News

TBM's Excellence Forum returns to Washington

TBM Group, a US business event organiser, has announced the return of the Excellence in Data Center Construction, Design, and Engineering Forum for its second edition, taking place on 27–28 January 2026 in Washington D.C., USA. This premier event will bring together leading data centre operators, cloud service providers, construction and engineering firms, technology innovators, and regulatory representatives to address the challenges and opportunities shaping the next generation of data centres. Through expert presentations, panel discussions, and real-world case studies, attendees will explore innovative design strategies, energy efficiency, sustainability solutions, and compliance with evolving US regulations. As AI, cloud computing, and edge technologies accelerate demand, this forum provides a vital platform to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and foster collaboration for future-ready digital infrastructure.

DataPro+ launches job board and social network

DataPro+ has launched what it describes as the first AI-powered job board and professional network dedicated to the global data centre industry. The platform features more than 7,500 live job listings from employers worldwide and a pre-registered community of over 40,000 professionals. Alongside recruitment, it offers a closed professional network for the industry, providing space for knowledge sharing, news, and career development. Features of the platform DataPro+ combines job listings with AI-driven tools and professional networking. Key functions include: • AI job matching to connect candidates and roles more quickly• Global job aggregation to provide a single access point for industry opportunities• Automated distribution of vacancies across aggregators, social channels, and newsletters, with optimisation for reach and applications• Performance tracking to boost jobs where they receive the best engagement• Exclusive community features for data centre professionals to connect and share updates• Industry hub tools including job alerts, events, and insights• Next-generation support for students, graduates, and apprentices exploring career paths in the sector Josh Young, Managing Director of DataPro+, says, “Our vision with DataPro+ is bigger than just jobs. We’re building the first dedicated hub where the data centre workforce can not only find opportunities, but also connect, share ideas, and strengthen the next generation of talent. "Our AI technology ensures jobs don’t just sit on a site; they’re actively distributed, optimised, and delivered to the right professionals. LinkedIn is for everyone, DataPro+ is for our industry.” Employers can advertise roles and access branding, marketing, and sponsorship packages to reach the industry workforce. DataPro+ says early sponsors will gain enhanced visibility across the platform’s job board, community, and news channels.

CDM unveils DC platforms for the AI era

Compu Dynamics Modular (CDM), an AI-era modular data centre solutions company drawing on Compu Dynamics’ two decades of comprehensive data centre expertise, has launched two modular data centre solutions engineered to overcome the toughest data centre bottlenecks: ultra-high density, rapid deployment, and seamless scaling across edge to core. The CDM L Series is purpose built and optimised for AI learning/training and ultra-high-density workloads, and the CDM I Series is an all-in-one solution designed for AI inference at the edge. Ron Mann, Vice President of Compu Dynamics Modular, comments, “With AI pushing traditional infrastructure limits and no end in sight, we’ve developed two unique, purpose-built modular data centre solutions for learning, inference, and edge. Designed for efficiency and flexibility, these solutions ensure our customers never have to compromise. CDM is redefining the possibilities of modular data centres, and our products are built to handle the requirements of tomorrow’s landscape.” As AI workloads grow exponentially, CDM believes that traditional data centres are increasingly falling short in terms of meeting speed, density, and flexibility requirements. CDM’s two new platforms will address this challenge by offering customers solutions for both AI and edge workloads, which demand different densities, scales, and deployment models. “These innovative new platforms are the result of 20-plus years of expertise in data centre design and deployment,” states Steve Altizer, President and CEO of Compu Dynamics. “The Compu Dynamics Modular team has created two much-needed solutions that are built to grow and evolve with the applications they support.” Features of the CDM L Series include:• Purpose built and optimized for ultra-high density AI workloads• Engineered for 50–250+ kW per rack• Scalable from 1.5 to 3+ MW• Dual-module architecture, delivering powerful performance for next-generation AI applications• Ideal for hyperscale, colocation, and GPU-intensive environments• Designed and built in the USA• Customisable base module and open OEM integration Features of the CDM I Series include: • Designed for edge deployments requiring fewer AI racks, or lower IT density per module• Engineered for 50–250+ kW per rack• Supports up to 500 kW per module with air cooling and 1+ MW with combined air and liquid cooling• Compact, all-in-one architecture to reduce space, streamline deployment and reduce complexity• Ideal for telecom, healthcare, education, and government sectors• Designed and built in the USA• Customisable base module and open OEM integration Both platforms also offer fast, flexible deployment and seamless scalability, as well as being technology neutral, supporting multiple IT hardware and infrastructure OEM equipment sources with no vendor lock-in. CDM provides full-service, end-to-end support for these platforms, from evaluation to delivery and ongoing preventive maintenance. The company’s turnkey and vendor-neutral approach to modular solutions accelerates deployment while reducing costs. With this launch, CDM says that it is empowering customers to face the AI era fully prepared and confident in the company's infrastructure. For more from Compu Dynamics Modular, click here.

