ZTE enhances all-optical networks with smart ODN solutions

Hans Neff, Senior Director of ZTE CTO Group, recently delivered a keynote speech entitled ‘Embracing the AI Era to Accelerate the Development of All-Optical Networks’ at the FTTH Conference 2025 in Amsterdam, sharing the company's solutions and experience in focusing on AI empowerment to achieve intelligent ODN, improve the deployment efficiency of all-optical networks, and reduce deployment and O&M costs. At present, the deployment of all-optical networks is continuously accelerated, and the rapidly developing AI is increasingly integrated into broadband IT systems, significantly improving the intelligent level of FTTx deployment, operation and maintenance. In Europe, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and the EU policies are actively advocating for an all-optical, gigabit and digitally intelligent society, and the demand for sustainable, efficient and future-oriented network infrastructure is growing. Hans pointed out that operators are facing challenges such as high costs, complex network management and diverse deployment scenarios. AI and digital intelligence can provide end-to-end support for ODN construction in multiple aspects. Hans described how ZTE leverages AI technology to build intelligent ODNs across the entire process, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational complexity. He elaborated on the specific applications and advantages of intelligent ODN across three phases: before, during and after deployment. Before deployment, one-click zero-touch site surveys, AI-based automatic planning and design, and paperless processes replace traditional manual methods, significantly reducing the time and human resources required. During deployment, real-time visualised and cost-effective solutions, along with tailored product combinations - such as pre-connectorised splice-free ODN, plug-and-play deployment and air-blowing solutions - ensure smooth construction while reducing both time and labour costs. After deployment and delivery, intelligent real-time ODN network detection, analysis and risk warnings minimise fault location time, improving monitoring accuracy and troubleshooting efficiency. Additionally, new solutions like passive ID branch detection enable 24/7 real-time optical link monitoring, dynamic perception of link changes and automatic updates, ensuring 100% accuracy of end-to-end ODN resources. This proactive approach optimises network performance while streamlining maintenance and resource management. Hans emphasised that collaboration among multiple parties is key to accelerating the construction of intelligent ODN networks. Suppliers play a vital role in driving digital and intelligent platforms, developing innovative product portfolios and delivering localised solutions through strategic partnerships. By leveraging AI and digital intelligence, operators and stakeholders can effectively address challenges such as high costs, complex construction and maintenance, and regional adaptability. ZTE says it is committed to providing comprehensive intelligent ODN solutions and building end-to-end all-optical networks. Moving forward, ZTE will continue collaborating with global partners to harness its advanced network and intelligent capabilities. ZTE aims to help operators build and operate cutting-edge, efficient and intelligent broadband networks, unlocking new application scenarios and fostering a ubiquitous, green and efficient era of all-optical networks.

Portman Partners introduces recruitment service for data centres

Portman Partners is making a strategic investment in Flint DC, a new no-nonsense rapid-hire recruitment service specifically designed to provide data centres industry with the talent and expertise it needs, and help it overcome the ongoing talent challenge it faces at a crucial growth phase. Currently, the sector relies upon the traditional contingent recruitment model, which is proving to be ill-suited for the industry, says Mike Meyer Managing Partner of Portman Partners. “The data centre industry is predicted to be powering up the future but it is failing to find and attract the right talent to build it today,” he says. “There are some great recruiters out there but contingent recruitment processes, combined with emerging recruiters who have limited industry knowledge, and an influx of unsuitable applicants due to this, put businesses at risk of falling short of their ambitions.” Recognising these challenges, Portman Partners is leveraging its deep industry expertise to create a new style of recruitment solution with the launch of Flint DC, one that will deliver better outcomes for clients. Flint’s service - Contingent+ - combines the standard contingent terms of business with recruitment fees contingent on a successful outcome, with the bespoke search methodology typically reserved for head-hunting or specialised roles. Flint is built on a recruitment model that will deliver critical talent speedily, efficiently - with a new approach that won’t slow businesses down. “Flint is born out of the demand for a better approach to hiring in the data centre industry,” explains Mike. “In my 30 years in data centres, I’ve encountered the same frustrations again and again across the sector. We want to change the way things were done.  “With Flint DC and the Contingent+ model, we’re taking everything that makes Portman successful in stealth executive search - our specialised knowledge, our global reach and our no-nonsense approach - and building an agile recruitment model that delivers the right results for all hiring levels,” says Mike. “We’re not just another recruitment firm. We’re the solution our clients have been asking for.” Paul Cutliffe, Managing Director of Flint DC, says this represents a new era in data centre recruitment, “We are offering a Contingent+ model that streamlines hiring while ensuring quality, speed and alignment with the unique needs of data centre businesses. I am passionate about helping businesses find high-calibre candidates who are a good cultural fit and will enable transformational change. I am looking forward to supporting our clients as they power on into the future.”  

