News

Kioxia announces 245.76TB SSD for enterprise AI

Memory manufacturer Kioxia Europe has expanded its LC9 Series of enterprise solid-state drives (SSDs) with the launch of a 245.76TB model, available in both 2.5-inch and Enterprise and Datacentre Standard Form Factor (EDSFF) E3.L formats. According to the company, it is the first NVMe SSD of this capacity to be offered in these form factors. The new model adds to the previously announced 122.88TB SSD and is aimed at enterprise environments, particularly those handling generative AI workloads. These workloads require large-scale, high-speed storage with high energy efficiency to support training large language models (LLMs), creating embeddings and building vector databases used in retrieval-augmented generation (RAG). The LC9 Series is based on a 32-die stack of 2Tb BiCS FLASH QLC 3D flash memory, using Kioxia’s CBA (CMOS directly bonded to array) technology. This combination enables 8TB in a compact 154-ball grid array (BGA) package. The design leverages advancements in wafer processing, materials science, and wire bonding. The new drives are intended for use in data lakes and other large-scale data environments where high performance and storage density are essential. In such use cases, traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) can limit throughput and underutilise GPUs. By comparison, Kioxia says that each LC9 drive can deliver up to 245.76TB while reducing the need for multiple HDDs, lowering power consumption, improving cooling efficiency, and ultimately reducing total cost of ownership (TCO). Key specifications of the LC9 Series SSDs include: • Capacity up to 245.76TB in 2.5-inch and E3.L form factors • 122.88TB models also available in 2.5-inch and E3.S form factors • Designed to PCIe 5.0 (up to 128GT/s Gen5 single x4 or dual x2), NVMe 2.0, and NVMe-MI 1.2c specifications • Support for the Open Compute Project (OCP) Datacentre NVMe SSD specification v2.5 (partial compliance) • Flexible Data Placement (FDP) support to reduce write amplification and extend drive lifespan • Security options including SIE, SED, and FIPS SED • CNSA 2.0 signing algorithm, intended for future quantum security standards “We continue to drive innovation with the new Kioxia LC9 Series, providing cutting-edge technology that enables our data centre and hyperscaler customers to stay ahead,” claims Paul Rowan, Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at Kioxia Europe. “The 32-die stack of 2Tb BiCS FLASH QLC 3D flash memory, coupled with our innovative CBA technology and the E3.L form factor within the LC9 Series SSDs, address their unique requirements of generative AI applications for speed, scale, and efficiency.” The LC9 Series SSDs are currently sampling to select customers and will be showcased at the Future of Memory and Storage 2025 conference, taking place from 5 to 7 August in Santa Clara, USA. For more from Kioxia, click here.

DTX takes place at London Excel, 1-2 October

Digital Transformation Expo (DTX) sits at the intersection of technology, people, and process. Taking place on 1-2 October at London Excel, DTX is the business transformation event designed for anyone influencing technology selection and implementation. Why attend? • Purpose-driven technology sourcing: Discover smart solutions, bold tech, and sharp insights to fuel growth and boost efficiency. • Connecting teams: Connect, collaborate, and break silos to unlock your team’s full potential. • Engage in meaningful networking: Learn and engage with leaders, peers, and technology pioneers to spark ideas and drive transformation. • Driving measurable benefit: Turn tech investments into real results - streamline operations, elevate experiences, and drive sustainable growth. Whether you're looking to optimise your IT and cyber stack, improve access to data, or harness the latest in automation and AI, DTX London is the place to make connections, discover innovation and find solutions that drive measurable business benefits. Furthermore, DTX is co-located with Unified Communications Expo (UCX) – the UK’s leading event for communications and collaboration technology – giving you even more access to cutting-edge tech, insights, and inspiration to make the most of your time away from the office. Register for your free ticket at the website. For more from DTX, click here.

