Akridge CTO Tommy Russo On The Growing Demand For Strong, Secure Office Connectivity
Akridge CTO Tommy Russo On The Growing Demand For Strong, Secure Office Connectivity https://csuiteold.c-suitenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/akridge-cto-tommy-russo-on-the-growing-demand-for-strong-secure-office-connectivity.jpeg 710 484 C-Suite Network https://csuiteold.c-suitenetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/akridge-cto-tommy-russo-on-the-growing-demand-for-strong-secure-office-connectivity.jpeg
In a digital-dependent economy, office tenants expect a reliable internet connection. For commercial landlords and developers, connectivity has become an essential part of the tenant experience. Standards like WiredScore’s Wired Certification, a commercial real estate rating system that empowers landlords to understand, improve and promote their buildings’ digital infrastructure, have emerged to ensure offices are ready for the needs of modern tenants.
A recent report from CBRE found 90% of owners and property managers rank advanced communications as their most important selling point after more traditional real estate deal-makers like location, price and parking. The importance of connectivity will only continue to rise, as data production is expected to be 44 times greater in 2020 than it was in 2009.
Akridge Chief Technology Officer Tommy Russo has seen firsthand the shifting priorities for commercial tenants. Since joining Akridge in 1997, Russo has been a leader in providing connectivity services to the developer’s clients. At The Homer Building, a Wired Certified Platinum property in D.C., Russo installed the nation’s first complete neutral-host, in-building wireless system in a multiclient building.
Bisnow: In today’s market, what are your tenants’ top three demands regarding their office space?
Russo: Clients are asking for efficient floor plans, connectivity and amenities. From a connectivity perspective, everyone is demanding fiber. Copper no longer satisfies their needs. Clients want speed, access to the fastest providers and, ideally, multiple options from which they can choose. That’s one of the reasons why we pride ourselves on having multiple ISPs servicing properties like The Homer Building and 1200 17th St. NW in D.C. The amenities that today’s clients want often vary from client to client. That said, they are focusing more and more on communal…
