In the rapidly evolving world of digital infrastructure, India’s data center landscape is a complex tapestry of challenges and opportunities. As technology becomes the cornerstone of economic growth, data centers emerge as the critical nervous system of the digital economy.
In this segment of “Faces of the Industry,” InterGlobix Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief Jasmine Bedi sat down with Sridhar Pinnapureddy, founder and CEO of CtrlS Datacenters, who offers insights into the intricate forces—both constraining and propelling—that are reshaping India’s technological backbone. From regulatory challenges to technological innovations, from sustainability hurdles to economic potential, this interview unveils the nuanced journey of data centers in one of the world’s most dynamic and promising digital markets.
What are the key factors driving the growth of India’s data center industry?
The growth of India’s data center industry is being driven by a confluence of technological advancements and evolving market needs. One of the most significant drivers is the rapid digital transformation of enterprises. As businesses of all sizes accelerate their digital adoption, they are increasing their demand for data storage, cloud services, and computing power. According to a 2023 survey by PwC, over 80 percent of Indian enterprises are undergoing digital transformation, with 55 percent of companies prioritizing investments in cloud computing and data infrastructure. This shift is fueling demand for data center services, as enterprises seek scalable, secure, and efficient solutions to manage their digital assets.
The rollout of 5G technology in India has also played a critical role in reshaping the digital landscape. As of 2023, India had achieved percent 5G population coverage, with over 119 million 5G subscribers. By 2029, this number is expected to soar to 840 million, propelling greater data consumption and, consequently, boosting demand for data center capacity.
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ABOUT SRIDHAR PINNAPUREDDY
Sridhar Pinnapureddy is a first-generation entrepreneur, and he founded and built to scale several companies in the areas of cloud computing, IT infrastructure, Internet services, green energy, and software development. CtrlS Datacenters today boasts of creating the Asia’s largest Rated-4 data center footprint with 15 certified operational data centers and many more in various stages of development, taking the overall capacity to over 1GW. CtrlS’ data centers are used by over 60 of the Fortune 500 MNCs and five of the top seven hyperscalers of the world.
Cloud4C, with over 2,000 employees, is a value-driven, platform-agnostic, cloud managed services partner for mission-critical environments in emerging economies. Established in 2015, Cloud4C has a global footprint in about 30 countries, with its headquarters in Singapore. Pinnapureddy is closely involved with Assocham and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) and served as Chapter President and Chairman for TiE Global Summit. He is also an active member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO), Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) among other global entrepreneur associations.
