TL;DR:
- atNorth, a leading pan-Nordic data center operator, focuses on sustainability and innovation.
- CEO Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson’s unconventional engineering background proves valuable.
- The company expands across Nordic nations with a strong emphasis on AI capabilities.
- atNorth leverages renewable energy and energy-efficient practices for sustainability.
- The recent acquisition of HPC player Gompute strengthens its AI position.
- AI’s growth poses challenges for data centers, making the Nordics an attractive location.
- Collaboration with partners like CoolIT enhances atNorth’s sustainability efforts.
- The company anticipates an exciting future driven by AI and remains committed to its core values.
Main AI News:
In the ever-evolving landscape of data centers and IT services, atNorth stands out as a trailblazing pan-Nordic operator, leading the charge in sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology. Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth, shares insights into the company’s remarkable journey and its unwavering commitment to innovation, especially in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Kristinsson’s unconventional path into the data center industry, with a background in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, has proven to be a valuable asset. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and critical thinking in an industry characterized by rapid change.
“My engineering studies have equipped me with the ability to grasp complex models and systems, a skill that has been instrumental throughout my career,” Kristinsson reflects.
At the helm of atNorth, Kristinsson oversees a pan-Nordic data center and HPC AI operator with a vision of expanding its reach across all Nordic nations. Currently operational in Iceland, Sweden, and Finland, with a forthcoming data center in Denmark set to launch in Q4 2024, atNorth caters to international customers and offers advanced HPC and AI services. What sets atNorth apart is its steadfast commitment to sustainability, rooted in its access to renewable energy and a focus on energy efficiency, such as heat reuse, in its data center infrastructure.
Kristinsson highlights the dynamic nature of the data center industry, dispelling the misconception of it being slow and dull. He underscores the industry’s pivotal role in driving sustainability through technological advancements.
“Almost all the technologies we work with today have the potential to make a significant impact on sustainability,” Kristinsson notes.
As AI emerges as a transformative force, atNorth is at the forefront, strategically expanding its deep data center platform across Nordic regions. With plans to extend into Norway, the company aims to cater to large-scale HPC and AI workloads, both in metropolitan areas and remote locations. Furthermore, atNorth is dedicated to providing AI and HPC-dedicated clusters, fostering innovation in these fields.
The recent acquisition of HPC industry player Gompute has strengthened atNorth’s position in the AI industry. Kristinsson believes that AI is still in its infancy, and its widespread adoption will put substantial pressure on data centers and power grids. The Nordics, with their abundant power resources and energy-efficient infrastructure, are increasingly attractive for AI workloads.
Kristinsson affirms, “The Nordics is one of the best locations in the world for running power-hungry AI workloads.”
Nordic data center locations offer not only efficiency and scalability but also align with atNorth’s sustainability goals. The region’s cold climate reduces the need for server cooling, while innovative approaches like redirecting excess heat to district heating systems further enhance sustainability.
Collaboration with like-minded partners is integral to atNorth’s success. Kristinsson emphasizes the importance of a strong partner ecosystem, both local and international, in achieving their goals. CoolIT, a leading liquid cooling solution provider, exemplifies the collaborative spirit that drives atNorth’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints.
Kristinsson concludes, “We are nothing without our partners.“
Looking ahead, Kristinsson anticipates an exciting and disruptive future driven by AI. Despite the challenges it poses, he remains optimistic about the opportunities it brings for data center operators, including atNorth.
2023 was a monumental year for atNorth, marked by record-breaking revenue and unwavering dedication to its core values. As they continue their upward trajectory, the company remains a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the ever-evolving world of data centers and IT services.
Conclusion:
atNorth’s strategic focus on sustainability and commitment to innovation in AI infrastructure places it in a strong position within the market. As the demand for AI services grows, particularly in data center operations, atNorth’s expansion into multiple Nordic regions aligns with the trend of locating AI workloads in areas with ample power resources and a sustainable approach. This expansion, coupled with a robust partner ecosystem, positions atNorth as a leading player in the evolving landscape of AI-ready infrastructure in the Nordics and beyond.
