Infrastructure

Centiel: Protecting power for hypercritical systems

By David Bond, Chairman, Centiel UK Products are cheap for a reason. If you jumped out of an aircraft, would you want to be wearing a cheap parachute? Probably not! The same logic applies to an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) protecting hypercritical systems. Selecting the solution which offers the highest level of availability and a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) is very important. However, finding the best way to protect critical power is a complex topic and one size doesn’t fit all. For this reason, Centiel’s expert team act as trusted advisors to data centres and facilities across the UK to ensure they always have the optimal UPS solution to reduce their TCO and maximise their uptime, whatever their requirement. Centiel’s sales team are all engineers and UPS solutions experts and are not required to “sell” UPS. They are required to establish long term relationships with clients and consultants by offering their wealth of experience and expertise. They must take time to understand the challenges faced by the client and always provide the best advice in relation to solutions. If, for example, the best solution is “don’t change the current UPS”, then this is the advice given. Centiel wants its customers to be able to pick up the phone and discuss the best options available for them now and in the future, knowing they will always receive excellent advice and recommendations based on best practice. It's this long-term vision and close relationships with Centiel’s clients which led to the development of their industry leading UPS solutions. For example, Centiel recently launched StratusPower, which shares all the benefits of the award-winning three phase, true modular UPS CumulusPower - including “9 nines” (99.9999999%) availability to effectively eliminate system downtime; class leading 97.6% on-line efficiency to minimise running costs; true “hot swap” modules to eliminate human error in operation – but now also includes long-life components to improve sustainability. Centiel’s team have long been at the forefront of solving technology challenges. To develop the innovation that is StratusPower, Centiel listened to customers and understood their concerns about sustainability. For the past four years, its design team has been working to ensure their latest UPS is as sustainable as possible. Uniquely, StratusPower has a 30-year design life and is almost 100% recyclable, providing complete peace of mind in relation to power availability, while helping data centres to achieve net zero targets. “StratusPower minimises TCO because of its class leading efficiency and low maintenance costs, it is fully scalable, so is unlikely be outgrown and it provides industry leading power availability. This is just one reason Centiel’s experienced team can now advise on the most appropriate options for organisations looking to improve their approach to sustainability and reduce their carbon footprint, as well as maintaining the highest level of availability for critical power protection." To arrange a discussion about the best UPS to protect your organisation’s critical power or for more information visit Centiel's website. Click here for more latest news.

Legrand unveils new Starline Series-S Track Busway

Legrand has unveiled the next generation Starline Series-S Track Busway power distribution system. This revolutionary product combines the performance, functionality and flexibility of Starline’s proven track busway technology with the added benefit of an IP54 ingress-protection rating. As a result, the company is meeting the growing commercial and industrial demand for splashproof, highly dust-resistant and extremely flexible electrical power distribution systems.    According to Data Bridge Market Research, the busway market will reach a valuation of US$3.5bn by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 8.6%. This growth will be driven by a growing desire for user-friendly, cost-effective and highly adaptable electrical distribution systems that support changing load locations in environments with limited space. For over 30 years, Starline has been meeting this need with innovative, easy-to-use track busway designs that reduce costs while maximising efficiency and scalability. With a design that features multiple mounting options, a continuous access slot and configurable plugin units that can be connected and disconnected without de-energising the busway, Starline has helped some of the biggest names in the commercial and industrial space eliminate its dependency on busduct as well as pipe and wire solutions.  The new Series-S Track Busway family of products allows users to enjoy all the benefits of its innovative design anywhere that additional water, dust or other contaminants require up to an IP54 (including IP44) or NEMA 3R rating. This opens its track busway technology for use in wet environments, dusty or debris-contaminated manufacturing, areas with sprinkler or splash-proof requirements, and outdoor applications.   Starline Series-S Track Busway’s protection level extends to its uniquely designed plug-in units, which are offered with a wide variety of watertight IEC and NEMA-rated devices to meet any need. Other features include:  Available in five and 10 foot sections, custom lengths upon request  100-to-1200-amp systems, four pole, rated up to 600Vac or 600Vdc  UL, IEC and ETL certifications  Aluminium housing with corrosion-resistant coating  Splashproof and highly dust-resistant design with watertight IEC and NEMA device options  Click here for latest data centre news.

