Ciena to acquire Nubis Communications in $270m deal

Ciena, an American networking systems and software company, has announced an agreement to acquire Nubis Communications, a privately held company based in New Providence, New Jersey, USA, in an all-cash transaction valued at $270 million (£199 million). Nubis specialises in high-performance, low-power optical and electrical interconnects designed to support artificial intelligence (AI) workloads. The acquisition is hoped to strengthen Ciena’s data centre strategy by adding new technologies and expanding its engineering expertise. Expanding data centre interconnect capabilities Nubis’ technology is focused on increasing scale and density inside the data centre to handle growing AI traffic. Its portfolio includes: • Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) and Near Packaged Optics (NPO) — high-density optical modules capable of 6.4 Tb/s full-duplex bandwidth, optimised for low-latency, low-power operation. Combined with Ciena’s SerDes, these engines enable advanced interconnects for rack-to-rack and in-rack connectivity. • Electrical Active Copper Cables (ACC) — analogue electronics that extend copper connectivity up to 4 metres at 200 Gb/s per lane, offering a low-power, low-latency alternative to traditional copper or DSP-based approaches. In addition, more than 50 Nubis engineers will join Ciena’s research and development team, strengthening its technical capabilities inside the data centre. David Rothenstein, Chief Strategy Officer at Ciena, says, “The acquisition of Nubis represents a significant step forward in Ciena’s strategy to address the rapidly growing demand for scalable, high-performance connectivity inside the data centre, driven by the explosive growth of AI-related traffic. "With ownership of these key technologies for a wider range of use cases inside the data centre, we are expanding our competitive advantage by advancing development of differentiated solutions, reducing development costs, and driving long-term efficiency and profitability.” Dan Harding, CEO of Nubis, adds, “The Nubis team is thrilled to join Ciena and enhance its portfolio with our interconnect technologies. Together, we will advance Ciena's data centre strategy by delivering reliable and high-performance solutions to support the next generation of AI workloads.” Transaction details The acquisition has been approved by the boards of both companies and Nubis shareholders. It includes customary purchase price adjustments for cash, debt, and working capital, along with employee retention arrangements. The deal is expected to close during Ciena’s fiscal fourth quarter of 2025, subject to standard closing conditions. For more from Ciena, click here.

Renewables key to public support for DCs, says report

A new poll has found that public support for UK data centre development depends heavily on the use of renewable energy. The research, carried out by YouGov for net zero communications agency Alpaca Communications and supported by TechUK, shows that while most people are in favour of new data centres, they are cautious about their environmental and social impact. Renewables drive public approval According to the findings, 75% of respondents support data centres powered by renewable energy. This drops to 40% for nuclear power and just 20% for fossil fuels. The report, Powering the Fourth Industrial Revolution, identifies renewable energy as the strongest driver of support. Sustainability concerns, including the environmental impact of construction (40%) and ongoing operations (28%), ranked as key public priorities, alongside cyber security (35%) and cost (28%). By contrast, appearance (15%) and distance from homes (24%) were lower priorities. Despite the role data centres play in everyday life - from NHS records to online banking, streaming, and AI - awareness remains low. Only 8% of people say they “know a lot” about data centres, while 27% have never heard of them. Even among 18–24 year olds, often viewed as the most digitally engaged, just 3% claim to know much about the sector. National support drops at local level The research highlights a gap between national and local support. More than half of people (52%) back additional data centres across the UK, but this falls to 44% when projects are located near their communities. The report argues that developers can address this by making projects relatable to communities, highlighting benefits such as jobs, training, digital access, and investment in local infrastructure. AI, another driver of demand for data centres, also divides opinion. While most people have heard of it, only 18% feel positive about its impact on the UK compared with 42% who feel negative. Sector urged to focus on trust and sustainability Peter Elms, Founder and Director at Alpaca Communications, says, “Data centres are the critical infrastructure powering the UK’s AI revolution, but they’re invisible to the public. The sector has a choice: keep quiet and risk opposition, or go green, engage locally, and earn trust.” Luisa Cardani, Head of Data Centres Programme at TechUK, adds, “With data centres contributing £4.7 billion annually to the UK economy and supporting 43,000 jobs, the industry must now make sustainability central. The message from the public is clear: renewable power is the only option.” The report concludes that to secure public support, data centres need to be explained in clear, relatable terms; powered sustainably; and developed in partnership with local communities. With demand for AI and digital services rising, the research points to an opportunity for the technology and energy sectors to align infrastructure with public expectations.

