Comnet releases 720W industrial PoE switch

Comnet, a manufacturer of mission-critical industrial networking systems, has just announced the release of an "ultra-resilient," high-power PoE switch. As the first in Comnet’s new line of IEEE802.3bt-compliant ethernet switches, the CNGE10FX2TX8MSBT switch has been designed to power next-generation devices in extreme environments. With 8 RJ45 ports delivering 90W simultaneously and a total PoE budget of 720W, plus 2 SFP ports supporting up to 2.5 Gbps, the new system has been engineered for high-capacity, high-performance applications like advanced IP cameras, edge sensors, digital signage, and intelligence-driven systems. The switch’s power architecture allows users to install a smaller power supply today and scale up later, aiming to eliminate the need for costly hardware replacements as demands grow. Built for resilience and bandwidth intensive applications, the switch maintains full power output across a -40°C to +70°C temperature range, while ruggedised housing and redundant power inputs intend to ensure maximum uptime. It is designed for mission-critical sectors, including transportation, security, energy, and manufacturing, and features Comnet’s Port Guardian technology, which automatically locks down ports in case of tampering to guard against unauthorised access. “We are proud to introduce our latest product innovation, designed and built in the United States, for harsh environments with high bandwidth and high-power requirements,” says Sergio Resendiz, President, Comnet. “We built this new switch to deliver full 90W power on every port, even in harsh conditions. "Whether you need that level of power today or are planning for tomorrow, the new switch provides the flexibility to scale without compromising reliability or security. It’s built to keep your network connected, no matter the circumstances.” Designed, manufactured, and supported in the United States, the switch meets BABA, NDAA, and TAA compliance standards.

Microchip launches Adaptec SmartRAID 4300 accelerators

Semiconductor manufacturer Microchip Technology has introduced the Adaptec SmartRAID 4300 series, a new family of NVMe RAID storage accelerators designed for use in server OEM platforms, storage systems, data centres, and enterprise environments. The series aims to support scalable, software-defined storage (SDS) solutions, particularly for high-performance workloads in AI-focused data centres. The SmartRAID 4300 series uses a disaggregated architecture, separating software and hardware elements to improve efficiency. The accelerators integrate with Microchip’s PCIe-based storage controllers to offload key RAID processes from the host CPU, while the main storage software stack runs directly on the host system. This approach allows data to flow at native PCIe speeds, while offloading parity-based functions such as XOR to dedicated accelerator hardware. According to internal testing by Microchip, the new architecture has delivered input/output (I/O) performance gains of up to seven times compared with the company’s previous generation products. Architecture and capabilities The SmartRAID 4300 accelerators are designed to work with Gen 4 and Gen 5 PCIe host CPUs and can support up to 32 CPU-attached x4 NVMe devices and 64 logical drives or RAID arrays. This is intended to help address data bottlenecks common in conventional in-line storage solutions by taking advantage of expanded host PCIe infrastructure. By removing the reliance on a single PCIe slot for all data traffic, Microchip aims to deliver greater performance and system scalability. Storage operations such as writes now occur directly between the host CPU and the NVMe endpoints, while the accelerator handles redundancy tasks. Brian McCarson, Corporate Vice President of Microchip’s Data Centre Solutions Business Unit, says, “Our innovative solution with separate software and hardware addresses the limitations of traditional architectures that rely on a PCIe host interface slot for all data flows. "The SmartRAID 4300 series allows us to enhance performance, efficiency, and adaptability to better support modern enterprise infrastructure systems.” Power efficiency and security Power optimisation features include automatic idling of processor cores and autonomous power reduction mechanisms. To help maintain data integrity and system security, the SmartRAID 4300 series incorporates features such as secure boot and update, hardware root of trust, attestation, and Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) support. Management tools and compatibility The series is supported by Microchip’s Adaptec maxView management software, which includes an HTML5-based web interface, the ARCCONF command line tool, and plug-ins for both local and remote management. The tools are accessible through standard desktop and mobile browsers and are designed to remain compatible with existing Adaptec SmartRAID utilities. For out-of-band management via Baseboard Management Controllers (BMCs), the series supports Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF) standards, including Platform-Level Data Model (PLDM) and Redfish Device Enablement (RDE), using MCTP protocol. For more from Microchip, click here.

