Manos has been a champion of containerized data centers like those being used on a large scale at Microsoft's new data center in Chicago. Containerized data centers pack servers and other compute gear into shipping containers, and they can help companies boost energy efficiency or delay the need to construct new data centers.

Manos is also a frequent speaker at industry conferences on energy efficiency and other data center topics. He is also a proponent of building data centers in a more modular, standardized way, where mechanical and electrical components are designed and can then be reused in a "cookie-cutter" fashion.

Digital Realty said Dave Caron, senior vice president for portfolio management, will oversee technical operations, and Jim Smith, chief technology officer, will oversee design and construction on an interim basis, both effective Feb. 1.

There was no mention of Manos' departure Friday in his .