Business

Stream Data Centres announces formation of separately managed account

Stream Data Centres is proud to announce the formation of a new investment vehicle backed by a leading public pension plan to make wholly-owned investments in data centre opportunities across the United States. This new account continues Stream’s long-term history in data centre investing and momentum in building comprehensive solutions in service of its customers, tenants, investors and partners. The new vehicle will focus on stabilised and modest value-add opportunities in major U.S. markets where the team believes it can unlock value and manage risk through its vertically integrated data centre operating platform and experienced investment team. Mike Armstrong, Managing Director of the Stream investments practice, notes, “A key differentiator that helped us win, beyond our longstanding track record of successfully investing in and developing data centres, was our people and putting relationships first.” Michael Wong, also a Managing Director with Stream Data Centres, adds, “We are very excited to partner with such a well-established and experienced real estate investor that shares our view of the long-term attractiveness of data centres as an institutional asset class.”

Uptime Institute adds sustainability track to educational training offering

The Uptime Institute has announced another addition to its growing educational offering with the launch of its new Accredited Sustainability Advisor (ASA) programme. The ASA course is designed to deliver essential knowledge of sustainability concepts and the practical skills data centre professionals need to develop and implement a comprehensive, world-class sustainability strategy. More than 70 countries have established commitments to achieve net zero greenhouse gas by 2050. New regulations are proliferating worldwide, with hundreds of pieces of climate change and sustainability legislation, standards and requirements enacted over the past 10 years. As demand for senior-level data centre professionals and IT/facility engineers with advanced sustainability expertise continues to rise, sustainability skillsets have never been more valuable or impactful. The ASA course cuts through the mounting volume of information and opinion around sustainability programs and offers insight on global best practices. The ASA curriculum covers: •       Session 1—Sustainability policy and management •       Session 2—Regulatory requirements •       Session 3—Facility siting, design, and certification •       Session 4—Facility energy consumption and efficiency •       Session 5—IT energy consumption and efficiency •       Session 6—Renewable energy purchasing and consumption •       Session 7—Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions •       Session 8—Water consumption and efficiency •       Session 9—Circular economy, recycle, and reuse •       Session 10—Information reporting •       Session 11—Sustainability strategy in the organisation The first online instructor-led, ASA course begins on May 23rd and includes four half-day sessions of intensive instruction and exercises, ending with a proctored examination on the fifth day. For further information and a list of course dates, refer to the course calendar. Uptime also offers private course options for companies that wish to create exclusive corporate learning and development programs for ongoing employee education. “With the growing effects of climate change on health, safety and global economies, world-class digital infrastructure owners and operators require hands-on, practical training to build a comprehensive and fully actionable sustainability strategy,” says Christopher M. Hill, Global Head, Product Management, Uptime Institute. “Our course ensures participants graduate with the skills necessary to lead their organisations in achieving sustainability objectives, both now and into the future.” Uptime’s longstanding leadership in digital infrastructure sustainability and efficiency dates back to its inaugural Green Data Centre Forum in 2007. The launch of the new ASA course represents yet another step in the organisation’s expanding program to inform, guide and support sustainability advancements throughout the sector. Through its new sustainability educational training, Sustainability Consulting Services and related offerings, Uptime advises some of the world’s largest digital infrastructure owners and operators, many vendors and equipment manufacturers, regulators, and policymakers to help the industry design, build and operate digital infrastructure sustainably—without compromising resiliency.

