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10 new data centres across Europe and APAC

Colt Data Centre Services (DCS) has announced that it has secured 10 new parcels of land across Europe and APAC for the development of greenfield hyperscale data centres. These include sites in London, Frankfurt, Paris and Japan. The new sites see the capacity of Colt DCS’ portfolio increase dramatically by over 500MVA of secured power to support the development of hyperscale data centres. With these latest land purchases, Colt DCS is on track to be able to develop around 100MW of IT power in its key global markets to support its customers' growing capacity requirements. The announcement follows the news that Colt DCS has refined its current portfolio to allow more focus on its hyperscale and large enterprise strategy with the sale of 12 colocation sites across Europe to AltasEdge Data Centres last year. “This announcement marks yet another major milestone in the acceleration of its hyperscale strategy and positions Colt DCS as a major hyperscale and large enterprise data centre provider in the market. Colt DCS has truly put a stake in the ground with the acquisition of these 10 new sites, signalling to the market the continued success of our approach. This is an extremely exciting time for the business as our vision of becoming the most trusted and customer-centric hyperscale data centre operator in the industry is realised.” says Niclas Sanfridsson, CEO. The 10 new sites will have scalable capacity available for its customers, so that they have the flexibility to grow in the long-term. Not only this, but the breadth of Colt DCS’ locations and industry knowledge will empower customers to enter new markets much faster, with the support of a trusted provider with global expertise. As an experienced data centre provider, Colt DCS has dedicated local market teams that understand customer needs and are able to add value in specific regions.  With multiple new sites, customers can ensure proximity to their end-users for a low-latency experience. And Colt DCS’ commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2040 means that the new data centres will be in line with its ethos, as well as customers’ sustainability targets.

What are the pitfalls to avoid when managing a hybrid cloud ecosystem?

