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Why resilient cooling systems are critical to reliability

In this exclusive article for DCNN, Dean Oliver, Area Sales Manager Commercial (South and London areas) at Spirotech, explores why uninterrupted operation of data centres - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - is no longer optional, but essential. To achieve this, he believes robust backup systems, advanced infrastructure, and precision cooling are fundamental: The importance of data In today's digitally driven economy, data is the backbone of intelligent business decisions. From individuals and startups to multinational corporations and financial institutions, the protection of personal and commercial information is more vital than ever. The internet sparked a technological revolution that has continued to accelerate - ushering in innovations like cryptocurrencies and, more recently, the powerful rise of artificial intelligence (AI). While these developments are groundbreaking, they also highlight the need for caution and infrastructure readiness. For most users, the importance of data centres only becomes clear when systems fail. A 30-minute outage can bring parts of the economy to a halt. If banks can’t process transactions, the consequences are immediate and widespread. Data breaches can have a significant impact on businesses, both operationally and financially. This year alone, several high-profile companies have been targeted. Marks & Spencer, for example, reportedly suffered losses of around £300 million over a six-week period following a cyberattack. These and other companies affected by such problems underline just how dependent our society is on digital infrastructure. Cyberattacks, like denial-of-service (DoS) assaults, are a real and growing threat. But even without malicious intent, data centres must operate flawlessly, with zero downtime. Central to this is thermal management, including cooling systems that maintain optimal conditions to prevent system failure. Why cooling is key Data centres generate significant heat due to dense arrays of servers and network hardware. If temperatures are not precisely controlled, systems risk shutdown, data corruption, or permanent loss - an unacceptable risk for any organisation. Cooling solutions are mission-critical. Given the security and performance demands on data centres, there’s no room for error. Cutting corners to save on cost can have catastrophic consequences. That’s why careful planning at the design stage is essential. This should factor in redundancy for all key components: chillers, pumps, pressurisation units, and more. Communication links between these systems must also be integrated to ensure coordinated operation. The equation is simple: the more computing power you deploy, the greater the cooling demand. Cloud infrastructure consumes enormous amounts of energy and space, requiring 10s of megawatts of power and covering thousands of square metres. If the cooling system fails - whether from chiller malfunction or control breakdown - data loss on a massive scale becomes a very real possibility. That’s why backup systems must be immediately responsive, guaranteeing continued operation under any condition. Keeping systems operating Today, there are innovative control systems available, like those offered by Spirotech, that offer detailed insights into system performance and which capture operational data from pumps, valves, pressurisation units, and vacuum degassers. This enables early detection of potential issues and provides trend analysis to support proactive maintenance. For example, vacuum degassers can show how much air has been removed over time, while pressurisation units monitor pressure levels, leak events, and top-up activity. These systems work in tandem, ensuring balance and continuity. If a fault occurs, alerts are instantly dispatched to relevant personnel. A poorly designed or maintained pressurisation system can result in negative pressure, leading to air ingress via vents and seals - or, conversely, excessive pressure that causes water discharge and frequent refills. Air and dirt separators are also crucial to system health, preventing build-up and ensuring smooth operation across all pipework and components. Conclusion Effective cooling is essential for data centre systems due to the high demands on security and performance; there's no tolerance for failure. Inadequate or poorly designed cooling can lead to disastrous outcomes, including potential large-scale data loss. To prevent this, detailed planning during the design phase is crucial. This includes building in redundancy for all major components like chillers, pumps, and pressure units, and ensuring these systems can communicate and function together reliably. As computing capacity increases, so does the need for robust cooling. Modern cloud infrastructure uses vast amounts of power and physical space, placing even greater stress on cooling requirements. Therefore, backup systems must be fast-acting and fully capable of maintaining continuous operation to avoid downtime and protect data integrity, regardless of any component failures. For more from Spirotech, click here.