Rosendin selected to build Meta’s Temple data centre in Texas

Rosendin has been selected to build Meta Platform’s new Temple Data Centre in Texas. The employee-owned company will work with general contractor JE Dunn to build the $800 million data centre building and site infrastructure in an industrial park located 50 miles north of the Austin Metro area. “We are proud to provide our expertise in designing and building this critical mission project in Texas that supports the public’s love for social media as a way to connect with friends and family, utilise the marketplace, and be entertained,” says Rosendin Project Executive, Paul Gottfried. “Rosendin’s vast experience building secure and energy efficient data centres with reliable power and communications systems makes us uniquely qualified for this important project.” Starting July 2022, Rosendin will hire 440 craft workers and staff in Temple. This includes skilled electrical workers with the IBEW Local 72, as well as prefabrication warehouse staff, BIM (computer modelers), estimators, project managers, and office staff. Career opportunities are available for experienced craft workers, as well as apprentices and those interested in exploring jobs in the construction industry. “Meta Platform’s new data centre is a true investment to the Temple community that is building a stronger digital infrastructure, creating high-paying jobs, and using clean energy solutions that will supported by 100% renewable energy,” comments Rosendin Division Manager, Shaun Mahan. The 900,000 square foot data centre aims to serve as a model of energy efficiency and will be supported by renewable energy from new solar energy plants. The project will also aim for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification and receive credits for water restoration efforts. To date, Meta has invested more than 700 megawatts of new wind and solar energy in Texas. “Rosendin has been in business for over 100 years, and we value our long relationship with JE Dunn. We aim to be a strong partner to all the stakeholders by providing a stable, robust workforce of skilled craft workers with IBEW Local 72 who appreciate the value that innovative data centres have on communities,” adds Rosendin General Superintendent, Justin Prince. Construction on Meta Platform’s Temple Data Centre will begin in spring 2022 and create a total of 1,200 jobs during construction at the 400-acre site, located in an industrial park at NW H.K. Dodgen Loop and Industrial Park Boulevard. A statement from the Temple Economic Development Corporation says the area is a regional employment hub with 450,000 residents and a thriving business environment to diversified industries.

Kettering to benefit from full fibre boost as CityFibre announces investment

CityFibre has named Kettering as the next UK town in line for a multi-million-pound investment in its digital infrastructure – a move that will see it join the nation’s growing list of full fibre enabled communities. CityFibre is set to invest £17m in a new town-wide network that will bring fast and reliable full fibre-enabled internet services within reach of nearly every home and business in Kettering. Construction work will begin in early May around the Northfield Avenue and Rockingham Road area in the north of the town. As work is completed in each neighbourhood, CityFibre will designate the homes ‘ready for service’, which means residents can choose to connect to faster and more reliable full fibre-enabled broadband services when they go live in their area. Full fibre networks, unlike many of the copper-based ‘fibre broadband’ services available today, use 100% fibre optic technology to carry data at light speed all the way from the home to the point of connection. This gives users speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps for upload and download, near limitless bandwidth and connectivity users can depend on. As Area Manager, James Cushing will lead the delivery of the Kettering project. He will be responsible for ensuring works are delivered efficiently and considerately, while also acting as the main point of contact for all stakeholders. James says: “CityFibre’s investment will bring a change to connectivity for Kettering. It will bring choice for residents and businesses and align perfectly with the ambitious regeneration and growth plans for the town. Our builders will soon get to work on a town-wide full fibre network – and we think people will be blown away by the difference it will make, both now and for generations to come. We cannot wait for residents and businesses to see what is possible with digital connectivity and the important part it will play in each of our lives.” A full fibre connection also goes far beyond simply enabling access to the latest entertainment at lightning speed. As an essential digital utility, full fibre boosts households and businesses alike, with experts saying it will drive a range of economic benefits, such as helping residents access essential services and work from home, while enabling businesses to be more productive, innovative and access new markets. Speaking of CityFibre’s full fibre rollout plans for Kettering, Councillor David Howes, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Rural Communities and Localism, says: “Getting the right digital infrastructure in place is a big priority for the council – it’s so important in so many ways. Increasing full fibre connectivity helps support economic growth and innovation as well as keeping communities connected. “We welcome CityFibre’s multimillion pound investment in Kettering and its wider plans for North Northamptonshire. I’m delighted that full fibre connectivity is now available to almost 30% of properties in North Northants, up from less than 10% two years ago. These current plans will help to boost this coverage and progress toward our targets of 40% full fibre by the end of 2023 and then 80% by 2028.”

