Part salesman, part techno-geek, Jim Weller?s challenge is to persuade companies to locate their data centers away from company headquarters and locate in Baltimore.
But Weller, who was recently named president of Baltimore Technology Park, says he believes his job may be getting easier because of changing market conditions.
“There is a lot of pent-up demand in the marketplace [for new data centers],” Weller said.
He said Baltimore Tech Park is well-positioned to meet that demand with the planned $3 million expansion.
The new space will include 1,000 square feet for companies to add 250 network server cabinets and more space for corporate suites. Weller knows the companies? tech needs.
He has been involved in all aspects of the data center industry, including the design, operation, upgrade, site selection and acquisitions of more than 50 centers nationwide. In his 20-year career, he has held top jobs with Switch and Data, MCI, Sprint and Frontier Communications.
“Bringing in someone of Jim?s caliber illustrates just how strongly we believe in the market opportunity for data center services in the greater Baltimore area and the depth of our commitment to [Baltimore Tech Park],” said Tom Cunningham, CEO of Baltimore-based Alabanza Corporation, which owns the tech park.
Weller will have some tools to lure companies as well. The tech park is located in a Focus Area of a Baltimore Enterprise Zone, an area where city officials hope to spark development. To attract companies, the city allows customers of theBaltimore Tech Park to receive tax incentives, including a 10-year, 80 percent credit against local personal property taxes.
Weller said the tech park will have the latest technology that appeals to potential customers.
“We joined the [greater Baltimore Technology Council] in town,” Weller said. The council is composed of companies, educators and others interested in growing the regions tech companies.
Longtime friend Jay Robertson, vice president of Blackboard, said Weller has a 20-year career in the data services industry and the battle scars that have taught him what works and what doesn?t work in data services.
“He is by far one of the most knowledgeable people out there when it comes to the business,” Robertson said. “He knows how it needs to be run and how to make it successful.”
Jim Weller
» First job: Sales for MCI
» Education/credentials: BA, University of Maryland, Baltimore County
» Best job perk: Exposure to leading information systems technology and professionals
» Number of daily e-mails: More than 100
» Number of daily voice mails: More than 25
» Essential Web sites: Informationweek.com, wired.com, techweb.com, and wsj.com
» Career objective: Continue to grow companies such as Baltimore Technology Park
» Favorite gadget: BlackBerry
» Hometown: Syracuse, N.Y.
» Birth date: April 18, 1961
» Original aspiration: Any job with IBM, until I realized there was a personal computer and communications revolution going on, and they were not part of it.
» Sports/hobbies: Lacrosse and water sports