Reuters Energy LIVE is fast approaching

Reuters Events: Energy LIVE is heading to the heart of the energy capital in Houston, Texas, USA, this 9-10 December. Momentum is building with more than 1,500 energy professionals - including bp, Constellation, Entergy, ENGIE, Next Decade, and more - already registered. Register now to explore solutions from: • Digital transformation leaders and AI innovators• Infrastructure developers and data centre operators• Project developers across renewables, hydrogen, and LNG• SMR and advanced reactor specialists• Energy storage providers and grid modernisation experts Your free expo pass gives you access to: • Startup pitches judged by top VCs, with live audience voting• Roundtable discussions on industry-critical topics• Structured networking including 1:1 meetings, community meetups, and speed dating sessions• Themed exhibition tours spotlighting AI, digital, and emerging tech There will also be live podcasts and expo stage sessions featuring senior leaders from Dominion Energy, Sempra Infrastructure, Petrobras America, Woodside Energy, POET, J.P Morgan, Siemens, Halliburton, Mitsubishi Power, and Breakthrough Energy. Join a community of over 3,000 attendees and more than 100 exhibitors, innovators, investors, solution providers, venture capitalists, energy producers, and project developers for two days of high-impact networking, discovery, and insight. Register for your free pass and start your Energy LIVE journey today. For more from Reuters, click here.

DC BLOX to expand Myrtle Beach landing station

DC BLOX, a provider of connected data centre and fibre networks, has announced the planned expansion of its Myrtle Beach cable landing station in South Carolina, USA. The company has acquired approximately 20 acres of adjacent land within the Myrtle Beach International Technology and Aerospace Park (ITAP) with the potential to accommodate up to five additional subsea cables and an additional 20MW of power from the current on-site substation. The Myrtle Beach cable landing station (MYR1) opened in 2023 and was developed to enable a resilient international communications gateway for subsea cable access into the southeastern US from western European countries, South America, the Caribbean, and Africa. MYR1 is the largest facility of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard. MYR2 will complement existing subsea cables already landing in Myrtle Beach (including Firmina, Anjana, and Nuvem), enhancing the region’s role in connecting the US with the world. Expanding existing connectivity Jeff Wabik, Chief Technology Officer at DC BLOX, says, “Demand for landing subsea cables in Myrtle Beach has been extraordinary and the rapid addition of new carrier partners into MYR1 has significantly enhanced the facility’s connectivity ecosystem. “By preparing for MYR2, DC BLOX is enabling new digital infrastructure development across the region by global hyperscale companies and ensuring continued growth of the Southeast’s digital economy.” Sandy Davis, Myrtle Beach Regional EDC President & CEO, comments, “The continued growth of DC BLOX in our community is the vision presented by their leadership in 2021. "DC BLOX is an extraordinary company committed to providing technology services and community partnerships as promised. We are excited to have DC BLOX expand in Horry County and to house the largest facility of its kind on the Eastern Seaboard in our county." Pending additional demand, the new MYR2 facility would be built adjacent to MYR1 within ITAP, a site that offers a solid coastal location for subsea systems. Once completed, the two facilities combined would support up to ten subsea cables, strengthening international connectivity and advancing Myrtle Beach’s position as a global cable landing destination. For more from DC BLOX, click here.

