DC automation market to surpass $50.2bn by 2034

As reported in the latest study by Global Market Insights, a market research and consulting company, the data centre automation market is set to grow from its current market value of more than $11.4 billion (£8.47 billion) to over $50.2 billion (£37.3 billion) by 2034. This remarkable growth is driven by the rising adoption of cloud services, social media platforms, video streaming, and the proliferation of IoT devices across industries. What's happening in the market? As organisations shift towards cloud-based infrastructure and digital storage, the need for efficient and automated data centre operations has become paramount. Automation not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces human errors, ensuring seamless management of vast amounts of data. With increasing data complexity and volume, businesses are turning to advanced technologies like machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing to enhance scalability and performance. These technologies optimise system processes, minimise downtime, and support predictive maintenance, allowing companies to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Moreover, the growing emphasis on cybersecurity and data protection is pushing organisations to implement automation in data centres, ensuring real-time threat detection and secure data handling. As more industries adopt hybrid and multi-cloud environments, the demand for data centre automation solutions is expected to surge, paving the way for innovative advancements in automation technologies. Government initiatives promoting the adoption of digital infrastructure and cloud technologies further strengthen the market, making data centre automation a critical component of modern business strategies. The data centre automation market is primarily segmented into solutions and services. The solution segment dominated the market with a 60% share, generating $7 billion (£5.2 billion) in 2024. Automation software helps organisations optimise resource allocation, automate routine tasks, and increase the uptime of data centres, ensuring seamless operations. As businesses strive to enhance operational efficiency, the demand for advanced solutions that enable real-time data management and workload automation continues to rise. Meanwhile, the service segment is growing rapidly as organisations seek expert guidance and ongoing support in implementing and maintaining automated systems. As technological advancements accelerate, companies rely on expert insights and strategic consulting to maximise the value of their automation investments and ensure long-term success. In terms of deployment mode, the data centre automation market is divided into on-premises and cloud-based solutions. The cloud segment held a 57% share in 2024, driven by the growing preference for remote accessibility, security features, and flexibility. Cloud solutions enable seamless access to data from any location through an internet connection, making them ideal for remote teams and individuals working across multiple devices. With data security becoming a top priority, cloud providers are enhancing their security measures by offering encryption, multi-factor authentication, and real-time threat monitoring to protect sensitive information. The North American data centre automation market accounted for 35% of the total market share, generating $3 billion (£2.2 billion) in 2024. The rapid adoption of AI, ML, and other advanced technologies across data centres in North America is driving significant growth in the region. Businesses are increasingly turning to AI-driven automation to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen security, and enable predictive maintenance, contributing to the surging demand for data centre automation solutions.

Ocean Networks selects Prysmian and IT for Hawaiian fibre link

Ocean Networks, a telecom development and service company, has today announced cable manufacturer Prysmian and submarine cable engineering and installation specialist International Telecom (IT) as partners for the Hawaiian Islands Fiber Link (HIFL) submarine cable system. The agreement represents a key step in the development of Hawaii’s open-access, carrier-neutral inter-island fibre infrastructure, which is intended to improve high-speed broadband connectivity across the state. The HIFL project forms part of the US State of Hawaii’s 'Connect Kākou' broadband initiative. Prysmian will supply around 740km of submarine cable, while IT will provide engineering and installation services. Progress on Hawaii’s broadband initiative David Blau, Chief Operating Officer of Ocean Networks, says, “We are thrilled to be working with industry leaders like Prysmian and International Telecom, whose expertise is crucial to achieving our goal of enhancing high-speed broadband access across Hawaii. "Securing these contracts represents a major step forward in the construction timeline for the HIFL project, bringing us closer to fulfilling the promise of improved connectivity for all of Hawaii’s residents, businesses, education, and government entities.” Davide Taddei, Submarine Telecom Business Director at Prysmian, adds, “Prysmian is proud to have been selected by Ocean Networks and [to] contribute to such a vital infrastructure project that will bring affordable, high-speed internet and connectivity to all residents. "In today’s interconnected world, ensuring secure and resilient digital infrastructure is critical. Our systems are designed not only for performance and durability but also to support enhanced digital security and data integrity for the communities they serve. "The HIFL project is a key step in delivering robust infrastructure in the Pacific and builds on Prysmian’s strong track record in challenging submarine environments worldwide.” Steve Arsenault, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at IT, comments, “IT takes great pride in our long history of successful project delivery within the Hawaiian Islands. "Bringing this experience to bear on behalf of Ocean Networks for the HIFL project is an honour. We are pleased to contribute once again to the important work of strengthening Hawaii’s inter-island telecommunications infrastructure.” Ocean Networks is overseeing the supply, construction, operations, and maintenance of the HIFL system, with the aim of supporting a more advanced and equitable digital landscape for Hawaii. For more from Prysmian, click here.