Schneider Electric unveils AI DC reference designs

Schneider Electric, a French multinational specialising in energy management and industrial automation, has announced new data centre reference designs developed with NVIDIA, aimed at supporting AI-ready infrastructure and easing deployment for operators. The designs include integrated power management and liquid cooling controls, with compatibility for NVIDIA Mission Control, the company’s AI factory orchestration software. They also support deployment of NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 racks with densities of up to 142kW per rack. Integrated power and cooling management The first reference design provides a framework for combining power management and liquid cooling systems, including Motivair technologies. It is designed to work with NVIDIA Mission Control to help manage cluster and workload operations. This design can also be used alongside Schneider Electric’s other data centre blueprints for NVIDIA Grace Blackwell systems, allowing operators to manage the power and liquid cooling requirements of accelerated computing clusters. A second reference design sets out a framework for AI factories using NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 racks in a single data hall. It covers four technical areas: facility power, cooling, IT space, and lifecycle software, with versions available under both ANSI and IEC standards. Deployment and performance focus According to Schneider Electric, operators are facing significant challenges in deploying GPU-accelerated AI infrastructure at scale. Its designs are intended to speed up rollout and provide consistency across high-density deployments. Jim Simonelli, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Schneider Electric, says, “Schneider Electric is streamlining the process of designing, deploying, and operating advanced, AI infrastructure with its new reference designs. "Our latest reference designs, featuring integrated power management and liquid cooling controls, are future-ready, scalable, and co-engineered with NVIDIA for real-world applications - enabling data centre operators to keep pace with surging demand for AI.” Scott Wallace, Director of Data Centre Engineering at NVIDIA, adds, “We are entering a new era of accelerated computing, where integrated intelligence across power, cooling, and operations will redefine data centre architectures. "With its latest controls reference design, Schneider Electric connects critical infrastructure data with NVIDIA Mission Control, delivering a rigorously validated blueprint that enables AI factory digital twins and empowers operators to optimise advanced accelerated computing infrastructure.” Features of the controls reference design The controls system links operational technology and IT infrastructure using a plug-and-play approach based on the MQTT protocol. It is designed to provide: • Standardised publishing of power management and liquid cooling data for use by AI management software and enterprise systems• Management of redundancy across cooling and power distribution equipment, including coolant distribution units and remote power panels• Guidance on measuring AI rack power profiles, including peak power and quality monitoring Reference design for NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 The NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 reference design supports clusters of up to 142kW per rack. A data hall based on this design can accommodate three clusters powered by up to 1,152 GPUs, using liquid-to-liquid coolant distribution units and high-temperature chillers. The design incorporates Schneider Electric’s ETAP and EcoStruxure IT Design CFD models, enabling operators to create digital twins for testing and optimisation. It builds on earlier blueprints for the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72, reflecting Schneider Electric’s ongoing collaboration with NVIDIA. The company now offers nine AI reference designs covering a range of scenarios, from prefabricated modules and retrofits to purpose-built facilities for NVIDIA GB200 and GB300 NVL72 clusters. For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

