assets that can evolve with your strategy.”
Sustainability and Energy Innovation
David highlights the shift toward sustainability. “Data centers consume enormous power. Operators are now investing in renewable energy, liquid cooling, and carbon offset programs.”
He explains how hyperscale providers like Google and Microsoft lead the charge, but smaller players can participate too. “Even regional facilities can implement energy-efficient designs and renewable sourcing.”
Dr Robertson adds, “That’s where profitability meets responsibility. Sustainability is a growth strategy now.”
Why Location Matters
David explains, “Choosing the right location is about more than real estate cost. It’s about latency, fiber connectivity, energy pricing, and environmental risk.”
He continues, “That’s why data centers cluster in places like Northern Virginia, Dallas, and Phoenix—they offer cheap power, strong connectivity, and stable weather conditions.”
Dr Robertson adds, “Location is leverage—just like in real estate investment.”
The Human Side of Data
Dr Robertson asks, “We talk a lot about infrastructure and hardware. But what about the human element?”
David replies, “People forget that data centers are built, managed, and optimized by experts. You need engineers, facilities teams, and analysts. The human expertise behind uptime is what keeps the internet running.”
He continues, “Even with automation, you still need skilled professionals managing systems, monitoring security, and responding to anomalies.”
Dr Robertson nods, “So the real asset isn’t just hardware—it’s human capital.”
Data Center Risk Management
David discusses risk mitigation strategies. “Redundancy is everything. Every critical system—from power to connectivity—needs backups. The goal is zero downtime.”
He also emphasizes cyber resilience. “Physical security is vital, but so is network protection. Today’s threats are as likely to come from a keyboard as from a break-in.”
Dr Robertson adds, “That’s the convergence of IT and physical operations—true 360-degree security.”
Data as a Strategic Asset
David notes, “Companies that treat data as a cost center fall behind. The winners treat it as an asset. They analyze, store, and secure it strategically.”
He shares that businesses are now monetizing data insights across industries—from logistics optimization to personalized medicine. “The infrastructure you build determines how effectively you can use data to drive decision-making.”
Dr Robertson comments, “That’s why data is the new currency—it compounds in value when structured and protected.”
Lessons from the Pandemic Era
David reflects on how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital transformation. “It forced every business to go digital overnight—remote work, telehealth, e-commerce, streaming. Data centers became the lifeline of global continuity.”
He continues, “It proved that those with scalable infrastructure could pivot instantly, while others struggled to catch up.”
Dr Robertson adds, “That’s proof that digital readiness equals resilience.”
The Future of Data Centers
David predicts that edge computing will define the next decade. “Instead of massive centralized data centers, we’ll see distributed micro-centers closer to the user. It’s about reducing latency for things like autonomous vehicles, VR, and real-time analytics.”
He explains, “The future isn’t just bigger—it’s smarter, faster, and more localized.”
Dr Robertson adds, “That’s efficiency redefined—more power with less distance.”
Key Takeaways
- Data centers are no longer optional—they’re strategic infrastructure.
- Hybrid models balance flexibility with control.
- Sustainability and efficiency drive future growth.
- Data management is both a technical and human challenge.
- Edge computing will transform how we experience the internet.
Dr Robertson concludes, “David Liggitt reminds us that the data center is the backbone of modern business. The companies that master infrastructure master scalability.”
David smiles, “Exactly. Get your data center right, and everything else runs smoother.”
Listen to the Full Episode:
Getting Your Data Center Right in 2021 with David Liggitt