LINX announces major upgrades at IXP in Riyadh

The London Internet Exchange (LINX), an internet exchange point (IXP) operator of digital infrastructure, has upgraded its network at the interconnection hub it powers in Saudi Arabia for data centre and digital enabler center3, a subsidiary of the STC Group. Essential upgrades were carried out to increase the availability of 100GE ports following customer demand as well as to enable the interconnection point with 400GE connectivity services. These upgrades mark a milestone in the evolution of the IXP in Riyadh, which has reportedly become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s digital infrastructure since its launch in 2024. Located at the Remal facility (RDC102), the exchange is now poised to meet the growing demand for high-capacity, low-latency interconnection services from global networks, content providers, and enterprises. “Demand for high-speed, resilient connectivity in the Kingdom continues to grow, and these upgrades ensure that the Riyadh IXP remains at the forefront of regional interconnection,” says Halil Kama, Director for the Middle East at LINX. “By enabling 400GE capabilities and expanding 100GE availability, we’re empowering networks to scale efficiently and deliver superior performance to end users." The enhancements align with the broader vision to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda, which places digital transformation at the heart of national development. center3 also recently announced that they are accelerating their data centre expansion, targeting 1 GW of total capacity by 2030 to support the growth in the region’s broader digital transformation. With over $3 billion (£2.2 billion) already invested and an additional $10 billion (£7.38 billion) planned, the company says it is building a "next-generation, carrier-neutral data centre ecosystem." Since the inception of the LINX-powered IXP in Jeddah, which launched in 2019, the partnership between LINX and center3 has been playing a role in shaping the Kingdom’s interconnection landscape. For more from LINX, click here.

Equinix explores new energy sources for DCs

Equinix, a digital infrastructure company, is working with alternative energy providers to secure reliable electricity for its global network of AI-ready data centres, including facilities in Europe. The company’s diversified energy strategy combines traditional utility arrangements with new on-site power generation, fuel cells, and next-generation nuclear energy. According to the International Energy Agency, global electricity demand is forecast to rise by 4% annually through 2027, driven by electrification, artificial intelligence, and industrial growth. This increase is placing pressure on utilities and ageing grids, highlighting the need for new energy infrastructure to support expanding data centre operations. Equinix says it is investing in grid upgrades with utility partners, including new substations and backup systems designed to improve reliability during outages. The company is also expanding its use of fuel cells and natural gas for on-site generation, while supporting the development of advanced nuclear technologies to provide clean, stable power in the future. “Access to round-the-clock electricity is critical to support the infrastructure that powers everything from AI-driven drug discovery to cloud-based video streaming,” says Raouf Abdel, Executive Vice President of Global Operations at Equinix. “As energy demand increases, we believe we have an opportunity and responsibility to support the development of reliable, sustainable, scalable energy infrastructure that can support our collective future.” Equinix has signed agreements with several nuclear developers: • Oklo – Agreement to procure 500MW from next-generation Aurora fast reactors• Radiant – Preorder of 20 Kaleidos microreactors, designed for rapid deployment• ULC-Energy with Rolls-Royce SMR – Letter of Intent for up to 250MWe in the Netherlands• Stellaria – Agreement for 500MWe using molten salt Breed & Burn technology Equinix has also expanded its use of advanced fuel cells through a long-term agreement with Bloom Energy, covering more than 100MW across 19 US data centres. Ali Ruckteschler, Senior Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer at Equinix, comments, “The potential challenges to powering reliable and sustainable digital infrastructure are considerable. "However, Equinix has always been at the forefront of energy innovation, signing the data centre industry’s first agreement with a SMR provider and pioneering the use of fuel cells a decade ago.” Equinix says it remains committed to sourcing 100% renewable energy by 2030 and reported 96% global renewable coverage in 2024, with 250 sites already running entirely on clean energy. The company is also expanding the use of liquid cooling technologies and adopting ASHRAE A1 Allowable standards to improve operational efficiency. For more from Equinix, click here.

