Perspectives from the Panel: Insights from Peter Zanatta, Data Centre World Awards Judge
Thu 22 May 2025
As part of our ongoing spotlight on the data centre community, we caught up with Peter Zanatta, Managing Director at Attanz Limited and a Data Centre World Awards 2025 Judge, to reflect on key industry developments, the value of industry recognition, and the trends shaping the future of the sector.
Peter shares their perspectives on how events like the Awards foster dialogue and innovation, while offering insights into the challenges and opportunities that await for the data centre landscape.
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Looking back at this year’s Awards, what industry themes or developments stood out to you?
Looking back, what stood out was the move from theoretical commitment to practical implementation, particularly in terms of sustainability, where we saw actions rather than just ambition. There was also a noticeable uptick in infrastructure geared towards AI and machine learning, not just in terms of cooling or power density, but in the way operators are now designing systems with adaptive intelligence in mind. Beyond that, I noticed a welcome spread of innovation across regions, and a real effort to bring diversity and capability forward within teams, not just at the board level, but on the ground too.
How do you think awards like this help drive dialogue, collaboration, and progress in the data centre community?
Events like these awards play an important role in the sector. They create a useful moment to stop and review where the bar is set, not just in innovation, but in delivery. I’ve always found that public recognition of excellence drives useful conversations across teams, across businesses, and across borders. It’s one of the ways the industry keeps pushing itself forward.
What trends, challenges, or innovations do you see shaping the data centre sector over the next year or so?
Looking ahead, it’s clear that AI isn’t just influencing infrastructure; it’s now setting the agenda. We’re going to see that shape everything from rack design to edge strategy. Alongside that, energy is becoming more political — procurement, interconnects, and grid relationships are getting more complex, and I think we’ll see more strategic planning emerge around those areas. Modular builds will continue to gain ground, as will scrutiny on how open and resilient the supply chains really are.
From your experience as a judge, what qualities or approaches do you feel define excellence in the industry today?
As a judge, what impressed me most was the number of strong entries this year. The volume alone was a clear indicator of how active and competitive the market is. What stood out across the best submissions was a focus on measurable (and I cannot overemphasise measurable here) results, practical scale, and a sharp understanding of end-user impact. The entries that married technical excellence with a clear purpose stood out especially when it was easy for the judges to understand these factors within the entry.
Why is it important to keep spotlighting the people and ideas driving the industry forward, and how can this inspire the wider community?
It’s always essential to highlight the individuals and ideas driving this momentum. I work in market intelligence, and it’s always fascinating to see which individuals, companies, and solutions are cutting through. That kind of visibility doesn’t just reward good work — it also gives the wider community a sense of what’s next, what’s possible, and where the sector is heading.