DC BLOX recognised on Inc. 5000 list for fifth year

DC BLOX, a provider of connected data centres and fibre networks, has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in the United States for the fifth consecutive year. The ranking reflects the company’s revenue growth between 2021 and 2024. Headquartered in the Southeastern United States, DC BLOX operates connected data centres and fibre networks across the region. Its recent projects include the completion of new fibre routes, plans to develop hyperscale edge node data centres, and ongoing work on its Myrtle Beach Cable Landing Station campus. Expanding digital infrastructure in the US Southeast Jeff Uphues, CEO of DC BLOX, comments, “Being recognised for the fifth year in a row by Inc. Magazine is a tremendous honour and a testament to the dedication of our entire team. "Our growth is driven by the accelerating demand for reliable, high-capacity digital infrastructure in the Southeast, and we remain steadfast in our mission to support the region’s technology investments and economic growth.” Alongside its Myrtle Beach site, DC BLOX has announced plans to build a second subsea cable landing station campus in Palm Coast, Florida. The company says these initiatives are designed to improve connectivity for hyperscalers, communications providers, enterprises, and government bodies, supporting applications such as high-performance computing and artificial intelligence. In its most recent development, DC BLOX secured a $1.15 billion (£852 million) green loan to support the build-out of its Atlanta data centre campus. The facility is intended to provide sustainable hyperscale capacity to meet the region’s growing requirements. For more from DC BLOX, click here.

Yondr to build 550MW Dallas campus

Yondr Group, a global developer, owner, and operator of hyperscale data centres, has secured a 163-acre site just south of Dallas in Lancaster, Texas, USA, to develop a campus with the capacity to accommodate 550MW critical IT load. The project is situated in one of the nation’s most sought-after data centre corridors. The acquisition is Yondr’s first announced expansion under its newly appointed CEO, Aaron Wangenheim. The Dallas site joins Yondr’s growing North American footprint, which includes two data centres totalling 96MW in Northern Virginia and a 27MW data centre in Toronto, Canada. The company is reportedly also in advanced discussions for sites in several other tier one US metros, and continues to expand in Europe, where the company has existing assets in London, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. “The US is a key market for Yondr’s next phase of growth and Dallas is one of the largest and fastest-growing data centre markets in the world. This investment in Dallas is just the beginning,” says Aaron Wangenheim, CEO of Yondr. “Our proven ability to deliver reliable, resilient, and sustainable data centre solutions at scale – backed by the strength of our investors DigitalBridge and La Caisse – positions us incredibly well to support clients in tier one markets where they need us.” In addition to job creation, the project should generate large tax revenue for the region and open opportunities for local suppliers and contractors throughout construction and operations. Mayor Clyde Hairston of the City of Lancaster comments, "We are delighted to welcome Yondr, a respected data centre developer and operator, to Lancaster. Yondr has pledged to create full-time jobs as a result of this project and [to] provide significant financial support for local events and community initiatives. “As Lancaster continues to rise as a shining star of Texas, Yondr’s investment further solidifies our city’s place on the map as a hub for innovation, infrastructure, and opportunity. We look forward to seeing their campus take shape and their impact flourish within our community." The campus is expected to break ground in 2026. For more from Yondr Group, click here.