DataQube Global has the rights to market products of LiquidCool Solutions

DataQube Global has announced that it has obtained exclusive rights to market products of LiquidCool Solutions (LCS) in various markets around the globe. In addition, DataQube has agreed to make an investment in LCS.   The agreement covers LCS' ZPServer and also the newly launched miniNODE, a next generation harsh environment sealed cooling solution technology solution, developed using eco-friendly dielectric fluids, and intended for mission critical infrastructures where reliability, low maintenance and equipment longevity are key. DataQube Global is planning to deploy LCS’s miniNODE across its portfolio of edge data centre solutions by the end of 2022, to assist clients in deploying edge technology. Incorporating LCS’ immersive cooling technology into the design architecture of DataQube Global’s edge data centre products deliver a range of operational and performance advantages, including low maintenance, reduced downtime and extended component shelf life, the LCS’ novel miniNODE cooling solution, along with the ability to deliver 1400 times more cooling power than air. The LCS technology fully supports DataQube in its mission to deploy edge data centre systems that are eco-friendly. Unlike other solutions, DataQube Global’s unique person-free layout reduces power consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 50% as the energy transfer is primarily dedicated to powering computers. Exploiting next generation cooling technologies such as those developed by LCS offers the potential to reduce these figures further. “We have already secured a major deal in the US to augment our presence in north America.” says David Keegan, Group CEO of DataQube Global. “Investing into LiquidCool Solutions cements our position as a serious player in the data centre industry and a force to be reconciled with.” “We are extremely happy to formalise our relationship with DataQube Global. Their rapidly expanding presence in edge computing and harsh environment markets provides LCS new opportunities and complements the growth plans of DataQube. The relationship with DataQube is a key element for introducing our patented chassis-based single-phase immersion technology to the burgeoning edge and data centre markets.” concludes Ken Krei, CEO of LiquidCool Solutions.

New research uncovers edge computing challenges

Schneider Electric has unveiled findings from a newly commissioned IDC White Paper entitled, ‘Succeeding at Digital First Connected Operations’ that highlights the power of edge computing in enabling the shift to a digital-first world. The white paper details responses from over 1,000 IT and operations professionals across industrial, healthcare, education, and other verticals as well as a series of in-depth interviews with industrial enterprises. Respondents were global, representing firms in the United States, China, Japan, Germany, The United Kingdom, India, and Ireland. The organisations ranged in size from 100 to more than 1,000 employees. Responses provided insights about the factors driving edge investments, the challenges firms faced while deploying to the edge, obstacles to continued investment, and strategic recommendations to future-proof edge capabilities. “As organisations seek to create new or improved experiences for customers and to become more operationally efficient, improve safety and security, and become more sustainable, they are leaning more on digital technologies. The white paper examines the crucial role that edge computing and edge deployments play in enabling digital-first, connected operations,” says Chris Hanley, SVP, Commercial Operations & Global Channels, Leading Edge Commercial Strategy, Schneider Electric. “It highlights strategies that IT professional and decision makers can adopt to future proof their edge computing capabilities to support remote, connected, secure, reliable, resilient, and sustainable operations.” Edge computing is one of the major enablers of a digital-first paradigm. In fact, the most common use cases of edge infrastructure include cybersecurity systems to monitor the operational network locally as well as storing and processing operational data to bring it to the cloud. Further, when organisations were asked why they were investing in edge computing to support these workloads, respondents cited, ‘improve cybersecurity’ (50%) and ‘systems resiliency and reliability’ (44%). Yet, there are various challenges that organisations must overcome to ensure their edge infrastructure, and thus, their connected operations, are resilient and reliable. Despite the promise of the edge, many organisations report connectivity and power outage concerns. In fact, 32% of respondents have experienced a ‘lack of connectivity or slow connectivity’ with their edge deployments. Further, 31% have experienced a ‘utility power outage or power surge lasting more than 60 seconds.’ Challenges to overcome when transitioning to digital-first connected operations: • Security. Physical security and cybersecurity concerns are high when connecting operations. This concern will require systems and processes that are tailored for this new paradigm. Yet, once connected to the cloud, the power of operational data can be harnessed to drive a host of new and enhanced use cases. Such data can enhance collaboration in the enterprise and enable remote operations capabilities that result in labour efficiencies while ensuring companies have resilient, remote operations capabilities. • Skills. The workforce needs to have the right skills to execute across technology settings and to be able to build alignment internally to drive change. This focus will require companies to engage with new ecosystem partners inside and outside of their organisation. • Reliability. As more of the local operations capabilities are directly supported remotely through the connected edge, reliability is a critical concern. “Resilient edge resources are the foundation for shifting to digital-first, connected operations,” says Jennifer Cooke, Research Director, Edge Strategies, IDC. “Organisations will become vulnerable if and when their technology fails. To future proof edge deployments, leaders must develop a strategy that addresses concerns, such as cybersecurity and connectivity issues, and ensures access to the skills required to maintain resilient edge infrastructures.” How organisations can future-proof edge capabilities to support their transition to digital-first connected operations: • Resilient, secure, sustainable power and connectivity resources: By including resilient power and connectivity resources early in the edge planning phases, companies can reduce the risk of downtime. • Remote Monitoring and Management of edge resources at large scale: The ongoing management of edge infrastructure at scale will challenge all organisations. Having the right skills in the right place at the right time will be difficult if not impossible. Ensure that your edge resources are equipped to support continuous remote monitoring and autonomous operation. • Trusted partners that can provide the necessary skills for the above edge resources: Consider trusted partners to provide industry best practices and service in situations or locations where it is not economically or physically feasible to do it yourself. Trusted service partners can often predict problems before they occur. Further, look for partners that also have a commitment to sustainability since among those surveyed, 82% cited commitment to sustainability as a selection criterion for edge solution providers. As a trusted partner and full solution provider, Schneider Electric works closely with customers in designing their strategies to ensure certainty, resiliency, security and sustainability throughout the design, deployment and management at the edge via: • Resilient, secure, connected and sustainable physical infrastructure solutions for any edge environment – delivering certainty in a connected world. • A cloud-based monitoring and management platform EcoStruxure IT providing remote visibility including security, data-driven insights and recommendations, reporting capabilities and digital service capabilities. • An integrated ecosystem composed of IT Technology alliances, a global network of trusted experienced channel partners and service engineers as well as rules-based design tools.