Schneider Electric advances 800 VDC power systems

Schneider Electric, a French multinational specialising in energy management and industrial automation, has outlined its latest developments in 800 VDC power architectures, designed to meet the growing demands of high-density rack systems across next-generation data centres. The company says the move reflects a broader industry transition towards higher power densities and greater efficiency, as artificial intelligence (AI) workloads drive increased compute intensity. Schneider Electric is developing its approach around system-level design, integrating power conversion, protection, and metering to ensure performance, scalability, and safety. Jim Simonelli, Chief Technology Officer for Data Centres at Schneider Electric, explains, “The move to 800 VDC is a natural evolution as compute density increases and Schneider Electric is committed to helping customers make that transition safely and reliably. "Our expertise lies in understanding the full power ecosystem, from grid to server, and designing systems that integrate seamlessly and operate predictably.” Collaboration with NVIDIA on 800 VDC sidecar Schneider Electric is working with NVIDIA to develop an 800 VDC sidecar capable of powering racks of up to 1.2 MW. The sidecar is designed to support future generations of NVIDIA GPUs and accelerated computing infrastructure by converting AC power from the data centre into 800 VDC. According to Schneider Electric, the design enables safe and efficient megawatt-scale rack power delivery while helping to minimise infrastructure and material costs. The sidecar includes: • Modular power conversion shelves• Integrated short-term energy storage for load smoothing and backup• Live Swap capability for safer maintenance• High energy efficiency The company says the development reflects its wider 'system-level' approach, which focuses on the complete power infrastructure rather than isolated components. This includes optimising conversion technology, intelligent metering, and integrated protection systems to improve operational efficiency and support scalable, high-density deployments. Safety, reliability, and validation Schneider Electric reports that its 800 VDC power systems are backed by extensive modelling, simulation, and testing. This includes fault current and arc flash analysis, as well as certified laboratory environments designed to replicate real-world conditions. The company’s safety and validation processes are aimed at ensuring predictable performance, simplified maintenance, and operational resilience, which are all key factors for facilities deploying high-density AI and high-performance computing racks. Dion Harris, Senior Director of HPC, Cloud, and AI Infrastructure Solutions GTM at NVIDIA, says, “Scalable power architectures are the foundation for next-generation AI infrastructure that maximises both performance and efficiency. "NVIDIA and Schneider Electric are building on our longstanding partnership to design and deliver advanced 800 VDC power systems that will support AI applications driving the industrial AI revolution.” For more from Schneider Electric, click here.

ZainTECH launches Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute in Kuwait

ZainTECH, the digital solutions and cloud services arm of Kuwait-based Zain Group, in collaboration with Zain Kuwait and Zain Omantel International (ZOI), has announced the availability of Microsoft Azure ExpressRoute on the Azure Marketplace. The move enables government and enterprise customers in Kuwait to access secure and private connectivity to Microsoft Azure directly through the Azure Marketplace. The listing allows organisations with existing Azure agreements to purchase ExpressRoute using their existing Microsoft Azure consumption credits, designed to simplify procurement and integration with cloud infrastructure. Dedicated, compliant cloud connectivity ExpressRoute provides a dedicated, low-latency connection to Microsoft data centres in the UAE and Europe. According to ZainTECH, the service is aimed at supporting mission-critical workloads that require high performance, enhanced security, and compliance with Kuwait’s national data residency and regulatory standards. Andrew Hanna, CEO of ZainTECH, comments, “Helping governments and enterprises become more digital, intelligent, and resilient is what all Zain entities aim for. "The availability of ExpressRoute on the Azure Marketplace is a game-changer for customers in Kuwait. It removes friction from the procurement process and makes it easier than ever for entities to leverage Microsoft’s cloud, using their existing agreements and credits. "This is how we accelerate real transformation: by combining secure, high-speed connectivity with operational simplicity.” ZainTECH says that its collaboration with Zain Kuwait, ZOI, and Microsoft establishes a new framework for compliant and resilient cloud connectivity in Kuwait. The initiative also aligns with Kuwait’s Vision 2035 strategy, supporting national digital transformation efforts and enabling government and enterprise modernisation.

