This year's study shows that 83% of respondents are planning data center expansions in the next 12 to 24 months, while 36% have definite plans to make those expansions during 2010. Among other highlights: The top reason for data center expansions the need for additional power, and data center/ IT budgets are both projected to increase by 8% percent in 2010.

Chris Crosby, senior vice president of corporate development for Digital Realty, says that the survey findings "point to strong demand for data center space this year and next year as a large majority of enterprises expand their IT infrastructure." One of the most interesting results of the study is that power is now playing such a large role in expansions, Crosby says.

"Another key finding of this study is the increasing importance of data center partners in these corporate expansions," Crosby notes. "More than ever before, enterprises are turning to wholesale providers and other specialists for these data centers in order to leverage their expertise and to reduce or eliminate capital expenses."