Riello UPS Ireland appoints new Managing Director

Critical power protection specialist Riello UPS Ireland has announced the appointment of Ian Jackson as its new Managing Director. With more than 25 years of commercial, technical, and management experience in the critical power industry, Ian takes on overall day-to-day responsibilities for leading the company, which is now based in a facility in H2 Baldonnell Business Park, Dublin 22, after recently relocating from its original premises in Ballycoolin, Dublin 11. Ian has a long history in the power protection industry, including nearly 20 years managing Pure Power Systems, an independent UPS distributor he founded and scaled until its acquisition by a US multinational company in 2017. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from TU Dublin, a Postgraduate Certificate in Energy Systems and Decarbonisation from Dublin City University, and an MBA from Dublin City University Business School. His appointment signals a renewed push to increase brand awareness of Riello UPS in the data centre, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, medtech, aviation, fintech, and telecoms markets. Riello UPS Ireland launched in November 2022, becoming the seventeenth subsidiary of the Italian headquartered RPS, the second-largest manufacturer of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) in Europe. Ian comments, “I was very fortunate to be the first Irish distributor of Riello UPS systems when I formed Pure Power Systems back in 2003 and am now privileged to directly represent this wonderful company in Ireland. “I’m really looking forward to reconnecting with my many colleagues throughout the industry and leading our fantastic team to offer the very best in critical power products and services.” Ian will work closely with Leo Craig, the long-standing Managing Director of Riello UPS in the UK, who, until this appointment, had previously combined overseeing both the UK and Irish subsidiaries. Leo says, “We are thrilled to welcome Ian to the team. He brings incredible commercial, technical, and management experience, as well as a huge passion for leadership and customer service. “Riello UPS is already a well-established brand in Ireland with strong links through several resellers and distributors. But we still have huge untapped potential for growth, and we believe under Ian’s stewardship we are now well-placed to fully capitalise on this expanding market for us.” An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides protection against electrical power outages and disturbances. It offers instantaneous battery backup that enables critical equipment like computers, IT systems, and machinery to keep running until the power returns or a standby generator kicks in. For more from Riello UPS, click here.

Netscout expands cybersecurity systems

Netscout Systems, a provider of observability, AIOps, cybersecurity, and DDoS attack protection systems, has just announced Adaptive Threat Analytics, a new enhancement to its Omnis Cyber Intelligence Network Detection and Response (NDR) solution, designed to improve incident response and reduce risk. The aim with the offering is to "enable security teams to investigate, hunt, and respond to cyber threats more rapidly." Cybersecurity professionals face a challenge in the race against time to detect and respond appropriately to cyber threats before it's too late. Alert fatigue, increasing alert volume, fragmented visibility from siloed tools, and cunning AI-enabled adversaries create a compelling need for a faster and more effective response plan. McKinsey & Company noted last year that despite a decline in response time to cyber-related risks in recent years, organisations still take an average of 73 days to contain an incident. In the threat detection and incident response process, comprehensive north-south and east-west network visibility plays a critical role in all phases, but none more so than the ‘Analyse’ phase between ’Detection’ and ‘Response.’ Adaptive Threat Analytics utilises continuous network packet capture and local storage of metadata and packets independent of detections, built-in packet decodes, and an ad hoc querying language, seeking to enable more rapid threat investigation and proactive hunting. “Network environments continue to become more disparate and complex," says John Grady, Principal Analyst, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Strategy Group. "Bad actors exploit this broadened attack surface, making it difficult for security teams to respond quickly and accurately." "Due to this, continuous, unified, packet-based visibility into north-south and east-west traffic has become essential for effective and efficient threat detection and incident response.” “Security teams often lack the specific knowledge to understand exactly what happened to be able to choose the best response,” claims Jerry Mancini, Senior Director, Office of the CTO, Netscout. “Omnis Cyber Intelligence with Adaptive Threat Analytics provides ‘big picture’ data before, during, and after an event that helps teams and organisations move from triage uncertainty and tuning to specific knowledge essential for reducing the mean time to resolution.” For more from Netscout, click here.