Panduit launches EL2P intelligent PDU

Panduit, a manufacturer of electrical and network infrastructure solutions, has introduced the EL2P Intelligent Power Distribution Unit (iPDU), designed to improve power management in mission-critical data centre environments. With rising rack power densities driven by artificial intelligence (AI) workloads and broader digital transformation, the EL2P series provides data centre operators with tools to maintain uptime, optimise capacity, and support sustainability goals. Key aspects of the product include metering accuracy of ±0.5%, advanced cybersecurity, flexible outlet configurations, and integrated environmental sensing. Features and capabilities The EL2P iPDU includes an integrated colour touchscreen with an automatic interface rotation for different installation orientations, intended to improve usability for technicians. Its hot-swappable controller and display module allow servicing or upgrades without interrupting power, reducing downtime risks. The outlets are designed to provide flexibility by supporting multiple configurations (C13, C15, C19, or C21) within a single unit. The iPDU also supports extended operating temperatures up to 60°C, making it suitable for high-density racks and constrained edge environments. Cybersecurity is addressed with compliance to UL 2900-1 and IEC 62443-4-2 standards, secure code signing, 802.1x authentication, and a USGv6-certified IPv6 stack. Additional functions include: • Dual 1Gb Ethernet with daisy-chain capability – enabling up to 64 iPDUs to share one IP address and switch port• Native Cisco Nexus Dashboard integration – providing energy and sustainability insights without external hardware• Secure Zero Touch Provisioning (sZTP) – for faster configuration and scalable deployment• Redfish and RESTful API integration – ensuring compatibility with DCIM and cloud platforms Available in single- and three-phase models, the EL2P series offers input capacities from 5kVA to 43.5kVA and comes with dual-rated approvals for both North America and EMEA. Martin Kandziora, Senior Marketing Manager EMEA at Panduit, says, “The EL2P is a direct response to our customers’ demand for intelligent power management that simplifies installation, enhances security, and provides the granular visibility needed to future-proof operations. "It combines cutting-edge features like hot-swappable controllers, dual 1Gb Ethernet, and best-in-class metering accuracy in a single platform.” Panduit says the EL2P series is designed for colocation providers requiring tenant-level billing, hyperscale and cloud operators demanding high-density outlet configurations, and enterprises seeking scalable and secure power distribution. For more from Panduit, click here.

TBM's Excellence Forum returns to Washington

TBM Group, a US business event organiser, has announced the return of the Excellence in Data Center Construction, Design, and Engineering Forum for its second edition, taking place on 27–28 January 2026 in Washington D.C., USA. This premier event will bring together leading data centre operators, cloud service providers, construction and engineering firms, technology innovators, and regulatory representatives to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the next generation of data centres. Through expert presentations, panel discussions, and real-world case studies, attendees will explore innovative design strategies, energy efficiency, sustainability solutions, and compliance with evolving US regulations. As AI, cloud computing, and edge technologies accelerate demand, this forum provides a vital platform to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and foster collaboration for future-ready digital infrastructure.

DataPro+ launches job board and social network

DataPro+ has launched what it describes as the first AI-powered job board and professional network dedicated to the global data centre industry. The platform features more than 7,500 live job listings from employers worldwide and a pre-registered community of over 40,000 professionals. Alongside recruitment, it offers a closed professional network for the industry, providing space for knowledge sharing, news, and career development. Features of the platform DataPro+ combines job listings with AI-driven tools and professional networking. Key functions include: • AI job matching to connect candidates and roles more quickly• Global job aggregation to provide a single access point for industry opportunities• Automated distribution of vacancies across aggregators, social channels, and newsletters, with optimisation for reach and applications• Performance tracking to boost jobs where they receive the best engagement• Exclusive community features for data centre professionals to connect and share updates• Industry hub tools including job alerts, events, and insights• Next-generation support for students, graduates, and apprentices exploring career paths in the sector Josh Young, Managing Director of DataPro+, says, “Our vision with DataPro+ is bigger than just jobs. We’re building the first dedicated hub where the data centre workforce can not only find opportunities, but also connect, share ideas, and strengthen the next generation of talent. "Our AI technology ensures jobs don’t just sit on a site; they’re actively distributed, optimised, and delivered to the right professionals. LinkedIn is for everyone, DataPro+ is for our industry.” Employers can advertise roles and access branding, marketing, and sponsorship packages to reach the industry workforce. DataPro+ says early sponsors will gain enhanced visibility across the platform’s job board, community, and news channels.