By James Hunnybourne, Cloud Solutions Director, Ultima A hybrid cloud environment promises a business an optimum solution from a security, cost and accessibility perspective. It means that organisations can move workloads between resources according to the needs of the business.  Valued by organisations that want to continue operating ‘business as usual’ whilst driving their digital transformation initiatives, hybrid cloud offers an agile and scalable approach to hosting applications in multiple environments.  Experts have estimated that the global hybrid cloud market will value at USD 63,658.0 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 6, 67,916.4 million by 2030 at a CAGR of 29.8% during the forecast period.   Many organisations start off by using a ‘lift and shift’ approach to moving existing applications over to their new cloud environment - whether through choice or pandemic provoked necessity. But the majority of these companies soon find that this approach lacks compatibility. Hybrid cloud introduces some major risks to an organisation that need to be carefully mitigated and managed if their cloud project is to be a success. Not to mention that in some cases, a lack of effective cloud management could see cloud budgets spiral or in other cases, are under-optimised with current estimations that up to 30% of cloud budgets are wasted.  So how do you design, integrate and manage a hybrid cloud ecosystem so that it delivers all the security, cost savings and efficiencies that were promised? This article will explain more.   What considerations need to be made?  Before starting your cloud journey, it’s important to take into consideration the service infrastructure that is trying to be replicated into the cloud environment. Working to a cloud adoption framework will give a clear line of best practice.   Each cloud platform has its own framework of excellence and is consumed in different ways. This demands a review of the reasons behind why a business is moving to the cloud in the first place. A detailed benefits and cost analysis should be undertaken to decide whether an application would be better in a cloud environment rather than on premise. For example, do the desired benefits come down to revenue generation, internal infrastructure, employee productivity or another reason?   It’s the ecosystem of the platform that differentiates where you place the workload. A lot of customer-facing businesses lean towards AWS because of its affiliate ecosystem and marketspace which allows you to bring in a multitude of third parties with ease. This is beneficial if you have broken down your services into lines of code and looked at which elements other providers could supply to ultimately reduce your time to value in delivering a service back out to customers.   In comparison, Microsoft’s cloud environment is based on an infrastructure way of working or GCP which tends to be used for its data-lead capabilities. It’s important to choose a cloud provider that best suits your business’ operating model. Is it more important that the platform allows you to manage revenue streams or boost employee productivity and experience? The way that you’re looking to improve efficiencies to boost the bottom line is an important consideration here.  What are the pitfalls of hybrid cloud management?  Some of the first risks an organisation will encounter centre around governance and risk. For example; who has access to what data, how do you maintain an audit trail? From a security perspective there are also challenges around system vulnerabilities, insufficient identity, and credential and access management. There is a real need to apply effective hybrid cloud management to mitigate these challenges.   The risks differ depending on which multi-cloud strategy is taken. Each cloud service - whether its Azure, AWS, GCP or another - has its own characteristics and thus is consumed in distinct ways. For example, AWS is a business revenue generating platform, therefore the risk of revenue and reputation is massive if a business lifts and shifts a workload to this environment inefficiently without a decent adoption framework or a centre of excellence.   If the foundation isn’t right in the first place it could be catastrophic; leading to loss of revenue, loss of data and loss of reputation. The risk is that a business could end up spending more to fix mistakes then the cost of moving to the cloud in the first place.   The other key issue is around adoption. There’s little point in moving applications and services to the cloud if no-one ends up using them. They need to be appropriate and relevant as well as functional. How can an organisation avoid these pitfalls?  Take your time from the outset in building out a centre of excellence. Research and employ good developers who will talk through a cloud adoption framework with you. Remember that no matter how quickly you want to migrate your services to the cloud, having too much haste will lead to operational inefficiencies that will hold you back from the true benefits it promises.     Cloud transformation affects the whole business from finance to HR, so while the overall strategy needs to be led from the top down, every department needs to be listened to, to make sure their requirements are met.  Companies will either be investing in people or investing in tools; but the market currently isn’t strong enough from a tooling perspective not to require people. This is unless you look at it from a 1:1 perspective; in this case, the hybrid cloud management of an on-premises environment to one cloud platform is quite advanced. But we’re probably still a year or two out for true multi-cloud management.   The pitfalls of trying to optimise a hybrid cloud environment comes down to workload behaviours; are the applications that you’re moving to the cloud ready? If not, you’re probably moving the problem to a different location without resolving it. This will make your cloud project run up unnecessary costs. There’s a lot of maturing that needs to happen to have true hybrid cloud management within workloads and spaces. It comes down to infrastructure, type of services, how employees are communicating to the business and the overall operating model.     A move to the cloud is a good chance to consolidate and optimise your applications and services.  Once a hybrid cloud environment is optimised, what’s next?  Most companies will initially lift a service that they have on premises into the cloud and then they will start to look at redesigning those applications natively by leveraging PaaS components instead of IaaS, thus reaping the true benefits of moving to a cloud provider from on premise. They can then look at bringing third party platforms, API integrations and managed services into this, leading to second generation optimisation and app modernisation programmes.  A final piece of advice if you’re looking at hybrid cloud management, is that you need to engage with a provider that knows both worlds, as they will be able to deliver tried and tested capabilities. Having a partner that is solely cloud or solely on-premises will ultimately do you a disservice as they don’t understand the other side of the coin. A suitably designed, integrated and managed hybrid cloud ecosystem can be as secure as conventional on-premises IT while delivering improved productivity and business outcomes. 