Start Campus unveils new SIN01 data centre in Portugal

Start Campus has celebrated the official inauguration of SIN01 in Portugal, its first operational facility within the company’s 1.2GW SINES Data Campus.  Located on Portugal’s southwest coast, SIN01 is now the largest data centre facility ever commissioned in the country – and a pivotal milestone in positioning Portugal at the centre of the global data economy, strengthening its role as a key hub for digital infrastructure in Europe and globally. The inauguration brought together national leaders and international stakeholders, including senior representatives from the Portuguese Government, the United States Embassy in Portugal and other national and international authorities. The ceremony underscores the strategic value and its role in anchoring one of the largest private digital infrastructure investments in Europe.  Start Campus’ shareholders, Davidson Kempner Capital Management and Pioneer Point Partners LLP, have provided the funding to privately deliver SIN01 without subsidies, public funds or tax benefits. Coupled with the support of a world-class US bank, this investment marks a strong vote of confidence in Portugal’s digital and clean energy potential on the global stage. “We expect this campus to represent more than €8.5 billion in construction investment alone – and we anticipate our customers to invest multiples of that in infrastructure and technology deployments on-site,” says Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus.  The full campus, once complete, is expected to comprise of six buildings across 1.2GW of capacity, with grid access already secured. The construction of the next 180MW facility (SIN02) is expected to begin later in 2025. “The Sines Project will continue to ensure Portugal is at the forefront of the race for the development of artificial intelligence, with major international technology companies already operating in our country", adds João Talone, Senior Consultant at Davidson Kempner.  As part of the ceremony, senior members of the Portuguese Government emphasised the SINES Data Campus as a symbol of national ambition and forward-looking infrastructure policy.

Castrol and Schneider Electric launch liquid cooling lab in Shanghai

Castrol and Schneider Electric have opened a new liquid cooling technology co-laboratory in Shanghai under a strategic partnership agreement. This collaboration aims to offer customers new innovations in data centre cooling technology. The co-laboratory will support the development of benchmark liquid cooling projects for data centres in the future. It will also serve as a jointly branded customer demonstration centre, showcasing significant breakthroughs in liquid cooling technology to the data centre industry. Castrol and Schneider Electric will work together to carry out in-depth product development and projects that can address the practical technical challenges faced by customers – such as compatibility between the cooling liquid and devices, and improving heat dissipation, among other issues. Through joint research and development, technology sharing and other approaches, both companies will aim to expand the adoption of liquid cooling technology across various scenarios.  Castrol's high-performance cooling liquids will be integrated with Schneider Electric's data centre solutions, including infrastructure such as the Cooling Distribution Unit (CDU), power supplies, server rack and intelligent power distribution equipment. In the future, both companies will collaborate to achieve further in-depth integration by conducting compatibility tests of data centre liquid cooling fluids and infrastructure. This will help ensure the stability and safety of the combined products of Castrol and Schneider Electric and provide one-stop liquid cooling solutions for more customers. At the opening of the co-laboratory, Peter Huang, Vice President, Thermal Management at Castrol, said, "In the era of AI, the construction of liquid cooling infrastructure in data centres is developing rapidly. Through Castrol’s strategic partnership with Schneider Electric, we will jointly provide end-to-end solutions for the construction, operation and maintenance of data centres, ranging from the hardware in server rooms to liquid cooling fluids." Castrol and Schneider Electric are committed to providing higher-quality data centre liquid cooling services and promoting safe and energy-efficient development of data centres that are fit for the future.