72% of organisations faced IT disruption in past year

New research released today uncovers a worrying truth: despite years of digital transformation, IT resilience remains a critical vulnerability for UK enterprises. According to the latest research commissioned by Asanti, a UK colocation data centre provider, 72% of senior IT decision makers reported experiencing significant disruption or downtime in the past year due to IT resilience issues, with only 31% expressing extreme confidence in their current disaster recovery and business continuity plans. The research, conducted by Vanson Bourne, surveyed 100 senior IT leaders across public and private sector organisations. The findings reveal a concerning disconnect between perceived and actual resilience performance. Key highlights from the study • Gaps in recovery preparedness — Only 56% of organisations surveyed have fully defined and regularly tested Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs), and just 36% say the same for Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs), which are the core thresholds set for acceptable downtime and data loss. • Significant operational fallout — 60% of businesses struggled to return to normal operations after a major resilience disruption, while 58% admitted to suffering substantial financial losses. • Confidence crisis in risk recovery — Over half of respondents report only low or medium confidence in handling major risks like cybersecurity breaches (54%), data centre outages (61%), or unauthorised physical access (62%). The research also identifies a “resilience competency gap,” where critical planning, testing, and investment decisions are lagging behind the complexity and frequency of modern IT threats. Despite widespread cloud adoption, 51% still view cloud service outages as one of the top risks to operations - surpassing even traditional IT system failures (49%). “Too many organisations assume they’re more resilient than they actually are,” comments Stewart Laing, CEO of Asanti. “This research makes clear that real resilience isn’t about where your systems live, it’s about how well you’ve prepared to keep them running. "Without clearly defined recovery objectives, rigorous testing, and a culture of proactive risk management, even the most advanced infrastructure can fail. Business leaders must move beyond surface-level confidence and embed resilience into every layer of operations.” The human factor remains a weak link The study found that 89% of respondents believe human oversight is a critical vulnerability in their resilience strategy, while 91% agreed that operational failures due to human error could compromise backup power capabilities. While 59% of those respondents said that they test their business continuity and disaster recovery plans at least every six months, these exercises often lack the depth required to reveal systemic resilience weaknesses. Only 31% of respondents felt extremely confident in their current business continuity and disaster recovery plans - a sobering indicator of widespread fragility. Businesses are not measuring the true impact of downtime Although most firms track downtime (77%) and financial impact (73%) of resilience incidents, softer yet critical indicators like reputational impact (54%) and impact on digital transformation goals (57%) are often overlooked. “Measurement is the foundation of resilience,” continues Stewart. “If you’re only tracking outages and costs, you’re missing the true business impact. "Resilience must be strategic, tested, and integrated across infrastructure, operations, and leadership thinking.” For more from Asanti, click here.

BIGLOBE selects DE-CIX for faster European connectivity

Japanese internet service provider (ISP) BIGLOBE is now connected to internet exchange (IX) operator DE-CIX Frankfurt via GlobePEER Remote. The direct connection to one of the world’s largest internet exchanges seeks to enhance latency and network performance for BIGLOBE’s customers – especially for data exchange with European eyeball networks. As one of Japan’s largest ISPs, BIGLOBE is using the remote peering service from the IX operator to optimise its intercontinental data flows. The Tier 2 ISP connects through its existing access point in Tokyo. Peering at DE-CIX Frankfurt: Controlling data flows and minimising latency “Remote peering enables ISPs across the globe to connect to DE-CIX internet exchanges independent of their physical location,” says Frank P. Orlowski, Executive Vice President Corporate Development at DE-CIX. “This allows for more efficient control of data flows, reduced latency, and significantly improved network stability.” Yuichi Minami, Executive Officer / CNO at BIGLOBE, adds, “By directly connecting to European eyeball and content networks, we shorten data paths and improve service quality – especially for streaming and cloud-based applications. "At the same time, we reduce costs and boost the resilience of our network.” Internet and network services for Japan With nearly 1100 connected networks and an annual data volume of around 45 exabytes (as of 2024), DE-CIX Frankfurt is one of the largest internet exchanges in the world. GlobePEER Remote allows customers at one DE-CIX location to access other internet exchanges within the global DE-CIX ecosystem – including Singapore, New York, Madrid, Dubai, and Frankfurt – without needing additional on-site infrastructure. Headquartered in Tokyo, BIGLOBE provides internet access and network services, as well as content and applications for both private and business users. The new peering connection is part of the company’s international expansion strategy. In its 30th anniversary year, DE-CIX is accessible from data centres in more than 600 cities worldwide. For more from DE-CIX, click here.