4 in 5 CISOs say DeepSeek must be regulated

According to cybersecurity company Absolute Security’s UK Resilience Risk Index Report, four in five (81%) UK CISOs (Chief Information Security Officers) believe DeepSeek - a China-based AI chatbot raising global security concerns - must be urgently regulated by the UK Government before it sparks a full-scale national cyber crisis. In response to these growing risks, over a third (34%) have implemented full bans on AI due to cyber security concerns, while 30% of CISOs say they’ve already pulled the plug on AI tools within their organisation. The findings come from a recent survey commissioned by Absolute Security, which polled 250 UK CISOs at enterprise organisations via independent research agency Censuswide, to assess how businesses are coping with accelerating cyber challenges in an increasingly AI-powered world. DeepSeek, the rapidly rising AI platform, has raised significant cybersecurity concerns due to its potential to expose sensitive data and be misused by cybercriminals. These issues have led organisations and governments to reconsider their cybersecurity strategies. Businesses are already struggling to cope with the increasing complexity of cyber threats, as shown by the recent Harrods breach among others. However, as CISOs grapple with this evolving landscape, the added layer of AI-powered threats is prompting a re-evaluation of cyber defences. Three out of five (60%) UK CISOs now predict a rise in cyber attacks as a direct result of DeepSeek, with another 60% saying this AI technology is already complicating privacy and governance frameworks, making their jobs more difficult. These concerns reflect a clear shift in mindset, with 42% of CISOs now seeing AI as a bigger threat than a help to cybersecurity. The readiness gap is just as concerning, with nearly half (46%) of security leaders admitting their teams are not prepared to handle AI-driven threats, such as those posed by tools like DeepSeek. The rapid development of DeepSeek is outpacing their defences, according to survey findings, creating a growing risk that many believe can only be managed through government regulation. Andy Ward, SVP International of Absolute Security, comments, “Our research highlights the significant risks posed by emerging AI tools like DeepSeek, which are rapidly reshaping the cyber threat landscape. "As concerns grow over their potential to accelerate attacks and compromise sensitive data, organisations must act now to strengthen their cyber resilience and adapt security frameworks to keep pace with these AI-driven threats. That’s why four in five UK CISOs are urgently calling for government regulation. They’ve witnessed how quickly this technology is advancing and how easily it can outpace existing cybersecurity defences. "These are not hypothetical risks. The fact that organisations are already banning AI tools outright and rethinking their security strategies in response to the risks posed by LLMs like DeepSeek demonstrates the urgency of the situation. "Without a national regulatory framework - one that sets clear guidelines for how these tools are deployed, governed, and monitored - we risk widespread disruption across every sector of the UK economy. The time for debate is over. We need immediate action, policy, and oversight to ensure AI remains a force for progress, not a catalyst for crisis.” Despite the risks, investment in AI talent is accelerating. 84% of organisations are prioritising the hiring of AI specialists in 2025, and 80% have committed to AI training at the C-suite level, hoping that upskilling AI talent can outweigh any increasing threats. Most companies don’t intend to retreat from AI; they want to face it head-on. To use AI safely, CISOs say they need clear rules, stronger government oversight, a skilled AI workforce, and a national plan to deal with the specific risks of DeepSeek and similar tools.