CENTIEL leads industry with sustainable UPS launch

CENTIEL UK has launched its new uninterruptible power supply (UPS) StratusPower to provide complete peace of mind in relation to power availability while helping data centres to achieve net zero targets. The latest innovation leads the industry, as StratusPower shares all the benefits of its award-winning three phase, true modular UPS CumulusPower – including ‘9 nines’ (99.9999999%) availability to effectively eliminate system downtime; class leading 97.1% on line efficiency to minimise running costs; true ‘hot swap’ modules to eliminate human error in operation – but now also includes long-life components to improve sustainability. The three phase modular UPS StratusPower now covers a power range from 50 to 1,500kW in one cabinet and can be paralleled for 3,750kW of uninterrupted, clean power, which is perfect for data centres, minimising total cost of ownership but also helping achieve sustainability goals with a full commitment to zero waste and net zero policies. Click here for latest data centre news.

ESR completes ESR Kazo DC 2 construction

ESR Group has completed the construction of ESR Kazo Distribution Centre 2 (ESR Kazo DC 2) which is ESR’s 31st logistics facility in Japan and its sixth in the Saitama Prefecture. ESR Kazo DC 2 was completed on schedule in May 2023, and in June 2023, it welcomed the first tenant, which is a leading Japanese logistics firm ranked among the top transportation and logistics companies in Japan. It has a total gross floor area (GFA) of 105,414m2 across four floors in a maisonette format. The facility is strategically located at Kazo City, Saitama, to serve many manufacturing companies in the area. Covering the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Tohoku region, ESR Kazo DC 2 is one of the most strategically important wide-area distribution bases in Japan.  Built particularly for highly efficient logistics operations, ESR Kazo DC 2 is expected to meet the growing logistical needs of manufacturers who often move shipments in large lots. Column spacing at about 11m is optimised for pallet storage, and there are a total of 108 truck docks with dedicated one-way ramps for smooth flow of traffic. In addition, the facility offers vertical conveyors to transport pallets between the different levels. It has been designed to provide a safe environment for all workers and tenants in this earthquake-resistant building. Other safety measures available in the facility include facial recognition security systems and an emergency private power generator as a business continuity plan measure in the event of a disaster. The facility has barrier-free access, sufficient tenant parking spaces for cars and bicycles, and rest lounges that are available for tenants as well as drivers. To reduce environmental impact, ESR Kazo DC 2 uses 100% LED lighting, motion-sensor lights for areas with low footfall, energy efficient heat pumps and water saving equipment. Click here for latest news.

Keysight introduces Ethernet performance test platform

Keysight Technologies has introduced the AresONE-M 800GE, a Layer 1-3 Ethernet performance test platform, supporting data centre interconnect speeds from 10GE to 800GE.  Data-intensive applications are fuelling the need for secure and reliable 800GE network infrastructure. Deploying 800GE into existing network infrastructures creates complex testing challenges for network engineers, who must contend with a variety of new and legacy networking protocols, multiple Ethernet speeds and a vast array of fibre and copper data centre interconnects (DCI). To properly validate the performance of network infrastructures and network system designs, equipment manufacturers and network operators must have a flexible test platform that can scale to evaluate mixed speed networks, supporting a broad set of connections and network protocols. The new Keysight platform meets this need by delivering the Layer 1-3 Ethernet networking and infrastructure test solution, supporting the most comprehensive DCI speeds from 10GE to 800GE in a single platform. With this range of capabilities, it enables design engineers and data centre operators to validate networking equipment interoperability and bandwidth performance, while supporting the transition to 400GE and 800GE networks with the capability to also test slower, legacy Ethernet speeds. Benefits of the AresONE-M 800GE include: Comprehensive Ethernet speeds – 1x800GE, 2x400GE, 4x200GE and 8x100GE. PAM4 and NRZ signalling support – Features 106.25GB/s host electrical lane signalling with the ability to downshift to the lower electrical lane speeds of 53GB/s and 25GB/s for 400GE and 100GE speeds. Single test platform – Supports all required forward error correction (FEC) types and a full array of in-depth link tuning, stability, reliability and performance measurement statistics. Complete 800GE high scale protocol emulation and performance testing – Provides the protocol support required to test enterprise, metro and cloud capable Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching and routing network equipment through the IxNetwork software application. Highest port density available today for 800GE test systems – Supports eight ports in a single, two rackmount unit chassis with additional configurations for two and four ports. It also uses an integrated physical layer Digital Signal Processor (DSP) from Credo Technology Group for fast and efficient data transfer with low latency that enables data transit requirements of hyperscalers, enterprises, 5G carriers and service providers. The Credo chip also optimises power consumption to reduce operational costs, minimise heat dissipation and meet energy efficient standards for advanced networks. Click here for latest data centre news.