Colt DCS: 117MW data centre expansion in Germany

Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS) has announced plans to develop four new data centres in Germany.  The four facilities will consist of Frankfurt 4 & 5 and Berlin 1 & 2. The two Frankfurt data centres will be built on an 18-acre site and provide a combined 63MW, while the Berlin data centres will be constructed on a 9.5-acre site and provide a total 54MW of IT capacity. Colt DCS is targeting first phase RFS (ready for service) at Frankfurt 4 and Berlin 1 by the end of 2028, with renewable power contracts already secured. The new data centres will add 117MW to Colt DCS’ capacity in Germany, bringing its total in-country capacity to 176MW.The acquisitions in Frankfurt and Berlin, reinforce Colt DCS’ commitment to digital infrastructure in Germany, and represents a €2 billion investment in its economy.  The move strengthens Colt DCS’ position in the Frankfurt market, which continues to be one of Europe’s leading data centre hubs. Berlin has emerged as a secondary market, driven by Germany’s digital transformation and increasing demand for cloud and AI services.  The new facilities will be designed to Colt DCS’ Global Reference Design (GRD) which can cater for both traditional cloud and high-performance computing (HPC) workloads, powering racks up to 130kW. To accommodate this, the design flexibly supports cooling by traditional air, direct liquid-to-chip and hybrid approaches.Each new Colt DCS data centre in Germany will be constructed in line with environmental and sustainability policies using several low embodied carbon principles. This includes the installation of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) cooling chillers, reducing water waste for cooling, and building the structure with minimal steel and concrete usage.  Waste heat from all sites will be reused by the local councils for district heating. A fifth of the site areas will be reserved as green space, and the building roofs will feature a mixture of photovoltaic solar panels and planted vegetation. Gert-Uwe Mende, Lord Mayor of Wiesbaden, says, “Wiesbaden is an attractive business location, and artificial intelligence is an absolutely future-oriented topic. I am therefore very pleased that Colt DCS has chosen the Landeshauptstadt (capital of the state of Hessen) as the site for its new data centre.”Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO of Colt DCS, says, "The continued growth in digital services has created strong demand for hyperscale data centres in Germany. Our acquisitions in Frankfurt and Berlin are a testament to our commitment to Europe’s largest economy. We are proud to contribute to the growth of the local community and remain a trusted partner for our customers worldwide. These new sites will not only enhance our capacity to serve the increasing needs of cloud and AI workloads but also reinforce our dedication to sustainability and innovation in the data centre industry."