ODATA opens fourth hyperscale DC in Mexico

ODATA, a Latin American data centre provider and part of Aligned Data Centers, has launched its QR04 hyperscale data centre near San Miguel de Allende in the Querétaro region. The facility expands ODATA’s network in Mexico to four interconnected sites, designed to support the increasing demand for cloud computing and artificial intelligence services. The interconnected model allows customers to operate across multiple locations with built-in redundancy, supporting reliable cloud and AI operations. The company has focused on addressing one of Mexico’s key infrastructure challenges - namely consistent power supply - to strengthen its position in the country’s hyperscale market. “With QR04, we reaffirm our investment in Mexico and our commitment to our global customers,” says Ricardo Alário, CEO of ODATA. “Our expanded regional presence provides a solid foundation for the sustained growth of cloud and artificial intelligence in the country as well as across Latin America. "Just three months after inaugurating DC QR03, we’ve already begun expanding that facility and have launched DC QR04. Our continued investment across all our campuses demonstrates our commitment to staying ahead of the curve and anticipating the technological needs of the future.” QR04 has a planned total IT capacity of 24MW, with the first 12MW now operational. It features Aligned Data Centers’ patented Delta Cube (Delta³) air-cooling system, designed to maximise thermal efficiency and support power densities of up to 50kW per rack using air cooling alone. The system captures and removes heat at source rather than distributing cold air through the data hall, and can be integrated with liquid cooling for high-density AI, machine learning, and high-performance computing workloads. The site also uses a closed-loop water cooling system, enabling continuous water reuse and minimising environmental impact whilst maintaining a low Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE). The facility is already in service for hyperscale customers, reflecting growing demand for high-density data infrastructure in Mexico. Its construction has reportedly created more than 1,500 local jobs. For more from ODATA, click here.

Gateway Fiber deploys Perle IOLAN Console Servers

Gateway Fiber, an internet service provider (ISP) serving communities in Missouri, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and North Dakota, USA, has strengthened its remote management capabilities by deploying Perle IOLAN Console Servers across its network. The company operates micro data centres, also known as points of presence (PoP) sites, which are essential for delivering high-speed internet. The IOLAN Console Servers provide out-of-band access, enabling administrators to remotely manage and troubleshoot equipment. This aims to reduce downtime and allow rapid response to service issues. According to Jeff Shilt, Senior Network Engineer at Gateway Fiber, the team had considered Cisco terminal servers with LTE routers but found the approach too costly. The IOLAN units, with integrated cellular connectivity, reportedly offered a more affordable option. “The IOLAN Console Server gives the ultimate back door connectivity,” says Jeff. “When we’ve had a fibre cut or we lose access, we come in via the LTE and use the serial console ports to get into our equipment.” The devices also support maintenance and upgrades. “When we must do firmware updates, we can access the equipment via an LTE interface, as if we were physically there. This makes the process easier and safer,” Jeff explains. They also allow engineers to guide field technicians remotely during hardware changes, intending to reduce travel requirements and associated costs. Gateway Fiber continues to expand its fibre-to-the-home network to meet growing data demands. “Any new cabinet we build is going to have an IOLAN in it for out-of-band access, and they’re awesome for that. I mean, they’re just perfect,” continues Jeff. John Feeney, Chief Operating Officer at Perle Systems, comments, “We are thrilled to support Gateway Fiber in [its] mission to provide reliable, high-speed internet to underserved communities. "Our IOLAN Console Servers are designed to offer robust and secure remote access, ensuring that Gateway Fiber can maintain their high standards of service and quickly address any network issues.”

New internet exchange in São Paulo

DE-CIX, an operator of internet exchanges (IXs), has started to operate its peering and interconnection services in São Paulo, Brazil. The new internet exchange, DE-CIX Sao Paulo, is distributed across three data centres: Equinix SP4, Elea SPO1, and Ascenty SP4. The company is already onboarding the first 20 customers in the region, including TBC Azion Technologies. With the start of operations, companies now have access to local peering, network interconnection, and remote peering, as well as cloud exchange and multi-cloud routing functionalities. Customers can gain direct and private access to cloud providers both locally and remotely, allowing cloud-to-cloud communication and facilitating their digital business with, what DE-CIX claims to be, "low-latency and high-performance connectivity." By joining the exchange, companies can connect directly to thousands of network operators (carriers), internet service providers (ISPs), cloud and content providers, and corporate networks from more than 100 countries worldwide. "With our high-performance, secure, and scalable interconnection services, we enhance local interconnection, creating a more resilient and globally integrated interconnection ecosystem in São Paulo," claims Ivo Ivanov, CEO of DE-CIX. "Being a part of the global DE-CIX ecosystem offers the potential of an enormous diversity of networks now accessible in the city. "The growing digital economy in Brazil requires state-of-the-art connectivity, ensuring that data exchange takes place fast, efficiently, and securely, as local as possible and as global as necessary. The new IX opens up a complementary offering that further enriches the country as the second largest market in the world in terms of number of networks." The new internet exchange is integrated into DE-CIX’s global ecosystem through connections to IXs in New York, Lisbon, Madrid, and Frankfurt (the largest IX in Europe). The connectivity takes advantage of several transatlantic routes via the Atlantic South-North and South-South connectivity corridors. This will allow connected Brazilian networks to reach thousands of local, regional, and international networks that together form the largest interconnection ecosystem in the world. Rafael Umann, CEO of Azion, comments, "Azion operates one of the most distributed and advanced infrastructures in the world, with a presence in over 100 data centres. Our platform ensures resilience, security, and performance for critical and AI workloads. "Through interconnection with DE-CIX, we guarantee our customers access to the best infrastructure on the market and further expand our global network to deliver low latency and high availability to our clients, regardless of user location." For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Frankfurt becomes 1GW DC market, closing in on London