Duos deploys fifth edge data centre

Duos Technologies Group, through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI, a provider of adaptive, versatile and streamlined edge data centre (EDC) solutions tailored to meet evolving needs in any environment, has announced its latest data centre deployment towards its anticipated goal of 15 deployments by the year's end. The latest EDC is in partnership with Dumas Independent School District to deploy an on-premise EDC in Dumas, Texas. This project marks another milestone in Duos Edge AI’s expansion into rural communities, providing low-latency compute and connectivity that directly support K-12 education and regional growth. The Dumas ISD edge data centre will serve as a localised hub for real-time data processing, enabling advanced educational tools, stronger digital infrastructure, and improved connectivity for students and staff across the district. “As Director of Information Technology for Dumas ISD, I am excited about our partnership with Duos Edge AI,” says Raymond Brady, Director of Information Technology at Dumas ISD. “This collaboration brings direct, on premise access to a cutting-edge data centre, an extraordinary opportunity for a rural community like Dumas. It will significantly strengthen the district’s technology capabilities and support our mission of achieving academic excellence through collaboration with students, parents, and the community. I look forward to working with Duos Edge AI as we continue to provide innovative technology for our students and staff, ensuring every student is prepared for success.” “This partnership with Dumas ISD is a perfect example of how edge technology can create lasting impact in rural communities,” adds Doug Recker, newly appointed President of Duos Technologies Group and the founder of subsidiary, Duos Edge AI. “By placing powerful computing infrastructure directly on campus, we’re helping schools like Dumas unlock real-time digital tools that drive student achievement, workforce readiness, and community growth.” This deployment is part of Duos Edge AI’s broader 2025 plan to establish 15 modular EDCs nationwide, with a focus on underserved and high-growth markets. By locating advanced computing infrastructure closer to end users, Duos Edge AI ensures reliable, secure, and scalable technological access for schools, healthcare facilities, and local communities. For more from Duos Edge, click here.

Microgrids are key to accelerating DC growth, research finds

A combination of renewables, grid balancing engines and energy storage make for the most cost-effective microgrids to power data centres, while also cutting emissions and providing vital grid balancing to enable the energy transition, according to a new research paper from technology group Wärtsilä and energy solutions business AVK. The paper, Data centre dispatchable capacity: a major opportunity for Europe’s energy transition, provides new analysis on how data centre microgrids can reduce grid infrastructure spending, emissions and wasted energy, while providing a balanced path for the energy transition.The analysis finds that powering the data centres across Europe by optimised microgrids could create a significant bank of dispatchable power, supporting the entire continent’s energy transition. The rapid growth of AI is driving increased demand for data centres across Europe, which is expected to increase by 250% by 2030, from 10GW to 35GW. With the continent’s grid facing constraints from high energy prices and bloated grid connection queues, data centre operators are increasingly turning to off-grid solutions to power these energy-intensive assets. Anders Lindberg, President of Wärtsilä Energy and Executive Vice President of Wärtsilä, says, “The growth of AI over recent years has been extraordinary, and as it continues to transform the way we live and work, it drives a need for more energy. This is causing significant challenges for grid operators across Europe, who are struggling with rising costs and up to a 10-year waiting time for a grid connection. “By investing in microgrids, data centres can sidestep energy constraints, and with the right technology mix of renewables, grid balancing engines and energy storage, can ensure their emissions profiles and costs do not outweigh the huge benefits that AI brings. AVK CEO Ben Pritchard comments, “The answer to the challenges we face in combatting climate change is as much to do with changing behaviours as developing new technologies. And the key to behavioural change is the recognition that there are different ways of doing things. The solutions outlined in this paper are not impractical; they are based on real-world cases and calculations. All that’s needed to make them more widespread is for investors, operators, equipment suppliers, planners, policy makers to recognise the widespread benefits that sharing dispatchable data centre capacity with the grid can bring and pass that knowledge on.” In addition to benefits created by microgrids, engine power plants bring cost efficiencies to data centre power generation. Modelling an 80MW data centre, a combination of engine power plants, renewables, and energy storage provides the lowest levelised cost of electricity – at 108 EUR/MWh – in comparison to three other real-world scenarios. It also offers a low emissions scenario in comparison to the other modelled scenarios, and particularly in comparison to gas turbines. The emissions of engine power plants can also decrease as sustainable fuels become commercially available. “Through investing in flexibility, microgrids can have the lowest possible cost, while cutting emissions dramatically compared to other pathways including turbines. This flexibility can have a significant, positive impact on the continent’s digital and energy transition,” Anders Lindberg states. On current trajectories, 40% of existing AI data centres will be operationally constrained by power availability by 2027. Microgrids can take this new strain off the grid in the short term and when grid connection is achieved, excess energy generated can be sold. As well as furthering cost reductions for data centre operators, this can provide vital flexibility to Europe's power challenges. Read the new research paper by clicking here. For more from AVK, click here.

