Background

An infrastructure services provider specializing in data center development was evaluating expansion opportunities in the United States. While the client had established operations across Europe and Asia, the U.S. market presented unique challenges related to regulatory compliance, energy sourcing, site selection, hyperscale demand, and evolving sustainability requirements. The client needed rapid, ground-level insights to assess market attractiveness, regional differences, and competitive dynamics across key data center hubs such as Northern Virginia, Texas, Arizona, and the Midwest.

Solution

Infor Connect facilitated 5 targeted expert consultations with senior professionals deeply experienced in the U.S. data center ecosystem:

• Former VP of Operations at a leading U.S. colocation data center operator

• Real estate development executive specializing in hyperscale data center projects

• Energy and sustainability advisor focused on data center power procurement and grid interconnection

• Ex-regulatory affairs lead at a major U.S. cloud service provider

• Independent consultant with expertise in site selection and incentive negotiations across U.S. states

All consultations were completed within a short turnaround, enabling the client to quickly validate assumptions and refine their expansion thesis.

Impact

• Market Insights: The Expert Advisors delivered in-depth perspectives on regional demand drivers, hyperscale vs. enterprise colocation trends, land availability constraints, and power capacity challenges. The client gained clarity on which U.S. markets offered near-term scalability versus longer-term strategic positioning.

• Strategic Direction: Expert input helped the client define an optimal entry strategy, including target regions, preferred customer segments, and partnership models with utilities, real estate developers, and local governments. Insights on incentive structures and zoning considerations informed a more efficient site selection process.

• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Discussions highlighted key risks related to grid congestion, permitting timelines, environmental regulations, and escalating construction costs. This allowed the client to proactively address potential bottlenecks and incorporate sustainability and energy resilience into their U.S. market entry roadmap.

• Outcome: Armed with firsthand expert intelligence, the client advanced toward a phased U.S. expansion plan with greater confidence, reduced execution risk, and a clearer understanding of how to compete effectively in one of the world’s most complex and competitive data center markets.