CDM unveils DC platforms for the AI era

Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM), an AI-era modular data centre solutions company drawing on Compu Dynamics’ two decades of comprehensive data centre expertise, has launched two modular data centre solutions engineered to overcome the toughest data centre bottlenecks: ultra-high density, rapid deployment, and seamless scaling across edge to core. The CDM L Series is purpose built and optimised for AI learning/training and ultra-high-density workloads, and the CDM I Series is an all-in-one solution designed for AI inference at the edge. Ron Mann, Vice President of Compu Dynamics Modular, comments, “With AI pushing traditional infrastructure limits and no end in sight, we’ve developed two unique, purpose-built modular data centre solutions for learning, inference, and edge. Designed for efficiency and flexibility, these solutions ensure our customers never have to compromise. CDM is redefining the possibilities of modular data centres, and our products are built to handle the requirements of tomorrow’s landscape.” As AI workloads grow exponentially, CDM believes that traditional data centres are increasingly falling short in terms of meeting speed, density, and flexibility requirements. CDM’s two new platforms will address this challenge by offering customers solutions for both AI and edge workloads, which demand different densities, scales, and deployment models. “These innovative new platforms are the result of 20-plus years of expertise in data centre design and deployment,” states Steve Altizer, President and CEO of Compu Dynamics. “The Compu Dynamics Modular team has created two much-needed solutions that are built to grow and evolve with the applications they support.” Features of the CDM L Series include:• Purpose built and optimized for ultra-high density AI workloads• Engineered for 50–250+ kW per rack• Scalable from 1.5 to 3+ MW• Dual-module architecture, delivering powerful performance for next-generation AI applications• Ideal for hyperscale, colocation, and GPU-intensive environments• Designed and built in the USA• Customisable base module and open OEM integration Features of the CDM I Series include: • Designed for edge deployments requiring fewer AI racks, or lower IT density per module• Engineered for 50–250+ kW per rack• Supports up to 500 kW per module with air cooling and 1+ MW with combined air and liquid cooling• Compact, all-in-one architecture to reduce space, streamline deployment and reduce complexity• Ideal for telecom, healthcare, education, and government sectors• Designed and built in the USA• Customisable base module and open OEM integration Both platforms also offer fast, flexible deployment and seamless scalability, as well as being technology neutral, supporting multiple IT hardware and infrastructure OEM equipment sources with no vendor lock-in. CDM provides full-service, end-to-end support for these platforms, from evaluation to delivery and ongoing preventive maintenance. The company’s turnkey and vendor-neutral approach to modular solutions accelerates deployment while reducing costs. With this launch, CDM says that it is empowering customers to face the AI era fully prepared and confident in the company's infrastructure. For more from Compu Dynamics Modular, click here.

Duos deploys fifth edge data centre

Duos Technologies Group, through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI, a provider of adaptive, versatile and streamlined edge data centre (EDC) solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment, has announced its latest data centre deployment towards its anticipated goal of 15 deployments by the year's end. The latest EDC is in partnership with Dumas Independent School District to deploy an on-premise EDC in Dumas, Texas. This project marks another milestone in Duos Edge AI’s expansion into rural communities, providing low-latency compute and connectivity that directly support K-12 education and regional growth. The Dumas ISD edge data centre will serve as a localised hub for real-time data processing, enabling advanced educational tools, stronger digital infrastructure, and improved connectivity for students and staff across the district. “As Director of Information Technology for Dumas ISD, I am excited about our partnership with Duos Edge AI,” says Raymond Brady, Director of Information Technology at Dumas ISD. “This collaboration brings direct, on premise access to a cutting-edge data centre, an extraordinary opportunity for a rural community like Dumas. It will significantly strengthen the district’s technology capabilities and support our mission of achieving academic excellence through collaboration with students, parents, and the community. I look forward to working with Duos Edge AI as we continue to provide innovative technology for our students and staff, ensuring every student is prepared for success.” “This partnership with Dumas ISD is a perfect example of how edge technology can create lasting impact in rural communities,” adds Doug Recker, newly appointed President of Duos Technologies Group and the founder of subsidiary, Duos Edge AI. “By placing powerful computing infrastructure directly on campus, we’re helping schools like Dumas unlock real-time digital tools that drive student achievement, workforce readiness, and community growth.” This deployment is part of Duos Edge AI’s broader 2025 plan to establish 15 modular EDCs nationwide, with a focus on underserved and high-growth markets. By locating advanced computing infrastructure closer to end users, Duos Edge AI ensures reliable, secure, and scalable technological access for schools, healthcare facilities, and local communities. For more from Duos Edge, click here.

