stc partners with Juniper for 5G and data centre modernisation

Juniper Networks has announced that Saudi Telecom Company (stc) is expanding its 5G services to reach a total of 75 cities and regions. By leveraging Juniper 400G routers in its Converged Supercore network and key data centres, stc can dramatically improve network capacity, performance and scale while reducing energy use, all fully aligned with its ongoing digital transformation agenda. Additionally, incorporating automation into the infrastructure further streamlines operations and optimises efficiency, ensuring a seamless user experience. As stc planned its 5G services expansion, it needed to increase the capacity of the core network and key data centres powering its business and operational support systems for mobile, broadband, residential and B2B services. The objective was to create an elastic fabric with proven performance, able to streamline operations and simplify the network as services grow and evolve. stc prioritised the adoption of energy-efficient technology, underlining its commitment to environmental sustainability, deploying a 400G routing solution that can meet its optimised power and space requirements in support of its goals. stc uses Juniper Networks PTX10008 Packet Transport Routers to transform its Converged Supercore network. The PTX10008 router delivers 115.2Tbps capacity within a compact 13-U footprint and is 800G-ready to meet future demands. The core upgrade results in a remarkable 1,340% (14.4 times) increase in 100G capacity and an 864-port boost in 400G capacity per rack space, with a 43% reduction in watts/gig power consumption through ground-breaking silicon innovation.  stc's modernised data centre, powered by MX10008 routers, delivers a capacity of 76.8Tbps within a 13 RU form factor and is ready for 400G adoption. This modernisation effort enabled by Juniper Networks MX Series Universal Routers delivers a 384-port boost in 400G capacity per site, whilst also achieving a 90% reduction in the physical space requirements per site and an 87% decrease in watts/gig power consumption compared to previous multi-layer designs. By integrating Juniper's highly programmable PTX and MX platforms, stc can accelerate model-driven automation to streamline operations. These platforms are equipped with gRPC services, OpenConfig, NETCONF/Yang and native data models, demonstrating the solutions' simplicity and flexibility.

Davenham Switchgear launches in the UK

Davenham Switchgear, a brand of Legrand and a leading supplier of low-voltage (LV) switchgear to the hyperscale data centre market, has chosen Nottingham as the home of its new global manufacturing site. With over 40 years of expertise built at its Dublin headquarters, where around 350 staff are based, Davenham powers hyperscale data centres worldwide. The company says that its expansion into the UK marks a significant step in supporting the growing demands of global tech giants. The new 100,000ft² facility at Fairham Business Park, secured in a deal facilitated by FHP Property Consultants, on behalf of global real estate investment manager, Hines, will manufacture LV switchgear for the world’s largest data centre operators. This technology plays a crucial role in supporting AI and cloud computing ambitions. Nottingham was chosen for its excellent transport links, strong local labour market, and the availability of a high-quality facility, making it the ideal location for Davenham’s next phase of growth. The move will also create over 100 jobs, further strengthening the region’s advanced manufacturing sector. Commenting on the expansion of the company, CEO at Davenham Switchgear, Tom Nicholson, says, “We’re excited to bring Davenham Switchgear to Nottingham, with our new site opening later this year. Nottingham’s strong transport links, academic talent, and innovative business community make it the ideal location for us to expand our manufacturing capabilities. With our established reputation in Ireland for delivering cutting-edge solutions, we’re looking forward to joining the thriving business scene in Nottingham and the wider Midlands region. “If you’d like to be a part of the team, and play an essential role in driving forward a modern, digital economy of the future, we’d love to hear from you.” Securing the deal, Tim Gilbertson, Equity Director of FHP Property Consultants, adds, “The letting of over 100,000ft² in Nottingham’s foremost business location, Fairham Business Park, is a real boost for Nottingham and, indeed, the wider region. “I am delighted that we managed to secure Davenham Switchgear as an occupier, on behalf of our clients, Hines, as it will bring jobs and investment to the region and complement the strong occupier line-up already at the business park. For all parties, this is a great deal, and with other space under offer at Fairham Business Park, I look forward to bringing news of further transactions soon.” Mickey Scott, Director at Hines, notes, “I am thrilled to have completed the deal with Davenham Switchgear, adding another notable occupier to our line-up at Fairham Business Park. Having two of our three units at Fairham now let, and the other under offer, is testament to the quality of the buildings and location. We look forward to seeing more activity in 2025 at our remaining available sites in the East Midlands, Dove Valley Park and East Midlands Distribution Centre.” Talking about the impact on the city, Megan Powell-Vreeswijk, CEO at Marketing Nottingham & Nottinghamshire, concludes, “It’s fantastic that our Invest in Nottingham team have been able to support Davenham Switchgear’s expansion into the area, bringing new jobs and investment to the region. Seeing a global company, which is a specialist in its field, choose Nottingham as a base demonstrates once again the strong offer we have here.” Davenham is aiming to add electrical engineers, production managers, QHSE specialists and administration officials to its roster. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to design and manufacture bespoke, state-of-the-art technology and work alongside global, market-leading brands. For more from Legrand, click here.

