Relieving Growing Pains in Germany’s Data Centre Market: An Interview with Samuel Premkumar

The data centre industry in Germany is growing rapidly, fuelled by the demand for digital services and AI technologies. However, challenges such as talent shortages, infrastructure bottlenecks, and soaring demands are creating pressure points for the industry. To explore these issues and potential solutions, we sat down with Samuel Premkumar, Manager Strategic Growth & Operations Europe Service at Rosenberger OSI, a leading provider of fibre-optic connectivity solutions and infrastructure services.

Rosenberger OSI: 

Samuel, Germany’s data centre market is experiencing significant growth, but there are also clear challenges. How do you view the current state of the industry?

Samuel Premkumar:
It’s true—Germany’s data centre market is booming, but it’s a double-edged sword. The rise in demand, especially driven by AI and cloud technologies, is putting immense pressure on infrastructure and resources. Operators are racing to keep up, but they’re often constrained by talent shortages, rising energy costs, and the complexity of large-scale installations.

While we’re seeing incredible innovation in the industry, such as the adoption of liquid cooling and polycloud models, the rapid pace of growth also exposes bottlenecks. Addressing these "growing pains" is critical for the sector’s long-term success.

Rosenberger OSI: 

What role does Rosenberger OSI play in supporting data centre operators during this period of rapid growth?

Samuel Premkumar:
Our primary goal is to help operators overcome capacity and expertise challenges. For instance, we offer comprehensive project support, from planning and installation to lifecycle management and upgrades. Our teams are highly trained and certified, giving us the ability to execute even the most complex projects under tight deadlines.

We also take a flexible, vendor-neutral approach, tailoring our solutions to the specific needs of each customer. Whether it’s managing large-scale cabling for an AI cluster or optimising an existing setup for greater efficiency, we ensure the project is completed smoothly and within budget.

Additionally, we work closely with manufacturers to access cutting-edge training and certification programmes. This allows us to stay ahead of industry trends and provide our clients with the latest innovations. 

Rosenberger OSI: 

What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the future of the data centre industry?

Samuel Premkumar:
The biggest challenge is balancing rapid growth with resource constraints. Energy availability, regulatory hurdles, and the talent gap are all pressing issues that must be addressed. These factors can slow down projects and make it difficult for operators to meet demand.

On the other hand, there are immense opportunities. The rise of AI, cloud computing, and edge computing is driving demand for more advanced and efficient data centre solutions. By embracing innovation and investing in talent, the industry can not only meet this demand but also position itself as a leader in digital infrastructure.

Rosenberger OSI: 

Finally, how do you see Rosenberger OSI contributing to the industry’s evolution in the coming years?

Samuel Premkumar:
We see ourselves as enablers of growth and innovation. Beyond our current services, we’re exploring new ways to support operators, such as lifecycle management, operational support, and cost optimisation. These services will help operators navigate the challenges of rapid growth while staying competitive.

Ultimately, our goal is to reduce the "growing pains" of the industry and ensure that data centres remain the backbone of digital transformation. The journey is far from over, and we’re excited to be a part of it.