Structured cabling solutions allow operators to meet increasing digital demands

By Andreas Sila, VP Market Management, Data Center, HUBER+SUHNER The ever-growing need for data requires data centres to be scalable and adaptable in order to expand with the needs of the industry. The data centre environment is changing rapidly and there is extreme pressure for facilities to run seamlessly, as any downtime or human error can come at a huge cost. In Uptime Institute’s recent report, 42% of data centre owners and operators experienced an outage in the last three years due to human error. As data centres, and the number of fibres they contain, continue to grow, any incorrect movement or adjustment of the cables can have costly consequences. There are also wider issues that operators have to contend with, such as space, efficiency and profitability. As the amount of data generated is expected to rise over the coming years, it is essential that data centre operators have the right solutions in place that allow them to keep up with connectivity demands, but are future-ready and can grow alongside the needs of the business. Cable management systems are often left as an afterthought when it comes to data centre management. With attention firmly on computing equipment, the solutions in place to manage cabling can be overlooked. However, to successfully address and overcome the challenges that operators are facing in terms of space, efficiency and profitability, cable management solutions should be at the forefront of their minds. Challenges of the modern data centre We are living in a digitally-driven society, where billions of new devices and services are generating huge amounts of data that must be hosted and transferred. However, the constant need for more capacity can lead to a situation where there is insufficient available space. Computing equipment is the priority for most operators, so space is a critical factor that must be considered when it comes to implementing a cabling solution. As more fibres are packed into data centres, it is no surprise that the risk of human error grows. It can be more challenging to correctly move, add or change cables, which in turn increases the risk of damage or downtime. To try to prevent this, it is essential that ongoing maintenance is made as simple and accessible as possible. Looking at short-term solutions will only provide short-term benefits and will ultimately cost data centre operators more in the long-term. With the increasing amount of data generated and the evolving nature of the industry, operators will be forced to make costly upgrades and run the high-risk of downtime. To save time, resources and costs, operators should look at implementing a properly designed system that will serve modern technologies and be capable of supporting future applications and adaptations. A solution that takes up as little space as possible is vital, but maximising space must not compromise performance, cost, accessibility or reliability. Overcoming space issues requires a high-density solution that provides exceptional organisational support for cable systems, to ensure that fibres can be stored in a smaller space. This would leave more room for the active, revenue-generating equipment. There are varying levels of accessibility provided by cable management solutions on the market, including rear, side and front access. There are certain cable management solutions which are more suitable to certain data centres than others, such as splice, patch or transition options. Therefore, it is essential that operators look into the solutions available to make their data centres more efficient. The benefits of structured cabling Performance and growth are at the core of leveraging an efficient structured cabling approach. Having a neat and well-structured set up allows data centre operators to be as organised as possible and helps to enhance the overall performance. With the right cabling solution in place, it can be easier to scale and drive business growth. By laying an efficient, flexible, high-density physical foundation, data centres will benefit from fast deployment, both during construction and operation, which is key to delivering quick, reliable services and maximising uptime. Also, existing cabling infrastructure can be easily extended for future applications without the need for replacement or removal. Structured cabling systems offer complete peace of mind due to their ability to work effectively without needing much attention. However, flexibility is vital for these fast-moving environments, and so changes need to be made when necessary. Moves, adds and changes (MACs) are simple and effective during installation and operation with the right structured cabling strategy in place. This allows operators to spend valuable resources elsewhere in the business, as the system can be installed quickly and effectively. One solution does not fit all Identifying the most suitable fibre management system is not a ‘one-size fits all’ approach. Each data centre environment is different and needs solutions that meet its unique requirements within its different areas. These include the Main Distribution Area, Zone, Horizontal or Intermediate Distribution Area, Equipment Distribution Area, External Network Interfaces and Building Entrance Facility, as well as all the cables and relevant connectivity. Every need is different and when a standard approach is not sufficient, a customised solution should be considered. By selecting scalable solutions that offer upgrades when needed, operators only pay for what is needed at the time. Operating in a fast-paced environment is extremely challenging and costly, but by investing in long-term solutions, such as implementing a structured cable management system, data centres can grow with the industry and its needs. Ensuring current and future demands are met Operators must begin by developing a structured cabling strategy. This should take into consideration the current business needs and future demands too to ensure the end solution meets the relevant criteria. Getting a strategy in place now, rather than focussing on short-term goals, will have greater cost and time saving benefits in the long-term. Adhering to national, or international standards, such as TIA-942-B, EN 50173-5, IEC24764 or IEC11801-5, is an essential step to consider in a structured cabling strategy. This is not only important for the safety of data centres, but it also helps to establish guidelines and recommends best practices to ensure uniformity and compatibility in and between networks. Experts with specialised knowledge are not easily accessible to everyone. Therefore, it is important to have a strong partner to help guide operators to the most suitable structured cabling solution for their data centre. Operators need a fibre optic cabling strategy that structures and optimises their space, based on a set-up which is scalable to help data centres to be future-ready. Profit is what drives data centres, and with the added pressures to optimise uptime, an efficient set-up means that operators can redirect resources and enhance their current offering by opting for new services for their customers or catering to a greater customer base. By saving time, maximising resources, and widening their offering, operators will be prepared for future demands and in the best position to drive growth. By working with a specialised expert, such as HUBER+SUHNER, data centre operators can have the confidence that they will receive the right support to implement a system that will not only meet the needs of their business now, but that will also grow with the ever-changing needs of the industry. The increased pressure placed on data centres to deal with increased data demands means that it is more critical than ever for operators to adopt the right system to manage digital demands.