Wilmott Group officially joins Rehlko

The Wilmott Group, a UK provider of critical power projects and generator installations, has announced the successful completion of its acquisition by Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy), a US-based manufacturer of power systems, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the company’s 40-year history. The acquisition sees The Wilmott Group, including WB Power Services (WBPS) and Wiltech Acoustics, become an official part of Rehlko’s EMEA operations. “This marks a hugely exciting and pivotal milestone for The Wilmott Group,” says Andy Wilmott, Co-CEO and Chairman. “Now that the acquisition is complete, we are officially part of a global leader in energy resilience. "Rehlko shares our values of long-term customer focus, operational excellence, and innovation - principles we’ve been proud to uphold since 1983. Together, we’re equipped to elevate our services to new heights.” Brian Melka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rehlko, adds, “This is an exciting moment for Rehlko as we bring The Wilmott Group into our family. “We’re thrilled to provide our customers with even greater impact, especially as we deepen our collaboration in the data centre space throughout the UK and Europe. "Together, we’re positioned to transform the energy resilience and security industry through enhanced efficiency and cutting-edge solutions.” The Wilmott Group says it remains committed to its "power you can trust" mission. Backed by Rehlko’s global scale and investment, it believes it is now better positioned to meet the evolving demands of mission-critical industries.

Kioxia showcases flash storage at FMS 2025

Memory manufacturer Kioxia is showcasing its latest flash storage technologies at this year’s Flash Memory Summit (FMS 2025), highlighting how its memory and SSD developments are supporting the infrastructure demands of artificial intelligence (AI) applications in enterprise and data centre settings. Among the products on display is the Kioxia LC9 Series, introduced as the industry’s first 245.76 terabyte (TB) NVMe SSD. Other featured releases include the CM9 and CD9P Series SSDs, built using Kioxia’s eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory. These devices aim to deliver a balance of performance, power efficiency, and versatility. The company is also presenting its ninth-generation BiCS FLASH memory, which is based on 1 terabit (Tb) 3bit/cell technology. It uses the CBA (CMOS directly Bonded to Array) architecture initially developed for the previous generation and offers gains in data read speed and energy consumption. Additional benefits include improvements in PI-LLT and SCA characteristics. “Artificial intelligence is reforming data infrastructure, and Kioxia is advancing storage technology alongside it,” says Axel Störmann, Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for Memory and SSD products at Kioxia Europe. “Our BiCS FLASH technology features a 32-die stack QLC architecture and innovative CBA technology. Delivering an industry-first 8TB per chip package, this breakthrough redefines the performance, scalability, and efficiency needed to power next-generation AI workloads.” Conference participation Kioxia is also contributing to a range of talks and sessions throughout FMS 2025: Keynote presentation: “Optimise AI Infrastructure Investments with Flash Memory Technology and Storage Solutions”Tuesday, 5 August at 11am PDTPresented by Katsuki Matsudera, General Manager, Memory Technical Marketing Department, Kioxia Corporation; and Neville Ichhaporia, Senior Vice President and General Manager, SSD Business Unit, Kioxia America. Executive AI panel discussion: “Memory and Storage Scaling for AI Inferencing”Thursday, 7 August at 11am PDTRory Bolt, Senior Fellow and Principal Architect, SSD Business Unit, Kioxia America, will join a panel featuring experts from NVIDIA and other companies in the memory and storage sector. The discussion will explore how to avoid configuration challenges and optimise infrastructure for AI workloads. Kioxia will also participate in additional panel discussions and technical sessions during the event. For more from Kioxia, click here.

Digital Connexion announces first DGX-ready Chennai data centre

Data centre operator Digital Connexion today announced that its MAA10 facility in Ambattur, Chennai, has been certified as part of the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center program. This certification reflects the facility’s capabilities to support accelerated computing workloads required for AI training and GPU-intensive computing. The company says the MAA10 data centre is purpose-built to offer a resilient, GPU-optimised environment capable of supporting compute-intensive AI training and inference workloads. In line with global operational standards, MAA10 is compliant with ASHRAE W2 thermal guidelines, which ensures stable and efficient cooling in environments with elevated heat loads. The facility supports both air and liquid cooling configurations, enabling flexible deployment of diverse infrastructure from conventional GPU servers to high-density systems requiring advanced thermal management. It also features a 'unique' N+2C power architecture, offering an added layer of redundancy that aims to enhance uptime and operational reliability. “The ability to process and manage data at scale is foundational to successful AI deployments," says CR Srinivasan, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Connexion. "As AI adoption accelerates across India’s key industries, so does the need for infrastructure that can overcome data gravity barriers and support increasingly intensive AI workloads. "Our certification as part of the NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center program strengthens MAA10’s position as a purpose-built, high-performance environment engineered to aggregate, process, and manage large volumes of AI data, empowering enterprises to innovate at scale.” As Indian enterprises embed AI more deeply into their operations, the amount of data to be managed - and thus the need for reliable data centres - continues to grow. As indicated by the Data Gravity Index Report 2.0, by the end of 2025, Delhi will have generated 12.3k exabytes of data, boosting the need for optimised data management. MAA10 is TIA-942 Rated 3, which highlights the facility’s capability to maintain critical operations even during maintenance activities. The data centre also holds an IGBC Platinum rating, reflecting its alignment with high benchmarks in sustainability, energy efficiency, and responsible resource management. Digital Connexion asserts that with "dedicated infrastructure engineered to handle dynamic GPU load patterns, MAA10 is positioned to support enterprises developing and deploying data-intensive AI applications in India."

