Demystify Podcast: Demystifying data centres with Bruce Owen, Equinix
This episode was recorded in a Slough data centre with Bruce Owen, managing director of Equinix UK.
Bruce discusses his background and the Equinix role as a key data centre provider. The discussion demystifies the essential function of data centres in housing critical IT infrastructure, their importance to national economies, and their connection to various digital services.
The conversation also delves into the differentiation between data centres and cloud providers, including the types and services provided.
The episode highlights sustainability issues, including the company’s efforts to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency, innovations like liquid cooling, and potential future quantum computing uses.
Bruce discusses the historical and logistical reasons for Slough’s (famous mainly for the UK-based TV series “The Office”) becoming a significant data centre hub, the potential for data centres to contribute to community heating projects, and the importance of security and resilience in data centre operations.
Handy shortcuts:
00:00 Introducing Bruce Owen from Equinix
01:39 Understanding data centres
02:51 The importance of data centres
06:15 Cloud vs. data centres
14:34 Energy efficiency and sustainability
22:53 The future of data centres
29:04 Community impact and final thoughts
Bruce with the Equinix Cycle Fundraiser team is cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats on 22-30 June, raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society and Cancer Research. Amazing causes. If you would like to donate, you can do so here.
Thanks to Orama for editing this podcast. You can find out more about Orama and the services they offer here.
Take a look at the full catalogue of episodes on the Dave & Dharm Demystify Podcast homepage.