Cardiff University invests in Opengear smart out-of-band and Lighthouse Central Management System

Cardiff University is set to implement smart out-of-band with the Lighthouse Central Management System (CMS) from Opengear. Cardiff University was looking to implement a robust and resilient out-of-band management solution, together with wanting to access ongoing managed services and support. The University conducted an OJEU competitive dialogue process and worked with prospective partners to develop a high level network design. The process of developing the design led to the creation of mandatory requirements for the out-of-band management system that was to be chosen as part of it. Lighthouse, in conjunction with Opengear’s IM7200-LR Infrastructure Manager system with 4G access (which is now enrolled in the University’s data centre) met all the required quality criteria – and the University decided to implement them. It knew the new systems, as deployed by Circle, would strengthen the resilience, robustness and security of its network infrastructure as well as providing a Smart Out-of-Band connection to its network devices, managed via a secure remote link. Bob Dew, Senior Manager Infrastructure, Cardiff University, says: “It was key that the network solution delivered high performance and high availability, and also had strong resilience characteristics. It was imperative that it provided 24/7x365 access both to us and Circle, to all physical ‘out of band’ management interfaces on all core components to perform any core component device management or to troubleshoot any component’s management function outside of any ‘in band’ methods. “It was also crucial,” Bob continues, “that it could do all that regardless of the status of the production network and internet links. The Opengear solutions, as delivered by Circle, fit the bill in every respect.” In its role as a managed services provider (MSP), Circle, which has a direct contract in place with Cardiff University, will deliver and implement Opengear’s Network Resilience platform with Lighthouse and IM7200-LR at the university as part of a wider IT systems deployment. Once the implementation process is complete, Circle will deliver ongoing support to the Opengear solutions as part of a provision of managed IT services to the University in which it will work closely with the University’s own in-house team.  According to Bob: “Lighthouse is fundamental to the successful operation of our joint support capability, underpinned by the 24/7x365 NOC. Lighthouse will allow specific use cases including being able to power cycle any managed core components covered; provide secure and authenticated access from both the University's campus and offsite; and securely record access to the out-of-band management solution.

New Brother UK label printing kit to help network installers meet key standards

Brother UK has launched a new all-in-one label printing solution for network infrastructure and cable identification in a move to help installers and engineers to work compliantly. The PT-E550WNIVP portable Wi-Fi label printer is designed for network installers working in the field to produce compliant, durable labels for cabling and equipment. The new model creates long-lasting labels that comply with ANSI TIA-606-C or ISO/IEC 14763-2 identification standards - the industry standard for datacom cables.  The standards stipulate that labelling must be easily read and consistent across locations, while being capable of surviving for the life of the component labelled. Cables, connecting hardware, racks, cabinets, ports, firestops and telecommunications spaces should all be labelled under the standard. Aaron Hopkinson, product manager at Brother UK, says: “We’re seeing growing numbers of network installers switching from handwritten labels to using mobile printing technology as it gives them the confidence that their labels will be long-lasting and compliant with key industry standards. “The PT-E550WNIVP and our Pro Tape range represent a complete solution for the network infrastructure sector that is ready for action, straight out of the box. It’s quick, reliable, durable and extremely versatile, making easy work of accurate labelling for network engineers in the field and ensuring their work complies with building regulations. “Kit like this helps engineers to create professional-looking, compliant labels in no time, making life easier on site.” Brother UK’s specialist Pro Tape range of strong adhesive, flexible ID, self-laminating and tamper evident security labels has also been expanded with a set of new tapes to complement the new printer. The full package for network installers includes the PT-E550WNIVP label printer, 24mm black on white self-laminating and 9mm black on white strong adhesive tape cassettes, an AC adapter and rechargeable battery, all contained in a carry case. The PT-E550WNIVP is compatible with Windows and Apple devices including smartphones via Brother’s iLink&Label and Mobile Cable Label Tool apps, which enables users to quickly transfer text to the printer for fast, accurate labelling. The Mobile Cable Label Tool app includes templates for cable, patch panel, faceplate and network equipment identification, dramatically speeding up the creation of labels and reducing mistakes and can also be used to create fully-customised labels. The devices are also compatible with cable test management programme LinkWare Live. To download the free Brother apps, visit www.brother.eu/E550Wapps

