Product

Introducing the LHD N45-Series from AP Sensing

AP Sensing has unveiled the launch of its third-generation fiber optic Linear Heat Detection (LHD) system - the N45-Series. “We are excited to introduce the LHD N45-Series to the market. With its unmatched performance, reliability, safety, and ease of use, the system raises the bar for fiber optic Linear Heat Detection, giving our customers the peace of mind needed to operate safely and efficiently,” says Clemens Pohl, CEO of AP Sensing. The LHD N45-Series boasts what AP Sensing says is the longest certified distance range on the market, with up to 16km and four channels for all distance ranges. It is intuitive to use with a fully integrated web server offering simple configuration via browser, one-click validation of compliance configuration settings, 2,000 configurable alarm zones per channel and up to 98 integrated relay contacts. Additionally, the system offers a cost-effective solution that is easy to install, low maintenance, immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and provides precise location and monitoring of fire events. Safety and system reliability are a key feature of the new LHD system, with an MTBF of 35 years, extensively tested rugged housing design, state-of-the-art IT security standards, and benchmark levels of quality. The system offers the most complete set of type tests and certifications on the market including EN54-22 (VdS), UL 521 (UL), CAN/ULC-S530, SIL-2, and ATEX and IECEx for critical areas.

New security platform to fight AI-based cyber attacks

OryxAlign has launched securyXDR, a fully managed extended detection and response (XDR) platform. An advanced form of antivirus and malware management, the system is part of a solution that will address the expected rise in sophisticated AI-phishing attacks. It will be valuable for SMEs, or those with a hybrid and remote workforce, across sectors including financial services, recruitment, legal and more. Traditionally, antivirus systems have operated in silos, being limited to detecting and responding to threats on individual devices, or endpoints. The solution was previously Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). With the rise in hybrid and remote working, and the reliance on networked storage and cloud-based workflows, there is now a need for visibility of threats across a company’s entire IT ecosystem. “In 2023, we expect to see a sharp rise in sophisticated AI-based phishing attacks, as well as endpoint attacks on remote and hybrid workers. The criminals’ focus may change to SMEs as they are believed to have weaker security,” explains Nathan Charles, Head of Customer Experience. “But because we combine our XDR platform with EDR and email management we can fight fire with fire. “securyXDR is our new cyber security XDR platform that is offered as a fully managed service, in partnership with an outsourced security operation centre (SOC) that has 200 staff globally,” continues Nathan. “Given that even small networks can generate tens of thousands of cyber security alerts a day, the securyXDR managed service will alleviate the pressure on internal IT teams, taking them away from manually triaging and responding to individual threats, and focusing on more productive projects. “We know that the loss of productivity following a cyber attack can be just as devastating as the initial damage to your IT system. The cost of having an XDR system in place will more than pay for itself in the long run, by providing early detection of threats. What’s more, SOCs are uniquely positioned to respond to threats, by applying their broad learning from a high volume of attacks across their managed networks.” OryxAlign says that securyXDR stands out from other enterprise XDR platforms by offering customisable service plans based on customer needs. For example, users can select how long log files are stored to minimise storage costs, choose custom restore points for compromised endpoints, and set their choice of response urgency, typically from one to three hours.

