In Blog, PTC Member Profiles

Jeff Uphues, CEO, DC BLOX

Jeff Uphues
CEO
DC BLOX

DC Blox

Jeff is the CEO of DC BLOX, taking on the crucial role of shaping and guiding its strategy, vision, and execution. Under his leadership, the company owns and operates Tier III-rated data centers in five key southeast markets and a cable landing station in Myrtle Beach. 

With a 30-year career in the information technology sector, Jeff brings invaluable expertise. His leadership has included C-suite roles at prominent companies such as Liquid Web, Cbeyond, Bandwidth, ACSI Network Technologies, and WilTel. His educational background includes Harvard Business School and Rice University’s Jones School of Business Executive Education program in finance and accounting. 

How can telecommunications technologies help humanity? 

Telecommunications technologies such as cutting-edge subsea cable routes play a pivotal role in advancing global connectivity. Where there is connectivity, there is interconnectedness and technological progress. These underwater fiber-optic cables serve as the backbone of international communication, facilitating the seamless transmission of vast amounts of data across continents. By bridging geographical gaps, subsea cable routes enable real-time information exchange, supporting a myriad of critical functions: from global business operations to collaborative research endeavors. These interconnected networks enhance economic opportunities and foster cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and rapid response capabilities during emergencies. 

If one thing should be redeveloped within the telecom and related industries, what should it be?

Data center operators must reexamine the traditional way of providing solutions to incorporate dark fiber into their systems. By recognizing the paramount importance of high capacity, low latency connections in today’s digital landscape, operators can begin to integrate dark fiber into their strategies to meet escalating demands. Dark fiber not only enhances reliability but also provides the flexibility needed to adapt to evolving technological requirements. By weaving this technology into their infrastructure, data center operators ensure a robust foundation for interconnecting facilities, enabling faster and more efficient data transmission.

Is it important for companies to continue to innovate their organization or offerings, and why?

No one could have predicted the surge in data and energy requirements brought about by AI, and we are seeing many in the industry scramble to accommodate it. Continued innovation is imperative for any in the data center industry to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving technological landscape where digital demands are constantly escalating. This also helps companies differentiate themselves in a competitive market, offering cutting-edge services and staying ahead of industry trends. By embracing innovation, companies can future-proof their operations, ensuring they remain agile and capable of meeting the diverse and dynamic requirements of tomorrow.

What value does PTC hold for you/your company?

PTC provides a platform to engage with like-minded entities and individuals dedicated to global connectivity solutions. The Annual Conference serves as an opportunity for DC BLOX to share ideas and solutions, as well as receive insights from other industry experts on how we can work together to build an even more connected future.

How does PTC fit your company’s goals or career purpose?

DC BLOX is committed to ongoing education of the public and industry on what we believe are the important cornerstones of the evolving digital landscape, and PTC has placed itself at the forefront of this movement. We are thrilled to work with industry peers to workshop and share ideas. PTC prides itself on giving companies the “power to create” more efficient solutions to the problems of the digital age by working together, and DC BLOX is eager to share our insights at the table.

What advice would you share with current and future graduates interested in this field?

As we all have come to depend on devices used in everyday life, they shape behaviors, they shape communication, they shape the feelings that all of us experience with family, friends, and loved ones. All of this is made possible through the data center industry, because data centers are the lifeblood of the applications that shape our everyday lives. The data center industry is growing faster than the amount of talent available. If you are looking for a career in technology, in a high growth market, there is none more meaningful right now where you can make an impact and be a future leader for decades to come. 

What industry mogul or up-and-coming leader have you followed or are currently pursuing, and why?

If I look at the things Elon Musk is doing between SpaceX, Tesla, and other areas, his forward-looking approach to solving complex problems and societal puzzles across numerous technical fields and industries is remarkable.

About DC BLOX
DC BLOX operates multi-tenant data center facilities that leverage a private interconnected network to deliver 100G, reliable and secure services that include public and private access to the cloud, internet, and network-neutral connectivity solutions with managed service capabilities. They are also currently executing a 500-mile dark fiber route that will be the first high capacity east –to west fiber path from South Carolina to Georgia, as well as their 15 megawatt CLS which will be a vital connectivity hub. DC BLOX’s network-enabled data center facilities are located in Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Huntsville, AL; Chattanooga, TN; with additional locations underway.

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