Quantum-AI data centre opens in New York City

Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) and Digital Realty today announced the launch of the first Quantum-AI Data Centre in New York City, located at Digital Realty’s JFK10 facility and built with NVIDIA GH200 Grace Hopper Superchips. - Quantum-AI Data Centre: OQC and Digital Realty are working with NVIDIA to integrate superconducting quantum computers and AI supercomputing under one roof, creating a data centre built for the Quantum-AI era. - Landmark deployment and integration: OQC’s GENESIS quantum computer will integrate NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchips to become the first-ever quantum computing system deployed in New York City. OQC plans to integrate its quantum hardware with NVIDIA accelerated computing to support the scalability of future systems. - Quantum-AI at scale: Embedded within Digital Realty’s global platform, PlatformDIGITAL, OQC is delivering secure, interconnected Quantum-AI infrastructure to power breakthroughs from Wall Street to Security – a central pillar of the UK–US tech trade Partnership to be announced.The Quantum-AI Data Centre brings together OQC’s quantum computing, NVIDIA accelerated AI hardware, and Digital Realty’s cutting-edge global infrastructure, eliminating geographical and infrastructure barriers to enable businesses to harness the power of quantum compute and AI. This initiative allows enterprises to access an integrated environment where quantum computing powers the AI revolution: enabling faster model training, more efficient data generation, and transformative applications in finance and security. The system features OQC GENESIS, a logical-era quantum computer, installed within Digital Realty’s secure JFK10 site – the first-ever quantum computer installed within a New York City data centre. Integrated with NVIDIA Grace Hopper Superchips, the platform provides a launchpad for hybrid workloads and enterprise adoption at scale. OQC expects that future GENESIS systems will ship with NVIDIA accelerated computing as standard, building on its earlier collaboration integrating the NVIDIA CUDA-Q platform and providing developers seamless tools to build hybrid quantum-AI applications. “This Quantum-AI Data Centre demonstrates how quantum can drive the AI revolution - securely, practically, and at scale - while strengthening the UK–US technology alliance.” says Gerald Mullally, CEO of OQC. “Leveraging Digital Realty’s infrastructure and NVIDIA supercomputing, we are redefining enterprise computing for finance and security.” “Digital Realty’s mission has always been to enable the world’s most innovative technologies by providing secure, interconnected infrastructure at global scale,” adds Andy Power, President & CEO of Digital Realty. “By working with OQC, we’re using NVIDIA supercomputing to make Quantum-AI directly accessible in one of the world’s most important data hubs - empowering enterprises and governments to unlock new levels of performance and resilience.” Science Minister Patrick Vallance comments, “Quantum computing could transform everything - from speeding up drug discovery to supercharging clean energy so we can cut bills. The economic prize is enormous, with £212 billion expected to flow into the UK economy by 2045 and tens of thousands of high-skilled jobs on offer. OQC’s launch of the first quantum computer in New York City showcases British tech excellence and strengthens our transatlantic ties. And the industry’s first quantum-AI data centre will put British innovation at the heart of next-gen computing - delivering speed, scale and security to tackle problems today’s tech is yet to grasp." Applications and impact By integrating quantum computing with NVIDIA AI supercomputing inside a secure enterprise-grade data centre, OQC and Digital Realty are creating a platform that will unlock new possibilities across critical sectors: Finance: Faster and more accurate risk modelling, portfolio optimisation, fraud detection, and derivatives pricing, delivering competitive advantage in the world’s most data-intensive markets. Security: Advanced material simulation, logistics optimisation, and decision-making under uncertainty, strengthening resilience in mission-critical domains. Quantum for AI: Quantum computing will unlock new frontiers for AI itself, from accelerating model training and efficient data generation to emerging quantum machine learning applications with transformative impact across industries. “This milestone shows the strength of a British tech leader scaling globally through international collaboration,” says Jack Boyer, Chair of OQC. “Working with Digital Realty and using NVIDIA supercomputing here in the United States, OQC demonstrates how the UK and US can lead together in the responsible deployment of frontier technologies for finance and security” “The UK–US technology alliance is vital to ensuring that powerful new capabilities like quantum computing protect our nations, improve our prosperity, and are developed securely and in line with democratic values,” remarks Sir Jeremy Fleming, OQC Board member and former Director of GCHQ. “This deployment combines British innovation and American infrastructure, and brings NVIDIA’s AI leadership to deliver trusted computing power for the most critical applications.” Proven technology and roadmap OQC is reportedly the only quantum computing company with live deployments into colocated data centres: OQC already has systems operating in London and Tokyo, and now in New York. Its patented dual-rail Dimon qubit technology represents a breakthrough in error suppression, reducing the hardware overheads needed for error-corrected qubits and accelerating the path to fault-tolerant quantum computing. OQC has set a market leading roadmap – in collaboration with Digital Realty – to deliver scalable, commercially viable systems, with near-term impact in finance, defence, and AI. As a British champion of quantum computing, OQC is committed to building systems that drive both commercial advantage and national resilience. For more from Digital Realty, click here.