WB Power Services to transform power reliability across the UK

WB Power Services has announced the launch of a new plug and play standby power facility to support the growing needs of the data centre industry. Designed by WB Power Services at its own production facility, the data centre e-Pod is a modular, site bespoke package, providing a generating set, fuel system, mains transformer, switch gear and UPS. It has the advantage of being containerised and has a unique site infrastructure which can be tailored to specific brief and project requirements. The package can be tweaked according to the client requirements and design brief, incorporating preferred products as per any pre-determined specs. Truly bespoke, it promotes reduced lead times with the design, procurement, packaging, installation, and commissioning implemented under just one expert supplier. WB Power Services Managing Director, Andrew Wilmott, says, “We have been able to draw on our insights in the data centre sector to create a truly industry leading backup power facility that is a real game changer. We know that no solution is perfect for every project, so using our design capabilities and project management expertise, we have developed a plug and play solution that can be adjusted according to individual requirements. “Using Kohler generating sets and a fuel system that has 48-hour capability, we have added a power pod that includes tripping batteries and USP that can manage internal essential services. Add to that health and safety requirements, a gantry system and commissioning, we will also maintain and service each installation as required. We are focused on building our data centre offer this year, and the launch of the Power-E cements out commitment to the sector.” Customising the standby power solution The WB Power Services in-house design team can facilitate specific customer needs and requirements. From project conception, the team will work in partnership with the client design team, offering full electrical and mechanical design support to ensure each requirement is catered for. Factory Acceptance Testing Each element of the equipment will be fully tested prior to leaving the manufacturer's plant, with pre-commissioning taking place prior to despatch from WB Power Services' packaging facility. Full FAT testing of each package element of the three pods is offered, with the scope and duration tailored to meet specific client specification. Site management and installation WB Power Services will undertake the installation of Preedcrete busbar within the LV POD during manufacture and complete the interconnecting elements once on-site. The busbar would be taken to the end of the pod and enclosed in a suitable rated enclosure external to the main pod ready for ongoing connection to the building. This is to allow the cable/busbar running into the building to be installed without entry into the main pod, as previously done on phase one. The cooling requirements are not yet fully known, however, the company has included a budget price for both CRAC units and associated pipe work to end wall of the pod to connect into the site wide pipework by the GC. The fire alarm and suppression system and fire alarm will be designed to match the site wide system and will be taken to marshalling points within the pod for connection to BMS outstations, and security system. All are excluded from pricing currently; WB Power Services would liaise with the respective specialist to ensure the pod meets their requirements and the pods would be available WB Power Services’ works for them to install their equipment. Commissioning During the construction and installation phases, the WB Power Services project delivery team will ensure the finalising of the commissioning plan and programme. Once both the mechanical and electrical installations have been completed, the commission and test aspects of the installation are carried out. This will culminate in a full site acceptance test (SAT), including load testing fully coordinated with all other services providers working on the project. Through life maintenance With six fully operational depots and over 80 field-based engineers located across the UK, WB Power Services is uniquely placed to offer a full and comprehensive preventative maintenance, plus four-hour emergency response to any client site. The WB e-Pod packages contain a wide range of electrical equipment provided by long-standing specialist partners to provide all necessary specialist maintenance and emergency support on unique products.

Vertiv introduces new chilled water thermal wall

Vertiv has introduced the Vertiv Liebert CWA, a new generation of thermal management system for slab floor data centres. For decades, hyperscale and colocation providers have used raised floor environments to cool their IT equipment. Simplifying data centre design with slab floors enables the construction of new white space more efficiently and cost-effectively, but also introduces new cooling challenges. The Liebert CWA was designed to provide uniform air distribution to the larger surface area which comes with a slab floor application, while also allowing more space for rack installation and compute density. Developed in the United States, the Liebert CWA chilled water thermal wall cooling unit is available in 250kW, 350kW and 500kW capacities across EMEA, as well as the Americas. Liebert CWA technology utilises integrated state-of-the-art controls to facilitate improved airflow management and provide an efficient solution for infrastructures facing the challenges of modern IT applications. The Liebert CWA can also be integrated with the data centre’s chilled water system to improve the operating conditions of the entire cooling network. Furthermore, the Liebert CWA is installed outside the IT space to allow more floor space in the data centre, increase accessibility for maintenance personnel, and also increase the security of the IT space itself. “The launch of the Liebert CWA reinforces our mission to provide innovative, state-of-the-art technologies for our customers that allow them to optimise the design and operation of their data centres” says Roberto Felisi, Senior Global Director, thermal core offering and EMEA business leader at Vertiv. “As the Liebert CWA can be quickly integrated with existing cooling systems, customers can leverage all the benefits of a slab floor layout, such as lower installation and maintenance costs, and a greater availability of white space.” Air handling units have been used in the past to cool raised-floor data centres but there is now an opportunity in the market to drive more innovative thermal management solutions for slab floor data centres. The Vertiv Liebert CWA provides Vertiv’s customers with a standardised thermal wall built specifically for data centre applications, therefore minimising installation costs of custom-made solutions on site. The product's layout is engineered to maximise the cooling density and to meet the requirements for cooling continuity set by the most trusted and established certification authorities for data centre design and operation. Vertiv has developed the Liebert CWA in close consultation with experienced data centre operators. With data centres having a myriad of layouts and equipment configurations, Vertiv has defined a strategic roadmap to enhance standardised thermal management solutions for slab floor applications. Vertiv also provides consulting and design expertise to create the right solution for their customers’ specific data centre white space requirements.