Microgrids are key to accelerating DC growth, research finds

A combination of renewables, grid balancing engines and energy storage make for the most cost-effective microgrids to power data centres, while also cutting emissions and providing vital grid balancing to enable the energy transition, according to a new research paper from technology group Wärtsilä and energy solutions business AVK. The paper, Data centre dispatchable capacity: a major opportunity for Europe’s energy transition, provides new analysis on how data centre microgrids can reduce grid infrastructure spending, emissions and wasted energy, while providing a balanced path for the energy transition.The analysis finds that powering the data centres across Europe by optimised microgrids could create a significant bank of dispatchable power, supporting the entire continent’s energy transition. The rapid growth of AI is driving increased demand for data centres across Europe, which is expected to increase by 250% by 2030, from 10GW to 35GW. With the continent’s grid facing constraints from high energy prices and bloated grid connection queues, data centre operators are increasingly turning to off-grid solutions to power these energy-intensive assets. Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä, says, “The growth of AI over recent years has been extraordinary, and as it continues to transform the way we live and work, it drives a need for more energy. This is causing significant challenges for grid operators across Europe, who are struggling with rising costs and up to a 10-year waiting time for a grid connection. “By investing in microgrids, data centres can sidestep energy constraints, and with the right technology mix of renewables, grid balancing engines and energy storage, can ensure their emissions profiles and costs do not outweigh the huge benefits that AI brings. AVK CEO Ben Pritchard comments, “The answer to the challenges we face in combatting climate change is as much to do with changing behaviours as developing new technologies. And the key to behavioural change is the recognition that there are different ways of doing things. The solutions outlined in this paper are not impractical; they are based on real-world cases and calculations. All that’s needed to make them more widespread is for investors, operators, equipment suppliers, planners, policy makers to recognise the widespread benefits that sharing dispatchable data centre capacity with the grid can bring and pass that knowledge on.” In addition to benefits created by microgrids, engine power plants bring cost efficiencies to data centre power generation. Modelling an 80MW data centre, a combination of engine power plants, renewables, and energy storage provides the lowest levelised cost of electricity – at 108 EUR/MWh – in comparison to three other real-world scenarios. It also offers a low emissions scenario in comparison to the other modelled scenarios, and particularly in comparison to gas turbines. The emissions of engine power plants can also decrease as sustainable fuels become commercially available. “Through investing in flexibility, microgrids can have the lowest possible cost, while cutting emissions dramatically compared to other pathways including turbines. This flexibility can have a significant, positive impact on the continent’s digital and energy transition,” Anders Lindberg states. On current trajectories, 40% of existing AI data centres will be operationally constrained by power availability by 2027. Microgrids can take this new strain off the grid in the short term and when grid connection is achieved, excess energy generated can be sold. As well as furthering cost reductions for data centre operators, this can provide vital flexibility to Europe's power challenges. Read the new research paper by clicking here. For more from AVK, click here.