Data centre COVID-19 evolution: The cloud benefits

By David Trossell, CEO and CTO of Bridgeworks The COVID-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on data centres with the increased shift towards remote and home-working.  The biggest winner in technology terms is the cloud. Zeus Kerravala states: “Perhaps no technology industry benefitted more from the pandemic than cloud computing; the location independence of cloud services makes them ideal for a world where the majority of line-of-business, as well as IT workers, are no longer in the office.” But does that mean businesses will rely on infrastructure as a service (IaaS) and no longer need their own on-premises data centres and data-centre IT teams? Analysts and futurists have been asking this question for about a decade, but now cloud, already strong before the pandemic, has gone through an inflection point and brought new immediacy to the issue. There is a tendency to jump onto the bandwagon, and the latest one is about the COVID-19 pandemic and cloud computing. Despite this, Kerravala is right to suggest that data centres aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon. In his view, they will be fundamentally different, which he sees as positive news for people working in data centres and for those seeking a data centre career because the “adoption of cloud and other changes will create a wave of new opportunities.” Yet, the first thing I would say is: “Don’t use the Cloud to fix a problem that doesn’t exist!” Secondly, follow the ROI - not just short term - but middle and long-term.  Now that I’ve got that off my chest, let’s look at the cloud and the pandemic.  Whether you have an in-house data centre or a cloud-based data centre, you are still going to have to have staff manning and supervising it. Many have found that it is just as easy to manage locations remotely. Cloud latency exists One problem arises time and time again, though: too many people think the cloud has no latency. Yes, it can be lower than a single worldwide data centre, but you still need to manage where you provide the apps and the data to your remote users. It also can’t be emphasised enough that the overall short, medium and long-term costs should always be borne in mind. It is quicker and more cost-effective to stand something up in the cloud to manage remote workers and customers against capital expenditure, but what about the costs three years, or even four years down the road?  Most capital expenditure (Capex) equipment deprecates over three years, so at the end it owes you nothing in year four, but the cloud is still costing the same money. More than likely, the three year cost of the cloud will be more expensive than the Capex costs. Infrastructure-as-a-Service Will businesses rely on Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), and will they no longer need their own on-premise data centres and data centre IT teams? It’s a tricky question: do you stick with the data centre, or a hybrid model? IaaS depends on the return on investment (ROI), and many organisations are finding that the all-in model - such as VMware in AWS - is the way forward. Its managed service reduces the considerable overheads related to maintaining the infrastructure, with only inhouse staff developing the application to the other extreme, where the current data centre premise and equipment is maintained.  There are good arguments for both sides, as well as the hybrid model. Moving data out of the cloud is a costly exercise and should be considered when calculating the ROI. So, why is there a new immediacy to the issue: is the end in sight for data centres? This is a little like the age-old prophecy that tape is dead and, like tape, it will find a new position in the storage market. So, the data centre will survive, but it will occupy a different position or find a different use. There are some that need non-stop computing facilities. The cloud typically does not provide the SLA required for this level of continuity and therefore would like to manage that facility. There will be others where the data they hold is sensitive and, again, remain under the owner’s tight control. Where data and apps reside With increased home-working, known as the ‘WHA movement’, where data and apps reside is going to be critical to the user experience. If this is an international company, then it must reside within the country or for