Copper-free data and power link transforms antenna technology

Precise timing synchronisation for high-performance networks is now improved as HUBER+SUHNER launches enhancements to its copper-free fiber powered link. The HUBER+SUHNER Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and Power-over-Fiber solution brings pre, during, and post installation benefits to telecommunications providers working in the 5G and data centre space. Using fiber optics as a means of power for the antenna brings cost and timing savings during installation and operation, as no power distribution is needed on a building’s roof. “As the volume of data and transfer speeds continue to increase, so too does the requirement for accurate time synchronisation, with GNSS timing signals in use within many applications, from data centres to central offices” says Product Manager, Dominik Tibolla, HUBER +SUHNER. “Using the GNSS signal from satellites enables the acquisition of precise and accessible timing information from atomic clocks, whilst combining this with the distribution over fiber, lower attenuation over longer distances is enabled.” Traditionally, power is carried over copper technology with a GNSS antenna. This often requires a power cable to be attached alongside the signal distribution cable. The GNSS and Power-over-Fiber solution from HUBER+SUHNER eliminates the need for a separate power cable by utilising the fiber optic connection to the antenna as a means of power and signal distribution. GNSS and Power-over-Fiber solutions go beyond where existing technology could reach. It enables an increased distance of a few kilometres between source and receiver system, compared to a few meters previously. Satellite signals cannot usually reach indoor locations due to the blocking effect of the building structure but combining this with fiber distribution internally, the HUBER+SUHNER GNSS and Power-over-Fiber solution distributes the GNSS signals to all corners of a building interior, providing a more secure, reliable, and flexible connection. Using the fiber as a means of power distribution also offers unlimited safe and secure timing signal reference distribution, with reduced interference. Providers can also take advantage of its ability to make use of existing infrastructure, by only having to pay for what is used within the network and being ‘future-proof ready’, with easy and flexible expansion opportunities.

STULZ Modular exhibits new micro data centre

STULZ Modular has announced that its new STULZ Micro Data Centre, a single rack, all-in-one micro data centre solution will be on show on stand D250 at Data Centre World 2023, London Excel, 8-9 March. Dushy Goonawardhane, Managing Director of STULZ Modular says, “Our new data centre in a rack was developed in full collaboration with our customers. Undertaking Voice of Customer meetings in every region around the world, we designed the STULZ Micro DC as an adaptable solution which exactly meets end user needs. At DCW 2023, we look forward to welcoming anyone curious to inspect at first hand, the quality which has made the STULZ name synonymous with enduring reliability and efficiency in data centre and mission critical applications. “The new STULZ Micro DC features a standardised and modular design, with pre-configured options that are tested for performance. Providing the capability to combine power protection and distribution, cooling, monitoring and management together with fire protection and security, STULZ customers are able to deploy IT in any outdoor or indoor location with the same best practices and technology as the world’s largest and most efficient data centres.” STULZ Micro DC provides a scalable approach to IT deployments, extending from a single rack to multi-rack configurations. The solution is designed and built to accommodate the power and cooling requirements for edge IT installations moving data processing closer to the point of use. Typical uses range from HPC, content delivery networks and telecoms network expansions, to industrial automation (Industry 4.0), and Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications. The new solution is offered with row-cooled options utilising DX, water and glycol-cooling for installations from 4kW-20kW per rack, and up to 100kW in a single rack using liquid cooling technology from partners including CoolIT to ensure effective heat management in even the densest processor environments. STULZ Micro DC benefits include a standardised, modular approach with pre-configured options for flexibility, durability and scalability, speeding the time from order to deployment within a matter of weeks. The new data centre in a rack offer provides a pre-designed and tested set of standard configurable components including UPS, PDUs, fire suppression, access control, and options for monitoring and management.

Efficient KNX-RF ZF light switch now available from Retrotouch

Retrotouch has collaborated with ZF to launch the Retrotouch KNX-RF wireless energy harvesting light switch. Both partners are members of the KNX Association and are excited about the potential and possibilities of this energy efficient, battery-free, maintenance-free wireless switch for the home automation industry. The Retrotouch ZF KNX-RF energy harvesting switch is a switch you can stick anywhere and will connect seamlessly into any KNX system. It’s suitable either for adding into a new bespoke system or for retrofitting into an already existing twisted-pair KNX system, using ZF media couplers available from Retrotouch. “We’re thrilled to be launching this collaboration with ZF and to be bringing a new dimension to the KNX community,” says Amit Ravat, Managing Director of Retrotouch. “These innovative switches work directly with the KNX system completely wirelessly, and can be retrofitted anywhere, making installs faster and easier. And of course as they use energy harvesting they have no cables or batteries, adding increased energy efficiency to the KNX smart home system.” Compatible with KNX-RF 2.0 Ready S-Mode, the switch is configurable with ETS software (from version five onwards). The switch can be programmed to control a light or blind or window shutters. And thanks to Retrotouch’s design and the KNX operating system, the programming possibilities are endless. The switches come in cool white or stylish black to match the feel of any interior. Boasting the screwless glass surfaces that define the Retrotouch Crystal range, these new switches offer the ultimate in superior quality, functionality and connectivity.