Quantum-AI data centre opens in New York City

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) and Digital Realty today announced the launch of the first Quantum-AI Data Centre in New York City, located at Digital Realty’s JFK10 facility and built with NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips. - Quantum-AI Data Centre: OQC and Digital Realty are working with NVIDIA to integrate superconducting quantum computers and AI supercomputing under one roof, creating a data centre built for the Quantum-AI era. - Landmark deployment and integration: OQC’s GENESIS quantum computer will integrate NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchips to become the first-ever quantum computing system deployed in New York City. OQC plans to integrate its quantum hardware with NVIDIA accelerated computing to support the scalability of future systems. - Quantum-AI at scale: Embedded within Digital Realty’s global platform, PlatformDIGITAL, OQC is delivering secure, interconnected Quantum-AI infrastructure to power breakthroughs from Wall Street to Security – a central pillar of the UK–US tech trade Partnership to be announced.The Quantum-AI Data Centre brings together OQC’s quantum computing, NVIDIA accelerated AI hardware, and Digital Realty’s cutting-edge global infrastructure, eliminating geographical and infrastructure barriers to enable businesses to harness the power of quantum compute and AI. This initiative allows enterprises to access an integrated environment where quantum computing powers the AI revolution: enabling faster model training, more efficient data generation, and transformative applications in finance and security. The system features OQC GENESIS, a logical-era quantum computer, installed within Digital Realty’s secure JFK10 site – the first-ever quantum computer installed within a New York City data centre. Integrated with NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchips, the platform provides a launchpad for hybrid workloads and enterprise adoption at scale. OQC expects that future GENESIS systems will ship with NVIDIA accelerated computing as standard, building on its earlier collaboration integrating the NVIDIA CUDA-Q platform and providing developers seamless tools to build hybrid quantum-AI applications. “This Quantum-AI Data Centre demonstrates how quantum can drive the AI revolution - securely, practically, and at scale - while strengthening the UK–US technology alliance.” says Gerald Mullally, CEO of OQC. “Leveraging Digital Realty’s infrastructure and NVIDIA supercomputing, we are redefining enterprise computing for finance and security.” “Digital Realty’s mission has always been to enable the world’s most innovative technologies by providing secure, interconnected infrastructure at global scale,” adds Andy Power, President & CEO of Digital Realty. “By working with OQC, we’re using NVIDIA supercomputing to make Quantum-AI directly accessible in one of the world’s most important data hubs - empowering enterprises and governments to unlock new levels of performance and resilience.” Science Minister Patrick Vallance comments, “Quantum computing could transform everything - from speeding up drug discovery to supercharging clean energy so we can cut bills. The economic prize is enormous, with £212 billion expected to flow into the UK economy by 2045 and tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs on offer. OQC’s launch of the first quantum computer in New York City showcases British tech excellence and strengthens our transatlantic ties. And the industry’s first quantum-AI data centre will put British innovation at the heart of next-gen computing - delivering speed, scale and security to tackle problems today’s tech is yet to grasp." Applications and impact By integrating quantum computing with NVIDIA AI supercomputing inside a secure enterprise-grade data centre, OQC and Digital Realty are creating a platform that will unlock new possibilities across critical sectors: Finance: Faster and more accurate risk modelling, portfolio optimisation, fraud detection, and derivatives pricing, delivering competitive advantage in the world’s most data-intensive markets. Security: Advanced material simulation, logistics optimisation, and decision-making under uncertainty, strengthening resilience in mission-critical domains. Quantum for AI: Quantum computing will unlock new frontiers for AI itself, from accelerating model training and efficient data generation to emerging quantum machine learning applications with transformative impact across industries. “This milestone shows the strength of a British tech leader scaling globally through international collaboration,” says Jack Boyer, Chair of OQC. “Working with Digital Realty and using NVIDIA supercomputing here in the United States, OQC demonstrates how the UK and US can lead together in the responsible deployment of frontier technologies for finance and security” “The UK–US technology alliance is vital to ensuring that powerful new capabilities like quantum computing protect our nations, improve our prosperity, and are developed securely and in line with democratic values,” remarks Sir Jeremy Fleming, OQC Board member and former Director of GCHQ. “This deployment combines British innovation and American infrastructure, and brings NVIDIA’s AI leadership to deliver trusted computing power for the most critical applications.” Proven technology and roadmap OQC is reportedly the only quantum computing company with live deployments into colocated data centres: OQC already has systems operating in London and Tokyo, and now in New York. Its patented dual-rail Dimon qubit technology represents a breakthrough in error suppression, reducing the hardware overheads needed for error-corrected qubits and accelerating the path to fault-tolerant quantum computing. OQC has set a market leading roadmap – in collaboration with Digital Realty – to deliver scalable, commercially viable systems, with near-term impact in finance, defence, and AI. As a British champion of quantum computing, OQC is committed to building systems that drive both commercial advantage and national resilience. For more from Digital Realty, click here.