Capacity Europe 2025 returns to London

Capacity Europe, an event for global digital infrastructure and connectivity, returns to the InterContinental London – The O2 from 21–23 October 2025, bringing together more than 3,500 decision-makers from across the global connectivity and digital infrastructure sectors. Now in its 24th year, the event has grown from a telecoms conference into a major platform for deal-making, partnerships, and thought leadership in data infrastructure, cloud, and AI. Across three days and four stages, 200+ speakers will discuss topics ranging from preparing networks for AI to improving interoperability, security, and resilience in an era of growing data demand and geopolitical uncertainty. Industry leaders on stage Confirmed speakers include Annette Murphy, Chief Commercial Officer at Colt Technology Services; Enrico Bagnasco, CEO at Sparkle; Petrina Steele, Global Lead – Emerging Technologies at Equinix; and Rebecca Stanic, Principal – Infrastructure Planning & Network Acquisition at Microsoft. Executives from Goldman Sachs, EdgeConneX, Deutsche Telekom, and Openmind Networks will also take part. Attendees at previous editions have praised the event for its networking and deal-making opportunities. Prabhu Abimannan, Manager International Data Business at e& Europe, comments, “Capacity Europe offers invaluable networking opportunities and brings together industry leaders to discuss the latest trends in international telecom. Each year, the event raises the bar.” Linda Shannon, Director at Hilco Streambank, adds, “Capacity Europe is a not-to-be-missed event. Fantastic networking opportunities, both formal and informal, alongside useful content. An invaluable opportunity to catch up with existing clients and make new connections in one location.” Building the future of connectivity Capacity Europe 2025 will gather leaders from connectivity, cloud, edge, investment, and software to exchange ideas, form partnerships, and define strategies for the next decade of digital infrastructure. “Celebrating the 24th year of Capacity Europe is a proud moment for us,” says Gabriela Cogorno, Head of Marketing-Events and Membership, Telecoms & Tech at techoraco. “This year’s event will be bigger and more impactful than ever, highlighting key themes and laying the foundation for innovation and transformation in the digital sector.” The event is once again supported by Spa Communications, which will lead global media engagement following a successful 2024 campaign. Why attend? • Connect with 3,500+ decision-makers from 100+ countries • Hear insights from 200+ speakers shaping the digital future • Forge deals across connectivity, cloud, edge, investment, and software • Be part of the conversations driving the future of networks and services Capacity Europe 2025 will take place at the InterContinental London – The O2, 21–23 October. Visit the event's website to find out more. For more on Capacity Europe, click here.

Danfoss expands UQDB coupling range

Danfoss Power Solutions, a Danish manufacturer of mobile hydraulic systems and components, has completed its Universal Quick Disconnect Blind-Mate (UQDB) coupling portfolio with the launch of the -08 size Hansen connector. The couplings are designed for direct connection between servers and manifolds in data centre liquid cooling systems and are fully compliant with Open Compute Project (OCP) standards. Higher flow capacity The new -08 size joins the existing -02, -04, and -06 sizes, covering body sizes from 1/8-inch to 1/2-inch. The company says it delivers a 29% higher flow rate than OCP requirements, supporting greater cooling efficiency for high-density racks. Danfoss UQDB couplings feature a flat-face dry break design to prevent spillage and a push-to-connect system with self-alignment to simplify installation in tight spaces. The plug half can move radially to align with the socket half, allowing compensation of up to +/-1 millimetre for easier in-rack connections. Developed in collaboration with the OCP community, the couplings meet existing standards and are designed to comply with the forthcoming OCP V2 specification for liquid cooling, expected in October. All UQDB units undergo helium-leak testing for reliability and include QR codes on both plug and socket halves for easier identification and tracking. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjt9_O0Wb1o Chinmay Kulkarni, Data Centre Product Manager at Danfoss Power Solutions, says, “Our now-complete UQDB range expands our robust portfolio of thermal management products for data centres, enabling us to provide comprehensive systems and delivering on our 'one partner, every solution' promise. "When paired with our flexible, kink-free hoses, we deliver a complete direct-to-chip cooling solution that sets the standard for efficiency and reliability.” The couplings are manufactured from 303 stainless steel for corrosion resistance, with EPDM seals for fluid compatibility. They feature ORB terminal ends for secure, leak-free connections, an operating temperature range of 10°C to 65°C, and a minimum working pressure of 10 bar. For more from Danfoss, click here.