CityFibre works on Luton's digital foundations as part of investment

Work to bring full fibre connectivity within reach of almost every home and business in Luton gets underway as CityFibre breaks ground on a new infrastructure rollout that will future-proof the digital needs of the town for generations to come. The rollout forms part of CityFibre’s £45m digital infrastructure investment in Luton and Dunstable. Construction has begun in Luton, with works starting in the Stopsley area, and is being delivered by Instalcom on behalf of CityFibre. The team will use a range of construction methods while working in close partnership with Luton Council and the local community to deliver a fast rollout while managing potential disruption. The rollout is expected to move into Dunstable early next year. As the network is completed in each neighbourhood, CityFibre will designate the homes ‘ready for service’, which means residents can choose to connect to full fibre-enabled broadband services when they go live in their area. In Luton, services will be available from an increasing range of broadband providers. Across the UK, CityFibre is already working with launch partner Vodafone to supply full fibre infrastructure for customers on selected Vodafone Pro Broadband plans as well as TalkTalk and Zen, with other partners expected to join the network soon. Speaking of the project, Jean Gowin, CityFibre’s Area Manager for Luton and Dunstable, says: “I’m excited and proud to see work getting underway in Luton today. This is the start of an exciting new chapter for the town as it gets ready to embrace and thrive in the digital age. We appreciate this is a huge build project and there will be some short-term disruption. However, once the network is built, our full fibre will serve the community’s connectivity needs for decades to come.”. Paul Alderton, Communications Director, at Instalcom says: “Instalcom are delighted to be undertaking the network build in Luton for CityFibre. Our civils teams, fibre installation teams and fibre termination and testing engineers will be working collaboratively with the CityFibre build team to ensure that the works are undertaken with minimal disruption. The Instalcom Management team have worked tirelessly during the mobilisation period to ensure that the program of works was produced and agreed in conjunction with Luton Borough Council. We are looking forward to a successful fibre build.”

Vertiv appoints new channel leads: Sales Director and Marketing Specialist

Vertiv has some exciting plans for strengthening and investing in its channel strategy this year and has started by appointing two new channel leads: Martin Ryder will take on the role of channel sales director and Stuart McDougall has joined the company as a channel marketing specialist – both for the UK and Ireland. Imminent exciting developments include an upgraded partnership programme, renewed go to market strategy and a number of quality-of-life upgrades for customers that will further drive an enhanced partner/end user experience. Tasked with helping organisations to power their mission-critical applications, Martin will lead the channel team in supporting businesses distribution partners and resellers. He will report directly to Alex Brew, Sales Director UK and Ireland. Martin is already very knowledgeable about Vertiv’s IT channel portfolio of products and is in an ideal position to support partners with the vast opportunity that edge infrastructure acceleration will continue to provide to as he has been with the company since 2004. Edge infrastructure spend is expected to grow at $41.7 billion by 2025 according to IDC 2021, and the market opportunities across multiple vertical segments are vast for our channel partners. As digital transformation and edge computing advance, there is a need and appetite for complementary forward-thinking approaches and IT solutions. Martin’s previous role saw him leading the light Industrial sales team, predominantly working with transportation and manufacturing customers such as Heathrow Airport, Network Rail and London Underground. Over his 18-year career at Vertiv, Martin has held a number of positions working within direct sales teams. He has been responsible for managing high-profile accounts and supporting the consulting engineering community as a technical advisor of UPS technology. Stuart McDougall will be responsible for recruiting, activating and retaining partners and growing investment in the partner ecosystem. He will work closely with key distribution partners to continue driving joint business and winning new customers. Stuart will report to Hannah Sharland, Marketing Manager UK & Ireland. In his previous role, Stuart was the senior account manager for TPL Digital, a channel marketing agency specialising in helping enterprise software vendors accelerate their channel programs through recruiting, enabling and growing their respective partners. His goal is to attract partnerships with channel distributors and resellers based on trust and growth.