Datacenter United completes acquisition of Proximus’ data centers

Datacenter United has announced the successful completion of its acquisition of four Proximus data centres, a move that significantly strengthens its position as one of Belgium’s leading independent data centre providers. This expansion increases the company’s network to 13 locations across Belgium, reinforcing its ability to provide businesses with secure, scalable and sustainable IT infrastructure. As businesses increasingly rely on colocation, hybrid cloud and high-performance connectivity solutions, Datacenter United’s expanded network will offer: - Greater capacity and redundancy to support mission-critical IT operations- Enhanced interconnectivity for seamless digital transformation- Future-proof solutions tailored to enterprises, cloud providers and technology-driven industries "The completion of this acquisition marks a key milestone for Datacenter United and for the Belgian data centre landscape," says Friso Haringsma, CEO of Datacenter United. "With 13 locations, we are better positioned than ever to support the evolving IT needs of businesses, ensuring high-performance infrastructure, operational reliability and sustainability." With the deal finalised, Datacenter United is committed to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the highest standards of service quality, security and customer support. The newly acquired facilities will be integrated into the company’s sustainability strategy, with planned investments in energy-efficient technologies and advanced cooling systems to reduce environmental impact. This acquisition follows the company’s initial announcement in October 2024 and is a testament to Datacenter United’s ongoing commitment to growth, innovation and delivering world-class data centre solutions.

Legrand introduces new Universal Input for data centres

Legrand, a global specialist in electrical and digital building infrastructures, has announced its latest innovation supporting greater scalability and flexibility in its next-generation intelligent rack PDUs with a new optional Universal Input that accepts interchangeable input power cords. The company believes that this cutting-edge feature is set to transform how data centres manage power requirements with the PRO4X and PX4 PDU models (sold under Legrand brands, Server Technology and Raritan, respectively). Compatible with PRO4X and PX4 PDU models, the Universal Input Cords (UICs) avoid the cost and complexity of mixing and matching different PDUs for worldwide installations. The Universal Input allows for quick adaptation to changing power requirements, significantly reducing both deployment times and costs. It supports interchangeable input cords in single- or three-phase input options (Delta or Wye), enabling a single PDU to be repurposed across projects in worldwide deployments with varying power needs. The new feature further enhances the ability of PRO4X and PX4 PDUs to meet data centre operators' power demands today while preparing them to address tomorrow's rack power deployments. It also offers flexibility when power requirements for a specific installation are not clear. The Universal Input is designed to be 'plug-and-play', with the input automatically recognised when attached to the PDUs. This feature can be used in a variety of applications. For example, leveraging a rack PDU already equipped with the Universal Input can make it easy for cloud providers to deliver infrastructure solutions to customer facilities, especially when it's difficult to get reliable information ahead of time on available power. Joe DeLong, VP/General Manager of Legrand's Data, Power, and Control Division, comments, "We are excited to bring this option to our intelligent rack PDUs. Universal Input is a game-changer for data centre managers operating globally or working within diverse electrical systems. "As power needs evolve, simply swapping the input cord allows the PDU to meet new requirements without replacing the entire unit. This capability is invaluable for data centres dealing with unpredictable or evolving power specifications. Universal Input transforms the PRO4X and PX4 into universal PDUs, providing one PDU that meets all rack power applications." Other key features of the Universal Input include: 45-degree angled infeed is a one-size-fits-all feature that saves money and time Global flexibility for power types and input cords Unique keyed connector provides easy and safe cord installation Cord connector to PDU is reportedly the smallest form factor in the industry, ensuring the connection to the PDU is not in the way Patented Smart Cord functionality auto recognises cord ratings when input power cords are attached to the PDU Compatibility with any regional power infrastructure, allowing the PDU to be shipped to any location worldwide For more from Legrand, click here.