DC chip market to surpass $62.9bn by 2034

According to a recent report by Global Market Insights, a US-based market research and consulting company, the global data centre chip market was valued at $15.6 billion (£11.5 billion) in 2024 and is projected to reflect a robust CAGR of 15.2% between 2025 and 2034. The growth is fuelled by the rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and high-performance computing. The source of the demand As businesses continue to embrace digital transformation, the need for advanced data processing capabilities has never been greater. Organisations are shifting to cloud-based platforms, relying on AI-driven analytics, and deploying sophisticated computing solutions to manage vast volumes of data efficiently. These advancements are fuelling the expansion of data centre chip technologies, making them essential components in modern computing infrastructures. The rapid deployment of 5G networks, growing data traffic, and increasing reliance on cloud services are accelerating market demand. Enterprises are heavily investing in next-generation chips to optimise computing power, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce latency in data processing. The shift toward edge computing, where real-time processing is critical, further underscores the necessity of cutting-edge chip technologies. With data-intensive applications becoming mainstream across industries, semiconductor manufacturers are focusing on designing chips with superior processing capabilities, improved power efficiency, and enhanced security features. A view of the market The data centre chip market is segmented by chip type, including central processing units (CPU), graphics processing units (GPU), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC), and others. CPUs generated $4.7 billion (£3.47 billion) in 2024, driven by the increasing adoption of cloud computing, the migration of IT infrastructure to virtual environments, and growing computational demands from AI applications. As the backbone of modern computing, CPUs enable seamless system operations, supporting everything from enterprise software to data analytics. The demand for high-speed processing power continues to surge, particularly as AI-based workloads expand across industries. Based on industry verticals, the data centre chip market is witnessing high adoption across BFSI, government, IT and telecom, transportation, energy and utility, and other sectors. The BFSI sector accounted for 26.7% of the market share in 2024, fuelled by the need for secure, high-speed data processing and the increasing adoption of blockchain technology. With fintech companies and digital banking platforms expanding rapidly, the demand for advanced chip technologies in financial services is at an all-time high. Data centre chips play a pivotal role in ensuring transaction security, minimising downtime, and enhancing overall operational efficiency for financial institutions. North America dominated the global data centre chip market with a 37.2% share in 2024, led by substantial investments in AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. The United States accounted for $4.4 billion (£3.25 billion) in market revenue and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 15.4% through 2034. The country's strong focus on semiconductor manufacturing, AI-driven computing, and real-time data processing positions it as a key player in the global data centre chip landscape. As cloud adoption and government initiatives in semiconductor R&D continue to rise, North America looks set to maintain its leadership in the evolving market.

AirTrunk secures S$2.25bn green loan for Singapore DC

Hyperscale data centre specialist AirTrunk has secured a S$2.25 billion (£1.3 billion) green loan in Singapore to finance its new hyperscale data centre, SGP2. The deal is Singapore’s largest-ever loan (and green loan) for a data centre project. The transaction supports the development of sustainable digital infrastructure and reinforces Singapore’s position as a major green finance hub in Asia. The loan aligns with the Technical Screening Criteria of the Singapore-Asia Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, as well as AirTrunk’s Green Financing Framework. Largest green loan for a data centre in Singapore Crédit Agricole CIB, DBS Bank, and ING Bank acted as global coordinators and sustainability structuring agents for the financing, working alongside a consortium of 23 other financial institutions. MUFG Bank, Natixis CIB, Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore), and United Overseas Bank were among the mandated lead arrangers. The financing begins as a green loan, with the option to transition into a sustainability-linked loan (SLL). All financial incentives will be directed to AirTrunk’s social impact fund. Robin Khuda, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at AirTrunk, comments, “This landmark transaction – Singapore’s largest loan and green loan for a data centre – strengthens AirTrunk’s leadership in sustainable finance and reflects strong market confidence in AirTrunk’s growth and sustainability strategy. "This financing structure highlights the strength, depth, and international scale of Singapore’s financial ecosystem.” AirTrunk’s SGP2 campus, located in Loyang, will provide more than 70MW of cloud and artificial intelligence compute capacity for Singapore and Southeast Asia. The facility is designed to achieve a BCA Green Mark Platinum rating and a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.20, one of the lowest in Singapore. Green concrete and green steel are also being used in construction to cut embodied carbon. For more from AirTrunk, click here.

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.