Cloudrise is taking 2022 by storm

Cloudrise continues to make waves with a flurry of exciting news to kick-off 2022. Cloudrise is pleased to announce the acquisition of CyberOrchard, an information security managed service organisation located in the United Kingdom. Cloudrise CEO, Rob Eggebrecht, shares his thoughts: “The merger of the two companies brings a breadth of knowledge and expertise to Cloudrise, paving the way to expand our portfolio of data protection services to the global market.” As part of the acquisition, Jason Bird, CyberOrchard’s Founder and CEO, has been named Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Cloudrise. Bird has over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, managed services, data governance, and privacy. “Data protection is becoming more complex every day, and at Cloudrise we believe collaboration is the path to better protection for our customers. We are partnering with the strongest data-centric technology companies to bring innovative solutions to our customers, such as Netskope, AWS, Digital Guardian, Microsoft, OneTrust, Varonis, BigID, and Veritas, just to name a few,” comments Bird. This news comes just a week after Netskope named Cloudrise as their Global Services Partner of the Year. “This achievement illustrates Cloudrise’s commitment to delivering innovative service offerings to customers worldwide,” says Joe Infantino, Chief Operating Officer at Cloudrise. Additionally, Cloudrise is pleased to announce that CRN has named Cloudrise on its Managed Service Provider (MSP) 500 list in the Managed Security 100 category for 2022. Winners are recognised for helping end users increase efficiency, simplify solutions, and maximise their return on investments.

EDGNEX breaks ground on data centre facility in Riyadh, KSA

EDGNEX has identified Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), as the next location for its collection of data centre facilities. EDGNEX’s data centre will support the KSA’s Vision for 2030 by providing a foundation for local and regional digital transformation and innovation, while aiming to attract global multi-nationals to the country.   The data centre will be located at Industrial City 2 which is just 19km from the city centre and 47km from the airport. The facility’s close proximity to Riyadh’s city centre will provide low-latency access to the entire KSA market, and customers will benefit from high-fibre density and connectivity options. The new data centre will have a maximum IT load of 20 Megawatts (MW) and sit on a 17,720sqm plot. The facility will be ready to go live in Q3 2023. “The KSA is one of the most exciting and dynamic ICT markets in the MENA region. The government of the KSA has demonstrated its commitment to innovation and we are proud to be supporting its long-term vision for digital adoption. We want to help attract hyperscalers and innovators from around the world and give them a foundation for growth,” says Niall McLoughlin, Senior Vice President of parent company DAMAC Group. “This is a tremendous opportunity to serve growing local demand while offering world-class facilities to players from across the globe. We look forward to growing together with partners and customers in the KSA.” EDGNEX is a digital infrastructure provider that identifies and invests in the next digital hubs. It identifies markets where new investment in digital infrastructure can have maximum impact on local economies, enterprises and end users.  “The KSA is one of the most connected countries in the MENA region and Riyadh offers an ideal hub for connecting Asia, Africa, the GCC and Europe. We see it as a hyperconnected crossroads and one of the most strategic locations for data centre investment in the region. As we grow our footprint locally in MENA and across the globe, we remain committed to developing digital infrastructure in the KSA and enabling the growth of Riyadh as an ICT hub for the region,” adds Niall.  With an estimated population of 33.4 million and over half of those being under 30, the KSA has a growing number of everyday tech users who demand high connectivity performance at all times.  This scalable colocation facility will be ready to serve local customers, hyperscalers and other wholesale colocation requirements to eliminate the need for their own facilities. The KSA national fibre network offers terrestrial connectivity to all major Gulf markets and acts as a gateway to key regional submarine cable landing stations.