Vertiv launches app for product exploration

Vertiv has announced the release of the Vertiv XR app, a first-of-its-kind tool in the data centre space that allows data centre operators, IT managers and channel partners to visualise Vertiv products in the location they would occupy in any given facility. This virtual representation helps today’s data centre decision-makers by providing a convenient tool to plan their space and provide support after installation, with the intent of improving the understanding of how the infrastructure will support their compute and impact the physical footprint. The app is available in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. The introduction of the Vertiv XR app is the latest advance in Vertiv’s digitisation initiative, as the company continues to focus on the customer experience and expand the resources available to its customers and channel partners. Created by Vertiv, the Vertiv XR app is the first such tool to bring the kind of commercial-grade technology used for home remodelling projects to the data centre space. The app was named Best Digital Transformation Product or Service - Enterprise in the Computing 2022 Technology Product Awards, and received a five-star rating from IT Channel, which called it ‘the best augmented reality app tested in 2022.’ “With the Vertiv XR app, we are creating a bridge experience between in-person physical interactions and digital,” says Cristian Scarpa, VP for Information Technology at Vertiv. “The app allows our customers and partners to make more informed buying decisions and recommendations, to visualise in a tangible way how new products will interact with their existing environments, and explore details about those products, all from the palm of their hand.” The Vertiv XR app guides users through product selection and placement, using augmented reality to deliver an immersive, realistic depiction of the product in the location of their choosing - whether that’s a data centre, office, lobby or living room. It allows users to see and explore various Vertiv solutions when and where they choose, and stay engaged beyond purchase and installation by viewing complementary solutions and by streamlining social sharing of their experiences with Vertiv. “This type of technology has been used for various consumer applications, helping homeowners see how new cabinets might look in their kitchen or different siding may look on their house, but we’ve never seen this type of application in the data centre,” says Martin Coulthard, Global Vice President for demand generation marketing at Vertiv. “We’re giving them the opportunity to see this equipment before they buy, enabling them to make their Vertiv purchase with confidence.” The company’s sweeping digitisation effort is focused on developing and updating digital assets that better serve customers and partners and engage with them on their terms. The ultimate objective is to enhance the online interactions users have with Vertiv, to make it easier for them to find what they need, and to help Vertiv and its partners have more meaningful, productive engagements with customers and partners.

Iceotope accelerates sustainable Open RAN adoption

Iceotope has announced availability of an efficient and scalable Open RAN solution to support Far Edge computing across the entire telco data centre estate. Created with the most demanding workloads in mind, Ku:l Extreme is a fully integrated, standardised solution that offers greater sustainability, energy efficiency and serviceability for server generations to come. The enterprise-grade open standards-based solution with Intel Xeon Scalable processors will be available for demonstration at Mobile World Congress 2023 on HPE’s booth, 3N10. Ku:l Extreme is the product of a close collaboration between Iceotope, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Intel, and nVent to significantly reduce energy consumption and deliver a sustainable solution across distributed workloads, for both telco service providers and enterprises. Applications in these workloads require ultra-low latency and high scalability to process large volumes of data close to where the data is generated - often in remote locations. The modular design of Ku:l Extreme is highly configurable to enable rapid scalability across all types of deployments. From a single server at a cellular base station to a ruggedised solution for the Far Edge, to an enterprise grade data centre, each Ku:l Extreme unit can easily be dropped into place at any location. The solution supports both high-performance liquid and air-cooled devices while optimising serviceability and simplifying maintenance across the data centre estate. Together with Intel, HPE, and nVent, Ku:l Extreme is bringing data centre class compute to the extreme Far Edge, while helping customers achieve their sustainability and net zero targets. Reduced energy consumption and a faster path to net zero Reducing energy consumption is rapidly becoming one of the top priorities for telcos. Much of the power usage in a telco network comes from RAN sites, as these locations are powered 24/7 - regardless of customer demand. Open RAN, with its open platform and vendor-neutral hardware standards, is seen as an enabler for more energy efficient networks. HPE ProLiant Gen11 servers will be powered by 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors. These processors will support up to twice the capacity without increasing power consumption, compared to 3rd Gen Intel Xeon processors, enabling customers to meet their critical performance, scaling, and energy efficiency requirements. Ku:l Extreme will help accelerate adoption by making reductions in power consumption, while maintaining or enhancing data centre density. A competitive edge at the telco edge With thousands of sites in remote locations, servicing Far Edge devices across a telco network is costly and minimising on-site maintenance is key. Ku:l Extreme delivers market-leading serviceability. It significantly lowers component failures as it doesn’t require server fans, the dielectric fluid reduces thermal stress, and the enclosed chassis makes the units impervious to gases, dust, and humidity. All of this extends the server lifecycle and drives down maintenance costs. In addition, Out of Band Management (OOBM) enables remote monitoring of the health of the server from a single location. David Craig, CEO at Iceotope says, “It’s an honour for us to partner with nVent and work with world-leading technology manufacturers, Intel and HPE. I’m delighted to announce the important outcome of this collaboration - Ku:l Extreme, a class-leading, integrated solution enabling the most demanding workloads to be scalable, efficiently and sustainably operated at the extreme edge.” Phil Cutrone, SVP and GM, Service Providers, OEM, and Telco at HPE says, “The growing importance of Open RAN is clear to see. Operators are looking for ways to meet the demands for low latency, high scalability data processing in remote locations, whilst also reducing the power consumption across RAN sites. Our latest collaboration with Iceotope Technologies addresses these requirements by integrating Iceotope’s Ku:l Extreme chassis with high-performing HPE ProLiant DL110 Telco servers that are workload optimised for RAN. The combined solution enables customers to deliver performance, scaling and energy efficiency improvements, as well as extending server lifecycles and reducing maintenance costs.” Cristina Rodriguez, VP and GM of Wireless Access Networks Division at Intel says, “Ecosystem collaboration is key to accelerate the shift to a virtualized Open RAN. The Ku:l Extreme from Iceotope is another great example of the ecosystem coming together to deliver innovative solutions that can be deployed at scale and can be an additional tool that can help service providers as they work to achieve their sustainability goals.”       “The collaboration between Iceotope and nVent has quickly delivered innovative modular solutions for data centres, edge and now for sustainable Open Ran adaption,” says Anthony Palmer, nVent Global Business Development Manager. “We are thrilled to work alongside Iceotope, HPE and Intel, to create Ku:l Extreme, helping to support edge computing across the telco industry. By using nVent’s flexible and modular portfolio of racks and enclosures and Iceotope’s precision liquid cooling technology, our latest innovation provides a scalable solution for remote environments.”

