Originally posted on VMBlog

By Rob Morgan – Vice President, Data Center Integration, Compu Dynamics

The data center industry is poised for significant changes in 2025, and not just due to the rapid evolution of AI and machine learning technologies. The rise in demand for data center capacity, coupled with a recognized shortage in industry workers with increasingly specialized skills and experience, is driving a new approach to construction and integration projects for data center development. The need for experienced force multipliers to execute these complex projects is leading to increased collaboration and shared responsibilities among data center operators and contractors.

Expanding Scope of Partnerships

In 2025, data center operators are likely to forge deeper and more comprehensive partnerships with contractors. These relationships will extend beyond traditional build-only contracts to encompass a wider range of services and expertise, including the below areas.

  • Collaborative Project Management: The complexity of modern data center projects – and the pace at which the requirements are changing – will necessitate more collaborative project management approaches in 2025, taking into account major shifts in power, cooling, network, security, local policies and more.
  • Optimized Data Center Solutions: Data center contractors will be increasingly involved in the early stages of data center projects, contributing their expertise alongside leading and innovative manufacturers. This integrated approach will help optimize designs and project execution for efficiency and speed-to-market.
  • Long-Term Maintenance Agreements: Partnerships are likely to extend into long-term maintenance, compliance and operations support agreements. Data center constructors may engage to provide ongoing support and upgrades, ensuring continuity and leveraging their intimate knowledge of the facilities.

With the rise of data center solutions providers offering white space integration, construction, support services and more, traditional separation between operator and contractor teams will frequently overlap and merge. In 2025, the rise of more integrated project teams is likely. These cross-functional groups will combine their expertise as a unified team to solve complex challenges, bridge the skills gap and drive innovation, providing end-to-end solutions that prioritize performance, efficiency, sustainability and total cost of ownership. Operators and contractors will also likely collaborate to develop and implement innovative sustainable technologies.

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