FTTH Congress CEE 2025 to focus on fibre rollout

The FTTH Congress CEE 2025 will take place on 7–8 October at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Warsaw, Poland, bringing together policymakers, operators, investors, and technology providers to address fibre deployment challenges and opportunities across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The two-day event, organised by the FTTH Council Europe, is expected to draw more than 400 delegates from across the region’s broadband ecosystem. Fibre challenges and opportunities in CEE According to the latest FTTH/B Market Panorama, the CEE region still has more than 13 million homes without fibre access, with rural areas presenting the largest gaps. While markets such as Poland and Romania have seen rapid deployment, others - including Czechia and parts of the Baltics - continue to face regulatory and investment obstacles. Vincent Garnier, Director General of the FTTH Council Europe, says, “Central and Eastern Europe represents both one of the continent’s biggest fibre challenges and one of its greatest opportunities. "With millions of homes still unconnected, this Congress is about ensuring that ambition translates into action by bringing together the actors who can make fibre a reality across the region.” Programme highlights The programme includes keynote sessions, technical presentations, and national market debates, with participation from the European Commission, BEREC, national regulators, operators, infrastructure investors, and vendors. Key themes will cover: • Regulatory frameworks and funding to accelerate deployment• Investment models and cross-border partnerships• Innovations in network resilience and open access models• The role of fibre in smart cities, inclusive growth, and digital sovereignty Country-focused sessions will provide insight into fibre developments in Poland, Czechia, Romania, Ukraine, and the Baltics. Francesco Nonno, President of the FTTH Council Europe, adds, “This event is a unique chance to address the strategic dimension of fibre. Beyond infrastructure, it is about enabling digital competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience. "The Congress in Warsaw will highlight how national and European priorities can come together to deliver for citizens and businesses alike.”

Industry reacts as EU Data Act comes into force

The EU Data Act officially comes into effect today, ushering in a new regulatory framework that aims to give users greater rights over their data while imposing fresh obligations on businesses around access, sharing, and cloud portability. The legislation seeks to improve transparency, promote fair competition, and create a more open data economy across Europe. However, industry reactions remain mixed, with some hailing the Act as a positive step forward and others warning of challenges with its implementation. A call for resilience and flexibility Tim Pfaelzer, Senior Vice President and General Manager EMEA at Veeam, says the Act arrives at a critical moment for organisations already navigating complex hybrid environments: “Many organisations have embraced hybrid models for their flexibility, but often at the expense of data portability. "The Act highlights why flexibility must be embedded into operations from the ground up. Proactive action now will not only support compliance, but also become a competitive advantage as data sovereignty and portability grow increasingly central to digital operations.” An opportunity for trust and openness Juliet Bramwell, Vice President EMEA at Glean, emphasises the Act’s potential to rebalance the data economy: “By giving users greater access to their own data and removing barriers to switching providers, the Act shifts power back to businesses and consumers. "Data sovereignty and interoperability are no longer optional; companies that embrace these principles will be better placed to innovate responsibly and build long-term trust in AI and cloud ecosystems.” Concerns around ambiguity and burden Adam Blake, CEO of ThreatSpike, welcomes the Act’s intent, but voices concern over its clarity and impact on smaller firms: “The language on forced data sharing is far too ambiguous and could end up weakening security. "Larger enterprises may have the resources to adapt, but for SMEs, redesigning products and meeting compliance demands could become a serious bottleneck. "Five years after GDPR, many businesses are still failing to comply [and] I fear this law could face the same fate.” Balancing ambition with practicality With the EU Data Act now in force, businesses across Europe will need to assess their compliance strategies, data management policies, and technical architectures to align with the new requirements. While many see it as an opportunity to improve trust and flexibility, others warn of potential risks and burdens. How effectively the Act is enforced - and how businesses adapt - will determine whether it becomes a cornerstone of Europe’s digital transformation, or another layer of complex regulation.