STT GDC India launches AI-ready campus in Kolkata, India

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (India) (STT GDC India) is set to revolutionise the data centre landscape in Eastern India with the launch of its state-of-the-art AI-ready campus in New Town, Kolkata, India. Spanning 5.59 acres, this next-generation campus is engineered to support the growing demands of AI computing with high-density rack configurations, advanced cooling systems, and a scalable, modular design. It aligns with the larger economic goals of the country to promote digitally enabled growth and broaden access to sustainable digital infrastructure. The new age data centre facility has earned the prestigious TIA-942 Rated-3 Design certification, underscoring its commitment to world-class infrastructure and reliability. The campus provides a significant boost to digital infrastructure creation in the eastern part of the country with scalable capacity of up to 25MW in terms of overall IT load. It incorporates forward-thinking power architecture with an N+2C design for reliability and a radial N+N configuration for main power incomers, ensuring dedicated feeder availability. The campus utilises TYPE-TESTED Compact Substations and LV DGs, setting new standards in power reliability and efficiency. Bimal Khandelwal, CEO of STT GDC India, says, "This expansion is a gateway to accelerating AI innovation in Eastern India. Our Kolkata campus is specifically designed to support the burgeoning AI ecosystem, from startups developing local language AI models to enterprises deploying large language models. The facility’s high-performance computing capabilities and low-latency connectivity will empower organisations to build and deploy AI solutions that drive digital transformation across sectors”. The facility is built with a concurrently maintainable infrastructure ensuring zero Single Points of Failure (SPOF). It boasts a modular design with flexibility for liquid cooling technologies, supporting the next generation of high-performance computing workloads. The Kolkata data centre prioritises sustainability with a low-PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) cooling design, incorporating water conservation techniques through closed-loop cooling, rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse. The facility also employs low-GWP refrigerants to reduce carbon footprint, reinforcing STT GDC India's commitment to environmental responsibility. Having launched in March 2025, this Kolkata facility expands STT GDC India's nationwide footprint to 30 data centres across 10 cities with a total IT load capacity of 400MW. Its strategic location in New Town’s Silicon Valley positions it as a crucial hub for AI development, serving enterprises, hyperscale cloud service providers and government organisations. This investment aligns with India's growing focus on artificial intelligence and the increasing demand for AI-ready digital infrastructure. The facility will support diverse AI-driven initiatives, from natural language processing in regional languages to computer vision applications in manufacturing and healthcare, ensuring high reliability, energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Raxio lands $100m to expand sub-Saharan African data centres

Raxio Group has signed an agreement for $100 million in financing from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to accelerate Raxio’s expansion of data centres to power key technologies like AI, cloud computing and digital financial services – critical enablers of African economic growth and digital inclusion. The debt funding from IFC will help Raxio double its deployment of high-quality colocation data centres within three years, addressing growing demand in underserved markets across the continent. The company is developing a Sub-Saharan African regional data centre platform in countries including Ethiopia, Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania and Angola. Raxio is committed to bridging Africa’s digital divide by introducing Tier III-certified, carrier-neutral, and secure data services to markets that have been overlooked by other providers. With a focus on high-growth areas, the company is tapping into regions with significant economic potential to unlock new opportunities across the continent. “Raxio’s business model shows how digital infrastructure can empower businesses, governments and communities to thrive in the digital economy,” says Sarvesh Suri, IFC Regional Industry Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources in Africa. “This partnership between Raxio and IFC is set to strengthen Africa’s digital ecosystem and catalyse further investments and regional integration, building a more inclusive and sustainable future.” “This funding from IFC is a powerful endorsement of Raxio’s vision and operational excellence,” says Robert Skjødt, CEO of Raxio Group. “It will allow us to bring critical infrastructure to the regions that need it most and attract further investment as we continue to grow. Together with our other partners, we’re building the foundation for Africa’s digital future and setting new benchmarks for sustainability.” Raxio’s facilities are designed for 24/7 reliability, ensuring uninterrupted service even during maintenance or unforeseen disruptions. The company integrates renewable energy solutions to minimise its environmental footprint and uses innovative energy-efficient equipment to reduce electricity and water consumption for cooling in several of its countries of operation. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, Raxio’s Kinshasa facility is poised to meet growing demand for data services in one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing urban centres. In Côte d’Ivoire, Raxio is establishing a digital hub to serve Francophone West Africa, connecting regional markets and facilitating cross-border trade. These efforts are empowering local businesses and integrating them into the global digital economy.