GNM launches new PoP in Paris

GNM, a backbone internet provider and telecom operator, has launched a new Point of Presence (PoP) at 137 Boulevard Voltaire in Paris, expanding its Western European footprint and giving French operators direct access to its backbone and interconnection services. The company says that strong growth in France over the past year drove the decision to expand into the capital. The Paris site connects regional operators with lower-latency routes to Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London, and Central Europe, integrated with GNM’s 20,000 km backbone and 80+ PoPs in 21 countries. From Paris, GNM says it offers services including IP Transit with Tier-1 upstreams and advanced BGP community control; GNM-IX peering, with more than 650 connected networks; Ethernet / L2VPN with SLAs and end-to-end traffic control; and Remote IX for access to European Internet Exchanges without physical presence. Ahmed Eidarous, International Development Manager at GNM, comments, “Paris is a natural step in our European expansion. “By launching a PoP here, we are bringing French operators closer to our backbone and service portfolio, enabling them to exchange traffic more efficiently and access international hubs with minimal latency.” With the Paris PoP online, GNM says it has both expanded its presence in Western Europe and strengthened connectivity for regional and global customers. For more from GNM, click here.

LINX achieves 25 x 400GE port count milestone

The London Internet Exchange (LINX), an internet exchange point (IXP) operator, has successfully deployed their 25th 400GE port across their global network, a major milestone within the wider industry's growth. The first 400GE port was provisioned in 2021, with demand for ultra-high bandwidth connectivity surging since then, driven by the exponential growth in cloud services, video streaming, gaming, and AI workloads. A single 400GE connection delivers four times the capacity of a standard 1000GE port, enabling networks to consolidate traffic, reduce operational complexity, and build in resilience, future-proofing their infrastructure. Investing in the future LINX has invested heavily in Nokia’s next-generation hardware and optical technologies to enable 400GE delivery across its interconnection ecosystems in London and Manchester. This investment aims to ensure members can scale quickly and efficiently while maintaining the resilience and reliability that underpin the global internet. Jennifer Holmes, CEO of LINX, comments, “Reaching 25 active 400GE ports is a testament to the evolving needs of our members and the strength of our technical infrastructure. "We’ve seen a clear shift towards high-capacity services, with our larger delivery networks upgrading first to 400GE. "In the last 12 months UK ISPs are now seeing the demand for the service and are upgrading in London and Manchester, a positive sign of effective network traffic management or regional peering. "This evolution demonstrates how network operators of all sizes are adapting to keep pace with the demands of modern digital services.” As digital transformation accelerates globally, LINX says it continues to extend its reach beyond the UK, also supporting interconnection platforms in the US and Africa. For more from LINX, click here.

365 Data Centers appoints new CEO and President

365 Data Centers (365), a provider of network-centric colocation, network, cloud, and other managed services, has announced the appointment of Derek Gillespie as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Steve Amelio as President. This leadership transition follows the planned retirement of co-founder and CEO Bob DeSantis, who will continue to serve as a Board Member and strategic advisor to the company. Who's who Derek Gillespie brings over two decades of experience across the data centre and telecommunications industries. The company says that since joining 365 as CRO in 2024, Derek has played a role in expanding the company’s market reach, strengthening customer relationships, and executing strategic acquisitions. He will continue to act as CRO in addition to taking on the new role of CEO. Steve Amelio, who has been with 365 since 2019, has reportedly helped build the company’s operational and financial foundation. As well as becoming President, he will continue to serve as CFO, overseeing finance and administration while leading day-to-day operations to ensure continued customer satisfaction and scalable growth. Bob DeSantis, co-founder and Board Member of 365 Data Centers, comments, “Derek and Steve have been central to 365’s success and are ideally suited to lead the company into its next phase of growth. “Their leadership, deep industry expertise, and shared vision will ensure continuity while propelling the company forward as a trusted infrastructure-as-a-service and managed services provider.” During Bob’s tenure, 365 has transformed from a collection of eight standalone data centres into a US-wide, interconnected platform with 20 facilities, 80MW of capacity, 1,200 customers, and a network spanning key edge markets. “We are honoured to carry forward the incredible momentum that Bob and the team have built,” says Derek Gillespie, CEO at 365 Data Centers. “Our focus remains on delivering reliable, high-performance infrastructure solutions that empower our customers to grow and innovate.” “This is an exciting time for 365,” adds Steve Amelio, President of 365 Data Centers. “We look forward to building upon our strong operational backbone and customer-first culture as we continue to scale and strengthen our network-centric platform.” For more from 365 Data Centers, click here.

