Artificial intelligence (AI) and other high-performance compute (HPC) workloads rely heavily on data centers for mission-critical operations. These facilities provide the essential computing power, specialized hardware, and extensive storage needed to train, run, and refine complex AI models, ensuring the scalability, security, reliability, and performance required for demanding AI and HPC tasks.
What some IT leaders may not realize is that where you deploy AI or HPC is critical to success. Not all data centers are created equal, particularly when it comes to the needs of advanced workloads. Whether you’re initiating or scaling an AI initiative, IT infrastructure decisions can make or break your ability to reach your project’s goals.
That’s where the Digital Realty Innovation Lab (DRIL) comes in. The first DRIL location was launched in September 2025 and offers Digital Realty partners and customers a fully supported, real-world testing environment to explore and validate IT infrastructure solutions for the latest technologies before a full-scale rollout.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Eric Ballard joined Digital Realty in 2019 as Senior Director of Solutions Enablement and Architecture. Drawing on his extensive background in network provider operations and data center expertise, he plays a pivotal role in driving innovation. Ballard collaborates closely with customers and partners to develop cutting-edge solutions that advance Digital Realty’s mission and industry leadership.
Ballard began his career in the network service provider industry in 2000 by working for Cox Communications (now owned by Suddenlink Communications) and moving his way up to the position of Director of Backbone Engineering. Ballard was subsequently recruited by Equinix to be a Global Solutions Architect before being recruited by Stream Data Centers as their Vice President of Network and Cloud
Ballard holds a bachelor’s degree in business and a MBA from LeTourneau University and has with numerous industry certifications.