Teleste and VodafoneZiggo roll out DOCSIS 4.0 broadband

Teleste, a Finnish technology company that provides broadband, security, and information technology, has announced an agreement to supply its 1.8 GHz broadband technology to VodafoneZiggo, a cable broadband operator in the Netherlands, enabling the spectrum capability required for DOCSIS 4.0. Teleste will supply 1.8 GHz intelligent amplifiers, multitaps, and telemetry solutions to VodafoneZiggo’s nationwide network upgrade. The first phase of deliveries has proceeded successfully in 2025, kicking off a multi-year collaboration aimed at transforming the region’s broadband landscape. With an area in central Amsterdam already upgraded, this roll out represents Europe’s first major deployment of a 1.8 GHz network in preparation for DOCSIS 4.0. “This partnership marks an important next step in our renewed strategy focused on improving the customer experience, delivering fast and reliable internet across the Netherlands, and making targeted investments in our network and core activities. We continue to develop to ensure our customers enjoy stable WiFi throughout their homes and simplified internet services,” comments Thomas Helbo, Chief Technology Officer at VodafoneZiggo. Teleste asserts that with its 1.8 GHz amplifiers, VodafoneZiggo can identify and resolve network issues in real time, minimising service interruptions and "ensuring customers enjoy consistent, high-quality internet." “VodafoneZiggo’s investment in DOCSIS 4.0 technology, with its 10G promise, exemplifies how cable infrastructure will remain competitive for the next 10+ years. This agreement demonstrates our leadership in 1.8 GHz broadband technology and our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the market,” claims Ulf Andersson, Head of Teleste’s Broadband Networks business. “We look forward to working closely with VodafoneZiggo to upgrade their network infrastructure and deliver superior connectivity experiences to subscribers.” The partnership, according to the companies, marks a milestone in the rollout of 1.8 GHz broadband technology across Europe, and this collaboration "will pave the way for other operators in the region to adopt next-generation DOCSIS 4.0 solutions."

Data centres could generate €26bn for Portuguese economy

Portugal is establishing itself as one of Europe’s main digital and AI ready hubs, and further growth in data centre development in the country could contribute up to €26 billion (£22.5 billion) to the national GDP between 2025 and 2030 - an average of €4.4 billion (£3.8 billion) per year - according to a study conducted this year by Start Campus, a Portuguese data centre development company, and economics consultancy Copenhagen Economics. Direct and indirect socio-economic impact The study, Assessment of the Socio-Economic Benefits of the Data Centre Sector in Portugal, released this Monday estimates that the sector could support up to 50,000 full-time jobs every year, including direct, indirect, and induced employment, provided favourable investment and regulatory conditions are in place. Between 2022 and 2024, data centres already added €311 million to Portugal’s GDP, sustaining around 1,700 jobs annually - drawing and retaining skilled professionals and strengthening regional cohesion whilst opening up new education pathways. The report highlights Portugal’s bench of qualified talent in data-centre-relevant fields - a sentiment echoed by digital ecosystem stakeholders - and notes a solid tech base of roughly 230,000 ICT specialists alongside a high proportion of STEM graduates. Artificial intelligence as a driving force The study also points out that by 2030, around 70% of computing capacity will be dedicated to AI applications, underscoring the need for modern, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure. Demand for this capacity is expected to grow at a rate of 33% per year through the end of the decade. The widespread adoption of cloud computing, big data, and AI solutions by companies and public entities depends on the existence of efficient and scalable data centres capable of ensuring low-latency connectivity. Without this foundation, the full potential of digital technologies for businesses, public services, and users could be compromised. Portugal’s competitive advantages The analysis indicates that Portugal is well-positioned to become a key hub in AI and digital infrastructure in Europe. This is underpinned by a competitive electricity cost – approximately 30% below the European average – and a large supply of electricity from renewable sources – namely 87.5% of total net generation. Portugal’s Atlantic coast also provides conditions for resource-efficient cooling solutions that contribute to reducing freshwater consumption, energy consumption, and operational costs, such as the use of seawater. Portugal benefits from a robust connectivity infrastructure, with approximately 25% of the world’s submarine cables passing through the country. It also offers 92% fibre optic coverage, ranking as the third-best network in the European Union (EU). “Portugal has all the right conditions to establish itself as a leading digital and AI hub in Europe: strategic connectivity, clean energy, and a highly skilled workforce. This study confirms that, with the right public policies, data centres can become a driver of economic growth and territorial cohesion,” says Robert Dunn, CEO of Start Campus. "Portugal is emerging as a key European destination for data centre investments, yet achieving its fullest potential cannot be taken for granted given intense international competition to host digital infrastructures. There are already significant economic benefits from existing data centres alone, which represent a fraction of future opportunities,” comments Bruno Basalisco, Director at Copenhagen Economics. Policy conditions will shape future investments and corresponding socio-economic benefits To ensure the full development of the sector and to make the most of this industry’s potential, the study outlines some areas of action where policymakers could consider fostering investments: 1. Ensure predictability and access to the electrical grid and components such as chips; 2. Streamline licensing processes for both technological and energy infrastructures; 3. Develop targeted measures for data centre investment; 4. Promote digitalisation and AI adoption across the business sector and public administration. The Copenhagen Economics report is based on an input-output macroeconomic model, using data from Eurostat, the OECD, and national operators. It also includes interviews with more than 15 stakeholders from the digital ecosystem, including AICEP, ANACOM, FCT, international technology companies, and local authorities. For more from Start Campus, click here.