Data centre market set for unprecedented growth

Knight Frank, the global real estate adviser, has published its global data centres report, revealing a surge in market expansion - with a projected 46% increase in data centre capacity worldwide by 2027. This equates to an additional 20,828 megawatts (MW). This rapid growth, which has the potential to expand 177% by 2030, is underpinned by a substantial capital expenditure of £229 billion over the forecast period, reflecting the intensifying demand for digital infrastructure to support AI, cloud computing, and enterprise digital transformation. Following a 36% drop in data centre transaction volumes in 2023 due to global interest rate hikes, the market rebounded in 2024, surging 118% to £24.5 billion across single-asset purchases, portfolio acquisitions, redevelopment opportunities, and development site sales. Globally, the average real estate transaction value in the data sector space was £59 million in 2024, up 15% on the average transaction price in 2023, and up 44% on the pre-Covid transactions value average in 2019. Since 2019, average transaction value has grown at a compound-annual-growth-rate (CAGR) of 7.5%. Regional growth highlights • North America remains the dominant global market, with 11,638 MW in new capacity, reflecting a 54% growth rate and a staggering £128 billion in capital being deployed to support this expected growth. The region benefits from a combination of homegrown hyperscale dominance, increasing enterprise colocation demand, and strategic expansion into emerging secondary markets. • Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) is set to expand by 4,529 MW (44%), requiring a £49.8 billion investment. European markets are experiencing a shift towards secondary hubs such as Milan and Madrid, primarily driven by power constraints in core markets like Frankfurt and London. • Asia-Pacific (APAC) is forecast to see a 4,174 MW (32%) increase, supported by a £45.9 billion investment. APAC remains a highly diverse market, with significant development in both established hubs like Tokyo and emerging locations such as Johor, Malaysia, where hyperscalers seek alternative expansion opportunities. Key markets driving expansion • Ashburn, USA: The world’s largest data centre hub will grow by 2,428 MW (58%), backed by £26.7 billion targeting this market. Despite power availability challenges, Northern Virginia remains the principal destination for hyperscalers and colocation providers. • Phoenix, USA: One of the fastest-growing markets, with a 126% surge (1,109 MW), attracting £12.2 billion in investment. The city’s appeal is fuelled by its scalable land options, business-friendly environment, and strong connectivity infrastructure. • London, UK: Retaining its status as a leading European data centre market, London is set to expand by 480 MW (36%), with £5.3 billion of investment. However, ongoing power constraints in established submarkets is encouraging development in outer London and secondary UK cities. • Milan, Italy: The standout European market with a remarkable 168% growth rate (310 MW), requiring £3.4 billion in investment. Milan’s rise is indicative of a broader shift in European data centre expansion towards new, less congested hubs. • Tokyo, Japan: A key APAC hub, poised for a 25% increase (295 MW) attracting £3.2 billion. Japan’s strategic location, stable power grid, and increasing demand for cloud services continue to drive growth. • Johor, Malaysia: Emerging as a major data centre hotspot with an 85% growth rate (335 MW), underpinned by £3.7 billion in investment. Johor’s proximity to Singapore, combined with attractive incentives, is establishing it as a viable alternative for hyperscale expansion. Stephen Beard, Global Head of Data Centres at Knight Frank, explains, “The global data centre industry is undergoing rapid transformation, with hyperscaler and colocation providers prioritising markets that offer access to power, robust connectivity, and a favourable regulatory environment. We’re increasingly seeing sustainability considerations shaping investment strategies, with an increasing focus on renewable energy adoption and energy-efficient design. “Real estate investors and developers are positioning themselves to capitalise on this demand, with an emphasis on acquiring strategically located land and securing long-term power agreements. “As global capital races to capture the next wave of digital infrastructure growth, the competition for prime development sites, particularly in power-constrained locations, will intensify. Industry stakeholders must navigate regulatory complexities, power availability concerns, and sustainability requirements to remain competitive in this high-growth sector. “Operators, investors, policymakers, and partners, each have a role to play in shaping this future. The task ahead is to build infrastructure that not only supports innovation, but also safeguards sustainability, security, and equity.” For more from Knight Frank, click here.