ODATA to energise Mexico data centre campus

ODATA, an Aligned Data Centers company and a specialist in Latin American data centre construction and operations, has announced the energisation and expansion of critical substation and transmission infrastructure near its DC QR03 data centre campus, solving the data centre energy scarcity in Querétaro, Mexico. This establishes ODATA as the main provider in the country with the robust infrastructure required to support large and hyperscale cloud computing and AI deployments. This pivotal development is essential for the advancement of the country's digital economy. In partnership with Ammper, a Mexican multinational company focused on the energy transition and a leader in renewable energy supply, ODATA successfully energised 200 MW in the first phase of this energy project earlier this month. The energisation addresses a critical constraint on Mexico's data centres: the grid's historical lag in meeting technological demand. This achievement was made possible by significant regional infrastructure investments, including expanding a 400kV switching substation, installing 6.2 miles of transmission lines, and building two new substations. With significant expansion infrastructure already completed, the project is on track to reach 400MW. “The ability to deliver an energy solution for Querétaro's AI and cloud infrastructure demands embodies our innovation and commitment to providing customers with best-in-class IT infrastructure to support their growth,” explains Ricardo Alário, CEO of ODATA. “Simultaneously, it underscores our investment in and dedication to Mexico's digital advancement by fostering an environment that attracts leading cloud and AI providers." ODATA pioneered the development of hyperscale data centers in Mexico, addressing increasing demand for high-quality infrastructure through its rapid expansion in the country since 2020. The company now has four data centres in Mexico: two are operational (DC QR01 and DC QR02) and two are under construction (DC QR03 and DC QR04). All are located in Querétaro, except for DC QR04, which is located in Guanajuato, a technology hub with robust telecommunications infrastructure and capacity to support the IT demands of major cloud and AI providers, located just 221km from Mexico City and in close proximity to US as well. These sites are interconnected by four underground fibre routes, allowing for seamless customer expansion across multiple campuses. ODATA’s DC QR03, located in the PyME Industrial Park, is the largest data centre campus in Mexico. Once complete, it will have five buildings with a total IT capacity of 300 MW across nearly three million square feet, with a total investment of $3.3 billion. Scheduled for completion in Q2 2025, the first data centre, offering 72 MW of IT power, will be ready to support the large demands of cloud and AI providers later this year. DC QR03 also features flexible cooling technologies designed to meet the increased density requirements and rising temperatures of next-generation technologies: Delta Cube (Delta³) is a proprietary air-cooling technology that optimises high-density cooling and space utilisation while improving energy efficiency. This technology offers seamless integration with liquid cooling solutions, providing customers the flexibility to transition from air-cooled to liquid-cooled systems or deploy a hybrid cooling approach. For more from ODATA, click here.

Louth gains 80 jobs as part of Suretank diversification strategy

Suretank has announced that it is creating 80 new jobs in Louth, Ireland, by the end of  2025. The new jobs come on the back of an ambitious diversification strategy and will help the Louth company to reach revenues of €75m by year-end 2025 – up from €50m in 2024. From its own facilities, Suretank custom-designs, engineers, manufactures and ships modular and tank solutions for its highly regulated and sustainability-conscious global customer base.  In 2016, 90% of Suretank’s customers operated in the offshore oil and gas industry. Since then, spurred by a global crash in oil and gas prices and utilising its core engineering competencies and expertise, Suretank has diversified its operations. It is now servicing a wider pool of industries, with customers operating in offshore wind and other renewables, data centres, pharma, recycling and electricity grids. They span 23 countries, across five continents. The new jobs represent a significant investment from Suretank in its people and will bring the company to a team of more than 300. Suretank will hire in the areas of sales and marketing, engineering, quality assurance, operations and finance. The expanded team will provide the resources necessary to service new industries and increase capacity. The roles will be based in Suretank’s Dunleer headquarters, as well as its manufacturing facilities, all in Co. Louth. The facilities enable Suretank to build customer solutions entirely offsite before shipping and retrofitting them. This ensures greater health and safety standards for customers and the ability to meet the most stringent certifications by building in controlled environments. Martin Winters, Managing Director, Suretank, says, “This has been an exciting time for our business. We have an incredibly experienced, high-performance in-house team that includes more than 100 engineers, welders and electricians. They are the backbone to our strong reputation for excellence and innovation. It is thanks to their industry-leading expertise that we were able to ensure we meet the highest levels of certification and regulation in every industry, anywhere in the world. As a result, we always deliver on our commitments and this has enabled us to scale so seamlessly into more industries.  “Thanks to the success of our diversification strategy, we will now continue to grow our team. Our further investment in Louth will help us to meet customer demand, while also preparing for the rapid growth in operations and revenues that lies ahead.”