Riverbed launches new network observability tools

Riverbed, a US-based provider of network performance monitoring, application management, and WAN optimisation software and hardware, has launched a new range of AI-powered network observability tools, aimed at helping enterprise IT teams manage increasingly complex environments. The latest updates include new hardware, enhanced software, and a more flexible licensing model, designed to support high-performance, AI-ready infrastructure. The new release features the Riverbed xx90 appliance family, reportedly delivering up to three times the performance of previous systems for AppResponse, NetProfiler, and Flow Gateway. The appliances are built for high-throughput packet and flow capture across distributed networks, supporting monitoring at over 50Gbps and offering scalable storage beyond 2.4PB. AppResponse 11.21 now enables real-time analysis of encrypted IPSec ESP tunnel traffic and cipher hygiene, while the new version of NetProfiler (10.29), according to the company, brings faster reporting, dynamic flow balancing, and support for Versa SD-WAN. The release also introduces the Riverbed Intelligent Network Observability Essentials bundle, combining key tools for hybrid environments: • Riverbed IQ – AI-powered diagnostics for issue detection and resolution • Workspaces – Role-based dashboards integrating packet, flow, and endpoint data • Grafana plug-in – Allows Riverbed data to be displayed in existing Grafana dashboards • Topology Viewer – Map-based visualisation of networks, applications, and user experience These features are available through the company's Riverbed Flex Subscription. The model, they claim, is intended to improve licensing flexibility, reduce total cost of ownership, and simplify long-term planning. “With today’s launch, we’re introducing next-generation observability systems that align with what our customers need: streamlined toolsets, automation, and cost-efficient performance,” says Dave Donatelli, CEO of Riverbed. “We’re delivering these capabilities with faster appliances, smarter software, and greater flexibility.” Riverbed reports 92% year-on-year growth in observability bookings for the first half of 2025. “As organisations prepare their infrastructure for AI and data-heavy applications, they need monitoring systems that are intelligent and built to scale,” adds Shamus McGillicuddy, Research Vice President at EMA.

Scolmore introduces IEC Lock C21 Locking Connector

Scolmore, a UK-based manufacturer of electrical wiring accessories, circuit protection products, and lighting equipment, has expanded its IEC Lock range with the addition of a new C21 locking connector, compatible with both C20 and C22 inlets.Featuring a side button release, the IEC Lock C21’s design aims to offer extra protection against accidental disconnection, making it an appropriate choice for applications where reliability is essential.Designed to handle the heat, the company says the C21 is a durable, lockable connector built to protect appliances that are sensitive to vibration against power loss. The product is particularly suited to data centres, servers, and other industrial equipment where maintaining the proper device temperature is critical to operational success.

AssetHUB, ITS to speed up fibre rollouts in UK cities

Organisations looking to deliver high-speed connectivity in major cities across the UK have been given a boost following a new partnership between asset reuse specialist AssetHUB and full fibre networks provider ITS. The collaboration will allow Altnets and other interested parties, such as enterprise businesses, government units, local council and carriers, to purchase ITS’s dark fibre assets through AssetHUB’s secure marketplace for buying and selling existing infrastructure. The companies say the addition reflects a "shared commitment to enabling faster, more efficient fibre deployments through smarter infrastructure planning and reuse." “Fibre rollouts in big cities often mean weeks of roadworks, noise, and many other disruptions, which frustrate residents and obstruct already busy streets,” says AssetHUB CEO Rob Leenderts. “Through collaboration and sharing of assets in big cities, Altnets and other fibre builders can avoid unnecessary dig costs and overbuild, as well as speed up deployments to businesses and other amenities that require urgent connectivity upgrades. "Having a centralised platform that clearly maps infrastructure or product availability in dense locations and streamlines asset enquiries can also help network builders decrease the time to market of their services.” Kevin McNulty, Strategy Director at ITS, adds, “Our strategic partnership with AssetHUB is an important step in our ambition to scale through collaboration. "By making our infrastructure discoverable to other parties at the point of planning, we’re supporting faster rollouts, reduced disruption, and greater visibility of critical fibre routes in some of the UK’s most in-demand urban areas.” The partnership also enables ITS to utilise AssetHUB’s marketplace as a buyer, sourcing infrastructure assets to support its own build and expansion plans.