Interview with Holger Grauer

The Future of the Data Center Industry – Embracing Opportunities, Driving Innovation

aixit Managing Director Holger Grauer in conversation

Holger, what are the main challenges currently shaping the data center industry in Germany?
The data center industry is undergoing an exciting transformation. Issues like increasing energy demand, sustainability, the expansion of digital infrastructure, and rising expectations for security and availability are putting pressure on us as operators. At the same time, public and political expectations are growing: we are expected to be not only high-performing, but also sustainable, efficient, and transparent. We clearly see this as an opportunity to further develop the industry in a positive direction.

How is aixit addressing these challenges in practice?
For us, three things are essential: first, forward-looking infrastructure planning; second, a conscious approach to resource management; and third, the continuous improvement of our systems and processes.
Our data centers are built redundantly, secured multiple times, and connected via our own dark fiber infrastructure. We focus on energy efficiency, intelligent control systems, and sustainable solutions such as our edge data center located in the Paderborn wind park. At the same time, we’re actively investing in innovation – for example, in research projects like DC2HEAT, which aims to make productive use of data center waste heat. This combination of stability, sustainability, and a passion for innovation prepares us well for the future.

Why is this an advantage for aixit’s customers?
Our customers can rely on us to think and act with a long-term perspective. As an owner-managed company, we’re not subject to the short-term profit goals of large investors.
That means: we invest where it truly makes sense – in secure, high-performance, and sustainable infrastructure. Additionally, we operate exclusively under German and European data protection standards, which is a key factor for many companies today.
In short: our customers benefit from a stable, independent, and future-ready platform for their digital applications.

How do you see the role of German data centers in the international context?
“Made in Germany” stands for high standards, reliability, and innovation – especially in the data center sector. Germany is a key hub in the global digital infrastructure, not least because of DE-CIX, the world’s largest internet exchange located here in Frankfurt.
As a German operator, we’re able to act quickly, flexibly, and with high quality. This reliability will become even more important in the future – particularly for companies that value European data protection and sustainable solutions.

A key term here is innovation. What’s next for aixit?
For us, innovation is not just a buzzword – it’s part of our daily reality. Alongside developing our own infrastructure, we’re also actively involved in research projects.
A good example is DC2HEAT, where we work with partners to use data center waste heat for local heating. Projects like this show how challenges can be turned into real added value – for our customers and for society as a whole.
We firmly believe that digitalization and sustainability must go hand in hand. With our innovations, we aim to help make the digital future more secure, more efficient, and more sustainable.

What personally gives you optimism about the future of the industry?
I’m excited by the transformation we’re witnessing. Data centers are not just becoming more powerful – they’re also becoming more conscious and responsible.
The intersection of digitalization, sustainability, and innovation opens up entirely new perspectives – for businesses, cities, and entire regions.
Being able to actively shape this future is incredibly motivating. I’m convinced: the future of the data center industry is full of opportunity – and aixit is ready to seize it.

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Interview Holger Grauer