large countries in different regions. But this all depends on the app and the data format or size and on the frequency in which the data requires refreshing. Many organisations recognise the social aspect of employment, as well as the comradery that goes with face-to-face personal contact. For this reason, it will be downsizing the Head Quarters offices to increase the number of Edge offices scattered around the region, along with the data. The future data centre How will data centres look fundamentally different in 5-10 years’ time? Despite those that advocate cloud as the future, there is always a need for other forms of data centres because, despite the justifications, cloud is not the only answer. Just look at the recent change in the PC industry: two years ago, everyone discussed the demise of the PC, but now it has had some of the best quarters for a long time and, let’s face it, the IT industry, just like the fashion industry, goes around in circles. In the end, like flash, hard disks and tape, cloud or on-prem data centres will find their position in the IT industry.  One thing is becoming more apparent in published articles is the interest in de-clouding, due to costs – especially when pulling data from the cloud. Some companies, like Atempo, are beginning to offer these services. So, what does this mean for cloud adoption? There is a view that increased cloud adoption will lead to a new wave of opportunities, while de-clouding could also cause the market to become totally transformed. Disrupting the norm The cloud has been around for years now and, as with every new technology that comes along, it disrupts the norm. In the end, it will come down to money and ROI. One of the big positives that has come out of the cloud is the low cost of entry to compute power for new companies. This saves the issue of finding Capex when money is always tight, while developing the business. It also allows for the rapid scaling of resources whenever they are required. You can walk away if the project fails, too.  Nevertheless, it’s vital to look back to see if there is a change in ROI, as well as the costs going forward. There may be a reflection point where Capex could work out more efficiently when looked at over a longer period. Organisations should also look beyond what they already know to succeed, or to increase the performance of, for example, their wide area networks to mitigate the impact of latency and packet loss. That’s because, while WAN networking and security trends may change over the next few years, latency and packet loss won’t. So, whether it is pure cloud, hybrid or full on-premise infrastructure, the key factor is the data and the ability to access it without hindrance. Now, more than at any other time, organisations need to move more and more data securely over longer distances faster than ever. This means our WAN infrastructure, and the tools organisations use to manage them to improve the performance of data transfer, must change to make the best use of the new breed of high-speed multigigabit WANs. Ditching WAN-Op To maximise these data transfers, organisations must ditch the previous generation of WAN Optimisation products, replacing them with WAN Acceleration to maximise the throughput of the new multi-gigabit WANs. They efficiently and effectively mitigate the effects of latency and packet loss that all WANs suffer from. This past year, with the effects of COVID restrictions, has transformed the way organisations and individuals work. Many organisations have had to embrace digital transformation, considerably sooner than they had planned. This has led to a shortage of skilled IT workers across all disciplines, whilst there are several people from the older generations grabbing it as an opportunity to retire. Training new IT professionals It is therefore imperative for organisations to significantly increase the number of new entrants into the industry – especially women – through Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and training programmes. They will enable the industry to develop the skills data centres needed for cloud management, data analytics, network programming and security. The COVID-19 pandemic didn’t begin the evolution of the data centre, but it has had to accelerate its need to adapt to change. The cloud may not be always the right solution, but without data centres, it’s hard to achieve cloud benefits.