The colocation data centre market in Frankfurt grew past the 1GW mark in Q2 2025 and narrowed the gap with London, Europe’s largest market, in the process. According to new research from US commercial real estate company CBRE, the Frankfurt market closed at 1.02GW in the second quarter, including 26MW of new capacity. Frankfurt, Europe’s second-largest market, is now just 114MW smaller than London, the largest market since CBRE initiated coverage of colocation data centres in 1999. Over the past decade, the supply of Frankfurt has grown 20% per annum, on a compounded basis. The growth of Germany’s financial capital has largely been driven by hyperscalers and digital service providers whose investment has led to new developments in the metro area and expansion efforts in submarkets such as Offenbach. “Frankfurt’s growth is remarkable given the difficulties providers are having securing the necessary power, appropriate land, and the regulation that providers must consider within the city,” comments Andrew Jay, Head of Data Centre Solutions, Europe at CBRE. “Nevertheless, interest in Frankfurt remains particularly high, driven by the need to deliver digital services, as well as keeping sought-after supply away from competitors.” Dirk Turek, Associate Director, European Data Centre Research at CBRE, adds, “Frankfurt’s high growth period began in 2019, when hyperscalers expanded their presence in the market. "Frankfurt’s growth potential is still relatively high, though additional demand is unlikely to be met by providers in the city’s largest data centre clusters, given electricity grid constraints. Established submarkets in Frankfurt will grow, albeit slowly, while new submarkets are formed.” For more from CBRE, click here.

Globalgig ranks on Inc. 5000 for sixth year running

Globalgig, a provider of globally managed communication and connectivity systems, has been named on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies for the sixth year in succession. The company, which manages communication and connectivity services worldwide, was ranked 3,808, with revenue growth of 99%. It joins a small group of US businesses noted for sustained expansion. Over the past year, Globalgig has expanded its AI-based network management and security services, aimed at supporting distributed workforces and addressing cyber threats. Its updated managed security offering provides organisations with adaptive, data-led networks. The past three years have seen the company widen its service portfolio, improve operational efficiency, and recruit additional staff. A key development has been the launch of Orchestra, an AI platform designed for inventory management and reporting across all services. Orchestra Insight, the analytics engine within the platform, delivers real-time network intelligence across IT systems. Features include contextual monitoring, automation tools, and configurable dashboards, giving a single view of network performance, security status, and risk across legacy and newer devices, cloud services, and security tools. “This recognition reflects our team’s strong commitment to solving today’s challenges while helping enterprises prepare for the future,” says Ernest Cunningham, CEO of Globalgig. “At Globalgig, we focus on delivering outcomes that empower organisations to grow, adapt, and succeed. As technologies like agentic AI continue to reshape the business landscape, we are helping our clients build the capabilities they need to stay ahead. "This includes unifying legacy and modern networks, and providing real-time visibility across devices, clouds, and applications.”

365 Data Centers collaborates with Liberty Center One

365 Data Centers (365), a provider of network-centric colocation, network, cloud, and other managed services, has announced a collaboration with Liberty Center One, an IT delivery solutions company focused on cloud services, data protection, and high-availability environments. The collaboration aims to expand the companies' combined cloud capabilities. Liberty Center One provides open-sourced-based public and private cloud services, disaster recovery resources, and colocation at two data centres which it operates. 365 currently operates 20 colocation data centres, and this relationship is set to enhance the company’s colocation, public cloud, multi-tenant, private cloud, and hybrid cloud offerings for enterprise clients, as well as its managed and dedicated services. "This collaboration will have big implications for 365 as we continue to expand our offerings to the market," believes Derek Gillespie, CRO of 365 Data Centers. "When it comes to solutions for enterprise, working with Liberty Center One will enable us to enhance our current suite of cloud capabilities and hosted services to give our customers what they need today to meet the demands of their business.” Tim Mullahy, Managing Director of Liberty Center One, adds, "We’re looking forward to working with 365 Data Centers to be able to truly bring the best out of one another’s services through this agreement. "Customer service has always been our number one priority, and this association will be instrumental in helping 365 reach its business goals.” For more from 365 Data Centers, click here.