Data centre construction begins in Vancouver

Spencer Building Carrier Hotel has announced that it has obtained all necessary permits to commence the construction of its data centre in the heritage section of Vancouver's iconic Harbour Centre. Following a year of anticipation since the initial announcement, this milestone marks a significant advancement towards meeting the increasing IT infrastructure and connectivity needs of Vancouver's burgeoning digital landscape. Currently in its preconstruction phase, it will fully commence construction in August 2023, with completion and the launch of operations expected in the fourth quarter of 2024. Boasting an innovative, energy efficient design that will leverage free cooling opportunities, this facility is set to be an advanced and sustainable data centre, setting new benchmarks within the region’s industry for both technological prowess and ESG compliance. Overcoming the unique challenges posed by Vancouver's constrained commercial real estate market, the hub successfully collaborated with Harbour Centre to repurpose the historic Spencer Building, originally built in 1926. This ambitious project combines heritage architecture with cutting-edge IT infrastructure and connectivity services, providing enterprises, cloud providers and service providers with the fast, direct connections and expanded capacity required for advanced digital transformations. The Spencer Building Carrier Hotel not only addresses the pressing demand for superior data centre capacity in the region, but also strives to make these services more economical. In a city known for its high costs, the company aims to provide cost effective solutions to customers in a premier location close to the rich connectivity ecosystem. As a testament to the strong collaboration between the two, the unveiling of an updated logo further solidifies the partnership. The refreshed logo visually captures the strength and essence of the relationship, embodying the meeting point of long standing history and pioneering innovation. Click here for latest data centre news.

Lunar partners with Zayo to revolutionise digital landscape

Lunar Digital has announced its strategic partnership with Zayo Group. Through this partnership, Lunar will leverage Zayo's extensive network infrastructure and high performance connectivity solutions in all three of Lunar’s Manchester data centres to enhance the delivery of its services to customers. Zayo's robust network will provide Lunar Digital with reliable, secure and scalable connectivity, ensuring optimal performance and seamless integration across various platforms. The partnership marks a significant milestone as the two companies join forces to revolutionise the digital landscape and accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge technologies to customers around the globe. Together, the companies will explore innovative initiatives and collaborate on joint offerings to address the evolving needs of their customers.  "We are thrilled to partner with Zayo," says Rob Garbutt, CEO of Lunar Digital. "Zayo’s expertise in network infrastructure and connectivity solutions will enable us to deliver even greater value to our customers. By leveraging Zayo's powerful network, we can expand the reach and capabilities of our digital solutions, empowering businesses to thrive in the digital era." "The synergy between Lunar Digital’s expertise in digital solutions and Zayo’s network infrastructure provides an exciting opportunity to drive our shared values of powering the future of digital business,” says Yannick Leboyer, Chief Revenue Officer at Zayo. “Zayo's global footprint and comprehensive suite of solutions will enable Lunar Digital to extend its reach to new markets and industries, strengthening its position as a trusted provider of end-to-end digital solutions. We look forward to working together to deliver unparalleled value to customers and to support their digital business initiatives.”  The partnership between Lunar Digital and Zayo represents a significant step forward in their shared mission to enable businesses to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Click here for other latest news.