LINX Mombasa ready for business in Kenya

The London Internet Exchange (LINX)’s new interconnection hub, LINX Mombasa, is now ready for business. LINX Mombasa is a multi-site, interconnected Internet Exchange Point (IXP) within the iColo MBA1 and MBA2 data centres, strategically located in Kenya’s key digital gateway. The LINX operated IXP is a resilient, future-proof fabric providing a central meeting point for networks to pass their online traffic and keep it closer to the end user. This method known as peering, lowers network latency and improves overall performance and control. Mombasa is currently seeing strong growth in the interconnection market and is also one of the most internationally connected locations in Africa with seven submarine cables connecting Kenya to the entire coastline of Africa, as well as the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. The expansion of LINX’s Kenyan footprint comes just over 12 months after the company launched its first IXP on the continent, LINX Nairobi. LINX’s global expansion strategy is always to deliver value to their existing member networks while being able to make a difference to the local connectivity ecosystem – for the good of the Internet. LINX Mombasa will provide both content delivery networks and local ISPs an alternative place to interconnect with additional services available across a resilient and redundant platform. LINX Head of Global Engagement, Nurani Nimpuno, comments, “We are thrilled to be extending our synergies with iColo, with whom we have had a successful journey at LINX Nairobi. We were seeing a demand for LINX services in Mombasa when we came to Kenya, and I am very pleased we can now start delivering the same value here.” LINX will be the first IXP to have a physical presence in both locations. The technical setup will mimic the engineering at LINX Nairobi using Nokia switches. Ranjith Cherickel, Founder & CEO of iColo, remarks, “We are delighted to host LINX Mombasa at our highly connected data centre facilities; MBA1 and MBA2. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing best-in-class infrastructure and services that drive digital transformation in Africa. The new IXP will create significant opportunities for partnerships, innovation, and growth in the region.” With the additional exchange point at iColo’s Mombasa campus, the peering traffic will continue to experience an upward trajectory and Mombasa City will continue to be the Gateway to East Africa. For more from The London Internet Exchange, click here.

Explosive growth in Madrid and Barcelona data centre markets

Structure Research, an independent research firm focused on cloud and data centre infrastructure, has released its latest Madrid + Barcelona Data Centre Market Report, which reveals unprecedented growth in these emerging European markets. The report projects Madrid’s built-out data centre capacity to reach 1GW by 2030 - a sevenfold increase from 2024 - while Barcelona is expected to exceed 225MW in the same timeframe. The colocation market in Madrid is forecasted to hit €413 million (£341m) by the end of 2025, growing at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36%, while Barcelona’s colocation sector will reach €124.8 million (£103m), with a CAGR of 33.3%. This growth is largely driven by hyperscale cloud demand, increased AI workloads, and enhanced connectivity from new subsea cable investments across Iberia. “Madrid and Barcelona have rapidly become two of Europe’s most dynamic data centre markets,” says Ainsley Woods, Research Director at Structure Research. “Hyperscale cloud adoption, powered by major cloud providers, is accelerating expansion, while new subsea cable landings are transforming Iberia into a major global connectivity hub.” Key findings from the report Madrid: a hyperscale powerhouse • Madrid is set to become a 1GW market by 2030, fuelled by hyperscale cloud expansion• The colocation market will grow to €413 million in 2025, with a CAGR of 36%• Major cloud providers - including AWS, Microsoft, Google, and Oracle - have established cloud regions in Madrid, significantly increasing demand for both colocation and self-built facilities• Power constraints have delayed projects, leading some demand to shift to Milan, Zaragoza, and other Southern European markets• AI infrastructure providers, including CoreWeave, are investing in Madrid and Barcelona, leveraging Spain’s lower power costs and high renewable energy penetration Barcelona: an emerging connectivity hub • Barcelona’s data centre market is projected to grow fivefold, reaching 225MW by 2030• The city is positioning itself as an alternative connectivity hub to Marseille, benefiting from new subsea cable landings• Google Cloud and other providers are expanding their presence in Barcelona, recognising its strategic connectivity advantages Subsea cable expansion: Iberia’s rising global influence • Iberia is evolving into a major global interconnection hub, connecting Europe, Africa, and the Americas• New high-capacity subsea cables - including 2Africa, Medusa, and EllaLink - are significantly enhancing connectivity, reducing latency, and diversifying routes• Barcelona is becoming a critical subsea landing point, complementing the established cable hubs in Lisbon and Marseille Challenges and market constraints Despite its rapid growth, the Madrid and Barcelona markets face significant challenges. Power allocation bottlenecks in Madrid have delayed several projects, with some developments stalled due to supply constraints. Spain’s permitting process remains complex, creating additional barriers to expansion. With demand outpacing available supply, the market remains a seller’s market in the short term. The Madrid + Barcelona Data Centre Market Report is a valuable resource for enterprises, hyperscalers, investors, and service providers looking to capitalise on Iberia’s growing digital infrastructure ecosystem. To access the executive summary click here, or to purchase the full report, click here.For more from Structure Research, click here.