Object First launches 'ransomware-proof' storage

Object First, a US provider of storage appliances, has introduced Ootbi Mini, a compact immutable storage appliance designed for remote and branch offices, edge environments, and small businesses using Veeam for backup. The device is intended to protect local backup data against ransomware attacks without requiring a traditional data centre setup. Available in 8, 16, and 24 terabyte capacities, Ootbi Mini brings the company’s existing enterprise-level security to a smaller form factor. Built on 'zero trust' principles, it provides what the company describes as “absolute immutability”, meaning that no one - including administrators - can alter its firmware, operating system, storage layer, or backup data. The device offers the same data protection, user interface, and Veeam integration as Object First’s existing Ootbi systems, with minimal setup required. Ootbi Mini will be available for purchase or through a subscription model, with deliveries due to begin in January 2026. New additional features Alongside Ootbi Mini, Object First has announced several additional updates: The first, Ootbi Honeypot, introduces early warning protection against cyberthreats targeting Veeam Backup and Replication (VBR). The feature, available in version 1.7 at no additional cost to current customers, deploys a decoy VBR environment to detect suspicious activity. If a threat is detected, Honeypot immediately sends an alert via the customer’s chosen communication channel. The company has also launched a beta programme for Ootbi Fleet Manager, a cloud-based platform that allows customers to monitor and manage their entire Ootbi fleet from a single dashboard. The system provides granular monitoring, reporting, and hardware health insights, enabling customers to maintain visibility across distributed environments. Phil Goodwin, Research Vice President at IDC, comments, “Organisations running Veeam can benefit from storage technologies that combine immutability, simplicity, and resilience. "With Ootbi Mini, Honeypot, and Fleet Manager, Object First is expanding its ransomware-proof portfolio to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes.” David Bennett, CEO at Object First, adds, “Our mission is to make ransomware-proof backups simple, powerful, and accessible for every Veeam user. With Ootbi Mini, any organisation can achieve enterprise-grade immutability within a small footprint. "Honeypot strengthens cyber resilience by providing early threat detection, while Fleet Manager simplifies how customers monitor their deployments. Together, these innovations reinforce our commitment to secure, straightforward, and reliable backup for Veeam users.” For more from Object First, click here.

Duos Edge AI expands edge DC network in Texas

Duos Technologies Group, through its subsidiary Duos Edge AI, a provider of edge data centre (EDC) systems, has deployed a new EDC in Waco, Texas, at the Education Service Centre (ESC) Region 12. The facility marks the company’s sixth site in the state and aims to strengthen digital infrastructure to support local education and community development. The project aims to expand access to reliable, low-latency computing for schools and community partners, providing the resources needed to deliver modern digital learning tools and services. Supporting distributed computing and digital learning The partnership with Region 12 highlights the increasing demand for distributed computing infrastructure to enable K–12 education, workforce development, and regional digital transformation across Texas. The new edge data centre seeks to enhance bandwidth, secure data processing, and local AI capabilities, improving connectivity and efficiency throughout the region. Doug Recker, President of Duos and Duos Edge AI, comments, “This deployment is a significant advancement in our statewide initiative to bring modern computing capabilities closer to where data is created and used. "Our collaboration with Region 12 strengthens the foundation for next-generation learning tools, administrative efficiency, and community connectivity - all powered locally at the edge.” Kenny Berry, Executive Director of ESC Region 12, adds, “Access to real-time, reliable data processing directly supports our educators and students. "This edge data centre brings long-term value to our schools by enabling advanced learning technologies, improving efficiency, and reducing latency across our network.” The deployment forms part of Duos Edge AI’s 2025 strategy to establish 15 operational edge data centres. Each facility features a modular design for rapid deployment, offering scalable compute power and high-speed connectivity in as little as 90 days. These sites, the company says, are helping meet the evolving digital needs of the education, healthcare, and government sectors. For more from Duos Edge AI, click here.