Molex unveils results of global 'state of 5G' survey

Molex has released results of a global survey of decision makers from telecom carriers exploring the “state of 5G” and the significant transformational opportunities it presents, along with its impact on deployment progress, current delivery challenges and emerging business prospects. Overall, carriers are optimistic: more than half of those surveyed expect to deliver substantial end-user benefits within two to five years while 47% reported that users already are seeing value or will within one year. “The 5G market is nearing an inflection point as carriers report steady progress despite continued challenges,” says Aldo Lopez, president, Datacom Solutions, Molex. “Fully realizing 5G’s potential will transform multiple industries and markets. It is a long game that requires collaboration across an entire ecosystem of hardware, software and connectivity companies to innovate to these new mobile network standards, which in turn, will accelerate user adoption.” Molex commissioned Dimensional Research to conduct The State of 5G Survey  in February 2021, polling more than 200 qualified participants in engineering, product and R&D roles at network operators or Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs). A variety of 5G questions were asked, with emphasis on timing and use cases. More than half of those surveyed reported 5G deployment delays caused by the impact of COVID-19 while more than a third reported future roadmaps delays. Other key findings include: 92% expect to achieve 5G business goals within five years; larger carriers reported a focus on generating new revenue streams while supporting existing business to reduce operational costs and accommodate increasing demand (65%)Consumer devices leveraging 5G technology will be first to generate significant new revenue (43%), followed by industrial and IIoT (35%) and fixed wireless access (33%)100% of respondents report issues with 5G deployment; top-three challenges are spectrum issues (41%), lack of consumer use cases (31%) and regulations (30%) When asked to identify the most important technology or industry changes that will enable network operators to achieve their business goals, respondents cited reduced costs of 5G infrastructure and network equipment (41%); innovation in enabling technologies, including semiconductors and sensors (31%); availability of new types of devices that require connectivity (26%); as well as stable and consistent government regulations (22%). Split Decision on Need for ‘Killer Apps’ to Drive Adoption Only three in five survey participants reported the need for a “killer app” or transformative use case to drive 5G adoption and significant new business revenues. Augmented reality, gaming and smart home applications topped the list of primary consumer devices while robotics, logistics and factories were the leading 5G-enabled use cases for industrial and IIoT. Rural home access topped the list of primary uses cases for fixed wireless access at 53%, followed by city and suburban home access (45%) and remote industrial infrastructure access (41%). Additionally, autonomous driving, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communications and vehicle telematics ranked highest on the list of primary use cases for the automotive industry. Remote patient monitoring, medical wearables and remote surgery were identified as “killer apps” for the medical market. Timeline of User Benefits by Region Only 25% of those polled believe that 5G is delivering substantial benefits to consumers today, but 99% anticipate substantial benefits within five years. More than half said consumers in Japan and Korea already recognize substantial benefit from 5G. China also continues to gain traction with more than half of survey respondents indicating that consumers benefit currently (24%) or are expected to benefit within one year (27%). According to the survey, expectations for the U.S. are that it will take two-to-five years (75%) for consumers to fully realize significant advantages nationwide. 5G Technologies and Topologies Take Hold Small cell (48%), mmWave (46%) and private networks (46%) were identified as the top three  technologies/topologies to play critical roles in enabling 5G advantages. While no consensus was reached on which technology would be first to impact users, mmWave emerged as the long-term leader, garnering 47% of the votes, followed by sub-6 (27%) and wide-area low power (26%). Molex Data Communications Molex builds on decades of innovation and expertise in the telecom and datacom industries to help streamline critical network infrastructure upgrades while addressing an array of technology challenges with higher-frequency communications and connectivity. The company has proven expertise in signal-integrity and optical wavelength management, optical transceivers and connectivity, radio frequency (RF) technology and antennas as well as mmWave and micro connectors. Complete product design, testing and manufacturing capabilities extend across the 5G ecosystem of network service providers, equipment OEMs, device manufacturers along with key stakeholders in automotive, consumer, enterprise, industrial and medical markets.

Aggreko leads by example with £4.5m Net Zero investment

With many data centres turning to Aggreko for help bridging the gap during their own energy transition, the temporary power solutions company is now putting its money where its mouth is with a £4.5million upgrade to its production facility in Scotland. As part of Aggreko’s industry-leading Net Zero strategy, the site will turn into a future energy hub, replacing all diesel with low-emission HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) as well as exporting surplus power generated during production tests of next generation gas gensets back to the national grid. Smart battery storage systems and LED lighting systems will also be used to make the use of energy at the facility more efficient. The investment and plans form part of the Aggreko’s commitment to achieve Net Zero emissions from its own operations by 2030 – something the business has been supporting customers with since 2019. Aggreko has significantly invested into a plethora of research and insights to better-understand industry’s paint points and divers when it comes to Net Zero targets, as well as investing in the latest green technology to facilitate change. Rolling out a significant project of this magnitude was a natural next step for such work. With leading players in the European data centre and cloud infrastructure industry agreeing to take firm steps to make their data centres climate neutral by 2030, this project could not be more pertinent for a major supplier to the sector. The scheme includes the acquisition of land at Lomondgate Park next to the existing site, which is owned by Strathleven Regeneration CIC (SRCIC). Construction started in November 2020 and represents an investment of £4m with local firms, bringing over 300 employees together in a campus environment which will add a state-of-the-art rental depot to the existing manufacturing site. Aine Finlayson, Director of Manufacturing at Aggreko, says: “Our Dumbarton facility sits at the heart of everything we do around the world, and is driven by the amazing team of people who work there. This investment is a demonstration of our commitment to our team and the local area, and making sure that we’re continuing to produce the high-quality, reliable and greener products that our customers expect. We continue to look for ways to enhance the value that the site brings to the business and the local community. Scotland is on an exciting journey towards Net Zero and we want to be part of that.” Chris Rason, Managing Director of Aggreko, says: “I’m incredibly proud to see what our colleagues are about to achieve with our own facility in Dumbarton. It demonstrates a true commitment to the work we are enabling our own customers to achieve throughout the UK’s ambitious energy transition. Hopefully this will give them an additional boost of confidence that they are in expert hands.” Aggreko’s Lomondgate facility develops modular power, storage and temperature control solutions which are used across the world to support projects in key sectors including data centres, construction, manufacturing, utilities, mining, and at events including Glastonbury Festival and the Super Bowl.