DataX Connect's salary survey results are in

UK data centre recruitment company DataX Connect has today, on National Data Centre Day, released the results of its 2025 Data Centre Salary Survey, coinciding with the company’s fifth anniversary of its founding. The study, which draws on insights from over 1,500 data centre professionals across Europe and the United States, reveals an industry that continues to offer strong pay and rapid progression, but also faces challenges around retention, satisfaction, and pay fairness. With demand for digital infrastructure only increasing, competition for skilled talent is fiercer than ever. The report shows that while salaries are rising, money alone is no longer enough to keep professionals engaged. The key findings • Pay rises ≠ retention — One in five professionals who received a pay increase last year still plan to leave their role. Overall, around 40% of respondents intend to change jobs within the next 12 months. • Women earn less — DataX Connect suggests the "gender pay gap persists across all levels of seniority." • Young professionals are progressing fast — One in five professionals with less than five years’ experience, and 30% of under 35s, already hold senior roles. Ambitious, early-career employees are finding fast routes to progression in the sector. Those aged 18–24 are already earning an average salary of £64k, showing what’s possible for ambitious young talent in this space. • Competitive pay, low satisfaction — While more than half of respondents believe data centre pay is more competitive than other industries, only one in five are truly satisfied with their compensation. The frustration often comes down to bonuses that feel out of reach or benefits that "aren’t cutting it." Looking ahead The findings highlight that, while the data centre sector is a lucrative industry, the next 12 months could contain a critical turning point. Businesses that invest in fairer pay structures and more transparent rewards could have the edge in attracting and retaining great talent. "The takeaway from this year’s survey is clear: the industry’s doing well, but salary alone won’t solve the bigger challenges," says Andy Davis, Director at DataX Connect and Data eXec. "If we’re serious about retention and satisfaction, we’ve got to do more than just pay competitively.”

DCNN celebrates National Data Centre Day

Today marks the first National Data Centre Day, an annual initiative recognising the vital role of data centres in powering the UK’s digital economy and AI ambitions. Taking place each year on 12 September, the date commemorates when data centres were officially designated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) by the UK Government in 2021. The awareness day aims to spotlight the innovation, sustainability, and people driving this essential sector forward, while also encouraging greater recognition of the industry’s contribution to society. As part of the celebrations, figures from across the sector have begun sharing their reflections on why National Data Centre Day matters, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Cooling at the forefront Ted Pulfer, Data Centre Director at Lennox Data Centre Solutions, highlights how cooling has become central to the industry’s progress: "National Data Centre Day is a significant moment for the UK industry. Marking a year since data centres were formally recognised as Critical National Infrastructure, it offers an opportunity to reflect on the evolution and challenges of the past year. “Cooling, once ‘part of’ the supporting infrastructure, has now moved to the forefront of the conversation, driven by increasing compute densities, AI workloads, and the rise of liquid cooling. "What’s particularly exciting is the collaboration this has inspired across manufacturers, engineers, and end users. Cooling is no longer a niche issue; it has become a strategic enabler of digital progress.” Connectivity as the foundation David Bruce, CRO of Neos Networks, points to the crucial role of fibre in enabling sustainable growth: “National Data Centre Day is a welcome opportunity to celebrate an industry that has quietly become the backbone of our digital lives. "From powering AI and cloud to supporting healthcare, finance, and public services, data centres are now rightly recognised as Critical National Infrastructure. Their role in enabling growth, innovation, and resilience cannot be overstated. “But as we look to the future, we must also recognise that data centres do not stand alone. Compute and power are essential, but it is fibre that connects investment to opportunity. "Without high-capacity, resilient networks stretching across the country, the benefits of our expanding data centre footprint risk being unevenly distributed and bottlenecked." Recognition and the road ahead National Data Centre Day provides the sector with a moment to reflect on its progress, showcase innovation, and address the challenges ahead. From cooling breakthroughs to fibre expansion, the themes highlighted today underline the growing strategic importance of digital infrastructure to the UK economy and society at large. For more on National Data Centre Day, click here.