Riello UPS expands Multi Power2 modular series

Critical power protection specialist, Riello UPS, has announced an extension to its ultra-high efficiency modular range Multi Power2. The uninterruptible power supply manufacturer adds to its existing 500 kW MP2 UPS with a 300 kW version, along with a trio of 600 kW cabinets. The expansion increases the flexibility of the range, which is aimed at small to medium-sized data centres and other similarly mission critical applications. The additional units deliver all the series’ key benefits, including ultra-high efficiency of 98.1% in online double conversion mode, risk-free ‘pay as you grow’ scalability, a robust design that eliminates any single point of failure, and hot-swappable 3U 67 kW power modules that ensure downtime-free maintenance. Multi Power2 incorporates advanced silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors that significantly reduce energy losses and heat generation, delivering data centre operators robust and reliable performance whilst lowering their operating costs, cooling requirements, and carbon emissions. The extended MP2 range now incorporates: • MP2 300 – up to five power modules for a maximum of 300 kW, features bottom cable entry and an integrated manual bypass switch;• MP2 500 – up to eight power modules for a maximum of 500 kW, features top cable entry, an integrated manual bypass switch, and air filters as standard;• MP2 600 – up to nine power modules for a maximum of 600 kW, available with or without switches and a choice of front-to-back or front-to-top ventilation. Up to four UPS can be installed in parallel, meaning the MP2 can protect up to 2,400 kW in a single system. As well as the expanded MP2, the complete Multi Power2 range also incorporates the popular Multi Power2 Scalable (M2S) innovation (which comes in 1,000 kW, 1,250 kW and 1,600 kW versions), and is designed with the needs of modern data centres in mind, as it can handle the rapid load fluctuations typically associated with AI load profiles. By connecting four M2S UPS in parallel, it can protect up to 6,400 kW. Leo Craig, Managing Director of Riello UPS, comments, “With this exciting expansion of the Multi Power range, we are addressing the data centre industry’s growing focus on energy saving practices for a more sustainable future. “By combining market-leading efficiency of 98.1% and flexibility in terms of power ratings and cabinets with a reduced carbon footprint and total cost of ownership, we are delivering data centres proven results without compromising on power continuity or performance.” For more from Riello UPS, click here.

Nokia recognised by Gartner for its data centre switching

Nokia has been named by Gartner as a Visionary in the 2025 Magic Quadrant for Data Centre Switching. Based on specific criteria established by the research organisation, Nokia is cited for overall 'Completeness of Vision' and 'Ability to Execute'. At a time when data centres must power new innovations such as AI in addition to their existing application workloads, these modern environments require reliability, ease of operation and energy efficiency. The Nokia data centre switching portfolio includes the 7220 and 7250 IXR data switching platforms, Service Router (SR) Linux network operating system, and the Event-Driven Automation (EDA) management platform. Nokia also provides support for Community SONiC-based data centre switching solutions. With a design that focuses on reliability and ease-of-use, the Nokia portfolio enables seamless connectivity and high performance to support business-critical data centre workloads and applications, including AI. Automation enables Nokia customers to make network operations simple and predictable, and adaptability ensures easy introduction into existing customer ecosystems, environments and processes. The portfolio also provides support for higher interface speeds that now push to 400 GbE, 800 GbE and beyond. In parallel, Nokia has a 4.7/5 star rating on Gartner Peer Insights in data centre switching based on 15 overall reviews as of 2 April 2025. Based on customer experience and product capabilities, the review platform aggregates user feedback. “They provide great solutions addressing some of the key issues such as Networking for AI workloads, Data Centre Gateway and Interconnect,” notes a Director of IT Services in response to what they like most about the product. Another reviewer on Gartner Peer Insights, a Senior Network Engineer, referenced the Nokia solution’s “Model driven CLI automation support and stability of the underlying OS” and commented, “Excellent software features available compared to other vendors using similar merchant silicon.” Michael Bushong, Vice President of Data Center, Nokia, remarks, “The data centre market is hot right now, and it can be hard to separate hype from facts, theory from practice. We believe independent assessments such as the 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Data Centre Switching help. Nokia is one of a few suppliers with a compelling vision of where data centre networking ought to go. And we aren’t alone in thinking this. Microsoft, Nscale, Kyndryl, Lenovo and more agree. If you need reliability and automated operations, Nokia simply has to be considered.” Magic Quadrant reports are a culmination of rigorous, fact-based research in specific markets, providing a wide-angle view of the relative positions of providers in markets where growth is high and provider differentiation is distinct. Providers are positioned into four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries and Niche Players. The research enables companies to get the most from market analysis in alignment with their unique business and technology needs. For more from Nokia, click here.