DigiCert opens registration for World Quantum Readiness Day

DigiCert, a US-based digital security company, today announced open registration for its annual World Quantum Readiness Day virtual event, which takes place on Wednesday, 10 September 2025. The company is also accepting submissions for its Quantum Readiness Awards. Both initiatives intend to spotlight the critical need for current security infrastructures to adapt to the imminent reality of quantum computing. World Quantum Readiness Day is, according to DigiCert, a "catalyst for action, urging enterprises and governments worldwide to evaluate their preparedness for the emerging quantum era." It seeks to highlight the growing urgency to adopt post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards and provide a "playbook" to help organisations defend against future quantum-enabled threats. “Quantum computing has the potential to unlock transformative advancements across industries, but it also requires a fundamental rethink of our cybersecurity foundations,” argues Deepika Chauhan, Chief Product Officer at DigiCert. “World Quantum Readiness Day isn’t just a date on the calendar, it’s a starting point for a global conversation about the urgent need for collective action to secure our quantum future.” The Quantum Readiness Awards were created to celebrate organisations that are leading the charge in quantum preparedness. Judges for the Quantum Readiness Awards include: · Bill Newhouse, Cybersecurity Engineer & Project Lead, National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, NIST· Dr Ali El Kaafarani, CEO, PQShield· Alan Shimel, CEO, TechStrong Group· Blair Canavan, Director, Alliances PQC Portfolio, Thales· Tim Hollebeek, Industry Technology Strategist, DigiCert For more from DigiCert, click here.