Colt launches VMware Cloud Web Security and Secure Access

Colt Technology Services has announced the expansion of the company’s VMware-based SD WAN solution with a comprehensive, robust set of new VMware Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) features that include VMware Cloud Web Security and VMware Secure Access. Announced as enterprises face growing security threats, the new features help to bolster Colt's SD WAN service, so businesses can foster a more secure hybrid workforce, protect apps and data, and further optimise network performance. The solution combines Colt’s digital infrastructure and customer experience with VMware’s cloud-based SD WAN platform and security capabilities. Offered as optional add-ons, the new features include URL filtering, SSL inspection, Antivirus, Content Filtering, and Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) Visibility - and an environment to test zero-day threats. VMware’s security features, including Data Loss Prevention (DLP), CASB Control and Advanced Sandbox functions are also offered as enhancements to the service. Additionally, the Secure Access solution includes Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) based remote access to connect users at home or on the move to enterprise applications. Businesses may benefit from improved network performance, simplified strategy and design, together with monitoring and remediation, available directly from Colt as a single vendor. The SASE market is experiencing rapid growth as businesses understand how digital transformation strategies such as cloud migration and hybrid working are impacting network performance, expanding their attack surface and leaving them increasingly vulnerable to risk. Gartner forecasts that total worldwide end-user spending on SASE will reach $9.2 billion in 2023, a 39% increase from 2022. The enhancement to the Colt SD WAN is the latest extension of Colt’s SASE portfolio. The set of solutions helps businesses regain control, better secure and help futureproof their digital infrastructure to improve application performance, improve data security and better protect their businesses from sophisticated and damaging security threats. “After the frenetic pace of digital transformation of the last few years, businesses finally have the breathing space to step back and understand the wider impact of digitalisation, but they’re experiencing new challenges and huge pressure on their infrastructure,” says Peter Coppens, Vice President - Products, Colt Technology Services. “Hybrid working and cloud migration are prompting a rethink around network security, and cyber attacks are more pervasive and devastating than ever before. The SASE security features we’re launching with VMware aim to give businesses the peace of mind that comes from working with two industry-leading technology companies." Craig Connors, Vice President and General Manager for VMware’s SASE business, says, “Leading service providers like Colt are delivering a new category of services to enterprise customers so they can help simplify their multi-cloud journey. SASE has emerged as the blueprint for modern networking and security, and we are pleased Colt is expanding its VMware SASE solutions with VMware Cloud Web Security and VMware Secure Access.”