Big Data Boom

You know how Facebook uses your information to show you ads for bands you like? Chicago CIO Brett Goldstein believes asimilar unification of information can help our city act a lot smarter. Whether that means using open-source software to better coordinate information during a major event like the NATO Summit or improving 311 efficiency by finding patterns in its data points, the department of innovation and technology is mapping the city's ecosystem one byte at a time. We invite you to hear how Brett thinks it will effect commercial real estate at Bisnow's 2nd Annual Data Center Boom nextTuesday .Register here!(While there, ask him about the bread he is learning to bake at home while raising three little kids.)

While Brett works to save taxpayers money, HP principal data center energy technologist Bill Kosik--who's also speaking--is working to cut costs and improve efficiency. His recommendations are used both for designing new data centers and for clients looking to improve reliability in existing facilities. Bill's work takes him across many sectors, including health care, corporate IT and government work, and even around the globe. Last year, he spoke at a data center dynamics conference in Sao Paulo and learned about the issues Brazil faces providing primarily hydroelectric power.Will it effect its upcoming World Cup and Olympics hosting duties? (And have you booked your ticket yet?)

Who was your favorite Star Trek character? Ours was Data. Send ideas and suggestions to marissa.oberlander@bisnow.com.