Uni of Huddersfield academic awarded £450k, funding 6G research

University of Huddersfield academic Professor Pavlos Lazaridis has been awarded a £450,000 grant by the EPSRC (the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council) to fund vital equipment to further his research into future 6G networks. The core equipment grant will fund three key hi-tech pieces: a 110 GHz vector network analyser, a 43.5 GHz signal generator, and a portable combined 50 GHz VNA and spectrum analyser. Together, they will seek to improve the University of Huddersfield's research capacity when it comes to higher frequency radio frequency systems that are related to next-generation technologies, including 5G/6G communications, metamaterials, satellite communications, and advanced sensor technologies. Professor Lazaridis, an expert in electronic and electrical engineering within the School of Computing and Engineering, leads the University’s Systems, Telecommunications, and Antenna Research Group (STAR). The equipment will be used in two ongoing international Horizon Europe projects he is collaborating on - namely ISAC-NEWTON and 6G-ICARUS. The former involves University of Huddersfield academics being part of a doctoral network training a new generation of experts in 6G networks. It is a Europe-wide project focusing on research into integrated sensing and communications for 6G and involves a total of 17 academic and industrial partners. The latter is a partnership of 22 organisations across Europe, the US, and Brazil that are investigating and improving on current technologies in order to address obstacles that 6G networks will face and to define the future wireless networks (FWNs). Professor Lazaridis comments, “These state-of-the-art instruments will tremendously increase our research capabilities and place us in the top of 6G research. We are grateful to the EPSRC.” The EPSRC, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), is the main funding body for engineering and physical sciences research in the UK. It invests in research and skills to advance knowledge, as well as supporting new ideas and transformative technologies. UKRI is a public body sponsored by the UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, designed to foster the research culture needed for research and innovation excellence.

The Wilmott Group joins Rehlko to advance critical power

The Wilmott Group, a UK provider of critical power projects and generator installations, has just announced that it has entered into a tentative agreement to be acquired by Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy), a US-based manufacturer of power systems, generators, and energy solutions. The move marks a new chapter for the Wilmott Group and hopes to strengthen the company’s ability to deliver across data centres and other critical infrastructure sectors, such as healthcare, manufacturing, and utilities. As part of Rehlko’s EMEA operations, The Wilmott Group - including WB Power Services (WBPS) and Wiltech Acoustics - will gain access to expanded resources, global links, and new manufacturing and engineering capabilities. “This is a hugely exciting and pivotal moment for the Wilmott Group,” expresses Andy Wilmott, Co-CEO and Chairman of The Wilmott Group. “Rehlko shares our deep-rooted commitment to long-term customer value, innovation, and operational excellence - values that the Wilmott Group were founded upon back in 1983. By coming together, we are uniquely positioned to elevate our impact, delivering even greater levels of reliability and innovation to mission-critical operations across the UK and EMEA.” Through the acquisition, WBPS will partner more closely with Rehlko’s engineering teams to scale data centre projects. In addition, Wiltech Acoustics’ in-house acoustic manufacturing capabilities aim to enable shorter lead times and improved responsiveness to dynamic market demands. “The Wilmott Group’s dedication to creating long-term value with customers strongly complements Rehlko’s commitment to delivering innovative and reliable energy solutions,” claims Brian Melka, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rehlko. “In this new chapter for Rehlko, The Wilmott Group’s long history of success will bolster our data centre solutions across the UK and the rest of Europe.” For more from Rehlko (formerly Kohler Energy), click here.

Duos Edge AI to deploy edge data centres in Corpus Christi

Duos Technologies Group, through its operating subsidiary Duos Edge AI, a provider of edge data centre (EDC) solutions, has just announced the upcoming deployment of two new EDCs in Corpus Christi, Texas, USA. Scheduled to be delivered at the end of July 2025, the Corpus Christi EDCs will serve as central communications hubs for carriers delivering services to mobile operators, enterprises, local education, healthcare, and digital economy sectors while driving growth across the local market. In line with Duos Edge AI’s strategy to expand digital infrastructure in underserved and high-growth markets, with carrier integration and uninterrupted service, the initiative aims to remove key hurdles to edge connectivity while accelerating service readiness for regional partners. “Our Corpus Christi project highlights the speed, precision, and value of our Edge AI model,” claims Doug Recker, President and Founder of Duos Edge AI. “We’re delivering high-availability, localised computing power that enables fibre and network providers to scale efficiently and meet increasing demand at the edge. "We are bringing a state-of-the-art EDC solution to Corpus Christi to enable the major communications carriers to have an even more robust solution to the Corpus Christi market.” The Corpus Christi deployment is part of Duos Edge AI’s 2025 plan to deploy 15 EDCs nationwide across the US, incorporating modular design, rapid deployment, and a focus on bridging the digital divide. For more from Duos Edge AI, click here.