Colt DCS launches new data centre in Japan

Colt Data Centre Services, a global provider of hyperscale and large enterprise data centre technologies, has announced the launch of its new hyperscale data centre, Inzai 4, in Tokyo, Japan. This expansion is the second site developed under the joint venture between Fidelity Investments and Mitsui & Co, and this latest site reinforces Colt DCS’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for data centre capacity and public cloud services in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region. The first phase of the development is complete, with 4.8MW now operational. Once fully built, the site will deliver 20MW, increasing Colt DCS's total capacity in Inzai to 70MW. Inzai 4 is fully pre-let, which highlights the strong demand for Colt DCS’s innovations. The site was developed following Colt DCS’s Global Reference Design (GRD) guidelines. This means incorporating various low embodied carbon principles such as: reducing water waste during the cooling process, installing cooling chillers with low Global Warming Potential (GWP), and building the site structure with minimal steel and concrete usage. Colt DCS was the first provider to launch a hyperscale data centre in the Inzai area in 2011 and has continued to invest in the region, with plans already underway for its Inzai 5 facility. The area's stable bedrock, dense fibre connectivity, efficient rail links, proximity to Tokyo, and supportive local government make it a prime location for data centre expansion. Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO at Colt DCS, says, "The continued growth in digital services has created strong demand for hyperscale data centres in Japan. Inzai 4 is a testament to our commitment to meeting this demand and supporting the digital economy in the Asia-Pacific region. We are proud to contribute to the growth of the local community and remain a trusted partner for our customers worldwide." For more from Colt DCS, click here.

Fused connectors to increase system availability for data centres

Large buildings like data centres require a Building Automation System (BAS) to control Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC), lighting, power supply, core IT and security systems. The control cabinets for those subsystems are built with fused terminal blocks or circuit breakers to protect against short-circuits or overcurrent. In the event of a short circuit, fixing the fault and finding the broken fuse is a time-consuming task. The fault may be in the switch cabinet or the device itself and several control cabinets may need to be examined before the fault can be isolated. With Han Protect, HARTING has developed a new connector that simplifies protection and reduces installation space in the control cabinet. Inside the connector, there is an insulation body that adapts an M12A-coded five-pole connector and integrates a 5 x 20mm miniature fuse. In the event of a short circuit, the fuse ensures that the supply to the connected units is quickly interrupted. A red LED on the Han Protect clearly identifies the blown fuse and enables quick, tool-less replacement without opening the cabinet. Due to the external mounting of the housings, up to 30% of installation space can be saved inside the cabinet. The main advantage of Han Protect is that extensive fuse terminal blocks are no longer required. The control units remain protected, Mean Time To Repair (MTTR) is reduced, and system availability is increased.To learn more about HARTING’s connectivity technology and pre-assembled cabling systems for data centres, visit the company on stand DC-536 at Data Centre World at London Excel, taking place on 12-13 March. As well as Han Protect, HARTING will be demonstrating its Han-Eco connectors, which improve energy efficiency by up to 50% by minimising the power lost in connections. The company will also be showing the ORV3 OCP Input Power Connector, which was developed alongside the Open Compute Project. It enables a more compact design for data centre infrastructure thanks to its shallower rack system. - To learn more about Han Protect and request a free sample, click here. For more from HARTING, click here.