New CEO of Telefónica Tech UK&I named

Telefónica Tech UK&I, the UK and Ireland arm of Telefónica's technology services division that provides cybersecurity, cloud, IoT, and digital transformation services, has announced the appointment of Martyn Bullerwell as its new Chief Executive Officer. Martyn joined Telefónica Tech through the acquisition of the company he founded and has since served as Vice President of the Data & AI Practice. With extensive experience in technology leadership and a track record in scaling businesses, the company believes he is well positioned to head its next phase of growth in the UK and Ireland. Prior to joining Telefónica Tech, Martyn built and grew his own technology business, developing skills across data, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. Since becoming part of Telefónica Tech, he has played a key role in expanding the company’s capabilities in these strategic areas. This appointment follows the decision by Mark Gorton to step down as CEO after six years with Telefónica Tech UK&I, three of them in the top role. Mark initially joined as Vice President of Sales and Marketing and was a figure in the transformation of the business following its acquisition by Telefónica Tech in 2021, as well as in the integration of Incremental Group in 2022. Commenting on his appointment, Martyn states, "I am excited to take on this role and to build on the strong foundation laid by Mark and the leadership team. We will continue to focus on delivering value for our customers and driving sustainable growth in our markets." This appointment comes at a time of reported growth for Telefónica Tech UK&I. In March 2025, the company opened its new headquarters in London at 20 Fenchurch Street, designed as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and engagement with customers and partners. For more from Telefónica, click here.

Huawei named a leader for container management

Chinese multinational technology company Huawei has been positioned in the 'Leaders' quadrant of American IT research and advisory company Gartner's Magic Quadrant for Container Management 2025, recognising its capabilities in cloud-native infrastructure and container management. The company’s Huawei Cloud portfolio includes products such as CCE Turbo, CCE Autopilot, Cloud Container Instance (CCI), and the distributed cloud-native service UCS. These are designed to support large-scale containerised workloads across public, distributed, hybrid, and edge cloud environments. Huawei Cloud’s offerings cover a range of use cases, including new cloud-native applications, containerisation of existing applications, AI container deployments, edge computing, and hybrid cloud scenarios. Gartner’s assessment also highlighted Huawei Cloud’s position in the AI container domain. Huawei is an active contributor to the Cloud Native Computing Foundation (CNCF), having participated in 82 CNCF projects and holding more than 20 maintainer roles. It is currently the only Chinese cloud provider with a vice-chair position on the CNCF Technical Oversight Committee. The company says it has donated multiple projects to the CNCF, including KubeEdge, Karmada, Volcano, and Kuasar, and contributed other projects such as Kmesh, openGemini, and Sermant in 2024. Use cases and deployments Huawei Cloud container services are deployed globally in sectors such as finance, manufacturing, energy, transport, and e-commerce. Examples include: • Starzplay, an OTT platform in the Middle East and Central Asia, used Huawei Cloud CCI to transition to a serverless architecture, handling millions of access requests during the 2024 Cricket World Cup whilst reducing resource costs by 20%. • Ninja Van, a Singapore-based logistics provider, containerised its services using Huawei Cloud CCE, enabling uninterrupted operations during peak periods and improving order processing efficiency by 40%. • Chilquinta Energía, a Chilean energy provider, migrated its big data platform to Huawei Cloud CCE Turbo, achieving a 90% performance improvement. • Konga, a Nigerian e-commerce platform, adopted CCE Turbo to support millions of monthly active users. • Meitu, a Chinese visual creation platform, uses CCE and Ascend cloud services to manage AI computing resources for model training and deployment. Cloud Native 2.0 and AI integration Huawei Cloud has incorporated AI into its cloud-native strategy through three main areas: 1. Cloud for AI – CCE AI clusters form the infrastructure for CloudMatrix384 supernodes, offering topology-aware scheduling, workload-aware scaling, and faster container startup for AI workloads. 2. AI for Cloud – The CCE Doer feature integrates AI into container lifecycle management, offering diagnostics, recommendations, and Q&A capabilities. Huawei reports over 200 diagnosable exception scenarios with a root cause accuracy rate above 80%. 3. Serverless containers – Products include CCE Autopilot and CCI, designed to reduce operational overhead and improve scalability. New serverless container options aim to improve computing cost-effectiveness by up to 40%. Huawei Cloud states it will continue working with global operators to develop cloud-native technologies and broaden adoption across industries. For more from Huawei, click here.