In this episode of ‘Not Your Father’s Data Center,’ host Raymond Hawkins, Chief Revenue Officer at Compass Datacenters, engages in a lively discussion with Mike Netzer, VP of Sales at DatacenterHawk. The conversation kicks off with a humorous reflection on how AI applications have evolved so rapidly that what seems real to us today might have been dismissed as impossible just a couple of years ago. Hawkins introduces the podcast, highlighting its focus on data centers and welcoming Netzer, whose company plays a crucial role in market capacity and knowledge.Netzer shares his background, detailing his upbringing in Connecticut and Idaho, and his career trajectory that eventually led him to the data center industry. His story is punctuated by personal anecdotes, including a move to Texas and a leap from the pension space to data centers, driven by an invitation from David Liggett, the founder of DatacenterHawk. This transition marked a significant change from a declining industry to one filled with optimism and growth.The conversation then delves into the transformative power of technology. Hawkins and Netzer reminisce about the days of paper maps and phone books, contrasting them with today’s ubiquitous digital tools. They discuss the critical role of data centers in supporting modern conveniences, from booking flights to ordering food, underscoring the infrastructure’s essential nature.A major theme is the industry’s rapid growth and the associated challenges, particularly around energy consumption. Hawkins raises the issue of how data centers are perceived as power-hungry entities, drawing parallels with other critical infrastructures like airports. Netzer echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need to recast data centers as indispensable utilities that enable countless digital services.The discussion also touches on the future of power generation, with both participants advocating for nuclear energy as a viable solution to meet the industry’s growing demands. They highlight the potential of nuclear power to provide stable, carbon-free energy, essential for sustaining the exponential growth in data center capacity required by advances in AI and other technologies.As they wrap up, Hawkins and Netzer reflect on the industry’s resilience and the innovative spirit that drives it. They express gratitude for being part of a sector with a bright future, filled with opportunities and challenges that push the boundaries of what’s possible. The episode closes on a light note, with a mention of their annual industry conference in Hawaii, highlighting the unique blend of hard work and enjoyable experiences that characterize their professional lives.This episode of ‘Not Your Father’s Data Center’ provides a deep dive into the dynamic world of data centers, blending personal stories with industry insights, and offering a glimpse into the future of this critical infrastructure.