ClickUp announces EU data centre in Ireland

ClickUp has announced that it is expanding its investment in Europe with localised data hosting in its European data centre. Its customers, who are subscribed to the company's enterprise plan, will now have the option to host their data in ClickUp's European region at no additional cost. Operated by Amazon Web Services, ClickUp's European data centre is based in Ireland. With complete ownership of their data, customers will have peace of mind that all their data will meet European data hosting requirements. In addition, they will experience increased performance and the ability to scale operations without compromising speed or efficiency. It will begin migrating eligible workspaces on 31 July 2023. "This is a landmark moment for ClickUp as we scale to support our largest customers and their increasingly complex security and privacy compliance requirements," says Richard McGuinness, VP of EMEA Sales at ClickUp. "With localised data hosting, we are proud to deliver even more capabilities to support the largest businesses in the world and their unique needs across geographies." ClickUp customers interested in migrating to the new European data centre can contact the sales team through the form available on ClickUp’s website. Click here for more news on data centres.

Datum Datacentres completes new data hall in Farnborough

As part of a £7 million investment, a major expansion project has been completed at Datum Datacentres’ flagship Farnborough data centre (FRN1). The design and build activities were carried out by Keysource, a global critical environment specialist and Datum’s infrastructure partner. Since designing and building Datum’s Farnborough data centre facility, Keysource has been integral to all upgrade and development projects throughout its growth. The new data hall, Hall 4, provides 380 rack positions, a cooling infrastructure for 1000kW of IT load with N+1 resilience, and a power infrastructure for 1000kW of IT load with 2N resilience. This extra capacity comes at a time when many companies are struggling to find data centre capacity due to the increase in demand for digital services, cloud computing and data storage. Hall 4 has been designed to deliver efficiency and support net zero targets, including: The use of sustainable Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in the backup generators. An optimised cooling solution. Lithium-ion batteries in the UPS system for longer battery life and the removal of the need for additional cooling. Datum became the Datum Group in 2022 with its acquisition of leading Manchester-based colocation provider, Teledata, as part of its regional expansion strategy. The completion of Hall 4 at FRN1 is a precursor to an even larger design and build project that will be commencing soon at its Farnborough and Manchester sites. FRN2 in Farnborough will provide 600 footprints on the ground floor with scope to double this capacity on the first floor. MCR2 at the Teledata site in Manchester will offer up to 1,000 new server racks. Dominic Phillips, CEO of Datum, says, "We are pleased to be able to offer extra data centre capacity at a time when companies are struggling to find the high quality data centre footprint they need. We have proved since 2013 that our energy efficient, ‘service first’ colocation formula is a successful one, so we are delighted to be able to offer more of our services from our growing facilities." Click here for more news on data centres.

atNorth announces highest revenue to date

atNorth has announced a group income of SEK 560 million (EUR 53 million) as it publishes its 2022 annual accounts. This figure represents a 44% increase in revenue from 2021 and further growth is expected in the coming years.  The company currently operates six data centres based in Iceland, Sweden and Finland. It is planning further state-of-the-art sites in the coming years. atNorth‘s growth calls for extensive investment and it has secured access to capital for this purpose. The investment for the year 2022 amounted to about SEK 220 million (EUR 20 million), and it is already evident that the 2023 level of investment will be significantly higher. Eyjólfur Magnús Kristinsson, CEO of atNorth, says, "In recent years, we have built an enormous wealth of knowledge. Our customers value our services and it is core to atNorth's good reputation." He also commends the support of the company‘s sponsor, Partners Group, that acquired the majority of the company's shares at the beginning of 2022. As digital transformation and the use of AI and other big data projects escalates, businesses are becoming increasingly reliant on supercomputers to perform ever more complex calculations. The resulting need for high performance data centre and supercomputing services has led to an exponential increase in demand in recent years. atNorth continues to promote the Nordic region as a superlative location for investment in digital infrastructure, recently winning the ‘Tech Capital Location’ award for Iceland as a result of its advantageous climate, favourable business environment and cutting-edge infrastructure. Eyjólfur comments, “Iceland is truly on the map, and with our best-in-class data centres, outstanding customer service and proficient marketing communications, atNorth is proud to have created a desirable position in the market.”