JANUARY 2021, LONDON: A return to pre-COVID levels of confidence regarding future demand for datacentres was an encouraging finding from the latest independent industry survey, which captures the views of over 3000 senior datacentre professionals across Europe, including owners, operators, developers, consultants and end users.

The Winter Report 2020/21, now in its 13^th Year is undertaken by independent research house IX Consulting and commissioned by BCS, (Business Critical Solutions) the specialist services provider to the digital infrastructure industry.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents believe that 2021 will see an increase in demand, up on the 40% recorded last year, and now back in line with the long-term trending average. Over the past six months, just over 90% of developer and investor/funder respondents reported an increase in their portfolio of technical real estate, the fourth successive survey that a similar proportion has been achieved, with 85% stating that they expect to see a further expansion over the coming year. This represents a significant recovery from the 45% reported six months ago and sits above the long-term average of around 70% monitored during the decade.

James Hart, CEO at BCS, said: “From the current survey it is encouraging that the reaction which we recorded last year at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic regarding future demand levels for datacentres, has been partially reversed in our latest findings. 

“If there is one thing the coronavirus has proven, it is that when faced with a truly urgent imperative, both the public and private sectors can adapt at astonishing speed and scale. Central to that response has been the data centre which has been the engine room enabling the health response, the mass home working effort, maintaining degrees of business continuity as well as keeping disparate families in contact. Last year our industry showed its resilience, agility and relevance, and this will be the lasting legacy of the pandemic for our sector.”

In addition to the impact of Covid-19 on the industry, other sections of the report include responses on: the threats to the industry; the ranking of choice factors for new datacentres; key drivers for change such as 5G; and further predictions for 2021 and beyond.

Copies of the report can be downloaded at: https://www.bcs.uk.com/data-centre-survey-covid-19-the-lasting-legacy/