Siemon announces appointment of new President and CEO

The Siemon Company has announced Henry Siemon as the company’s new President and CEO, effective 01 January 2021. Carl Siemon, who has served as President and CEO since 1982, will continue to serve on the board of directors and will work with Henry and the leadership team as a strategic advisor. Henry becomes the fifth CEO in Siemon’s 118-year history and establishes a fifth generation of stable family leadership. Since joining Siemon in 2017, Henry has served as global director of supply chain focused on initiatives to improve the company’s operational capabilities across the 150 countries Siemon serves today. Henry earned his Bachelor’s degree with a focus on Economics from the University of Richmond and later earned his MBA from MIT Sloan School of Management. Prior to joining Siemon, Henry worked for Apple Inc. where he joined the global supply chain strategy team before leading reseller operations teams for various products. Before Apple, Henry worked for Deloitte Consulting, advising clients on organisational and operations strategy. Carl Siemon expressed high praise for the values, talent, business sense and drive Henry brings to the CEO position. “I am pleased and proud to welcome Henry as Siemon’s next President. We are fortunate to have a fifth generation Siemon family member willing and able to chart a clear course and steer the company into the future. I know that the commitment to quality and innovation which has come to represent the Siemon brand will be embraced and advanced by Henry. Having seen Henry in action under fire this year creatively solving problems caused by the global pandemic has validated the soundness of the succession planning decision our board made two years ago”, he explains. “The company will be in good hands, and I look forward to going where Henry leads us.” Henry also acknowledged the importance of Carl Siemon’s contributions guiding the company’s development and growth over nearly four decades. “Carl and I often talk about stewardship, and how important it is in a family business for the chief executive to also be chief caretaker and to always be mindful of our responsibility to continuously improve and to have fun along the way. Each of my predecessors has left their own lasting mark on Siemon’s success, but perhaps none so much as Carl. During his time as CEO, Siemon has evolved from a US manufacturer into a leading global solution provider that is well-positioned for continued growth and innovation. I am fortunate to take the reins of such a healthy organisation and look forward to serving our company, customers, and partners in the years ahead.”

Eaton introduces IP based automation and communications system

Power management company Eaton has launched Simas, a fully integrated IP-based voice, data, WiFi, interlock and automation system for underground industrial applications where rugged and/or explosion proof equipment is required. Commenting on this breakthrough, Christian Fimpler, Mining Program & Product Manager for Eaton says: “Working underground presents specific challenges when it comes to implementing adequate process control and safety measures. Automation is driving the need for more reliable and high-speed data transfer across multiple pieces of plant, but also reducing the number of personnel in any subsurface area – which makes timely and accurate communication of information more important than ever. “Eaton has applied its expertise in hazardous area communications to develop an integrated system that delivers the levels of process control that mining and tunneling operations need, while upholding the highest safety principles. System designers, project engineers and end-users can choose to use any or all of the Simas integrated functions – and its modular design means it is simple to alter or extend the system as operational demands change.” Applications for Simas (Safety Integrated Mining Automation System) include coal faces, belt conveyor transportation systems, water management and machinery automation, as well as communication along underground roads. Due to its scalability, Simas could be also used for shaft applications like signaling, skip or wagon loading. Simas uses Ethernet to link the automation system components via a smart connection. This network structure and a high data transfer rate of 100 Mbit means Simas meets all requirements for automation processes of equipment such as plow and shearer faces, conveyor systems, pump stations, etc. The Simas automation control unit channels all process-specific automation processes and acts as a communication point to the mine control station. It also allows a data link to third-party systems. Integration of a safety-oriented PLC with flat screen display, function keyboard and button-entry mouse enables implementation of a control concept in line with IEC 61508. A system control panel - complete with signalling devices, LCD colour backlit display, emergency stop button with interlock and speaker with audio functions – enables manual control of operating and conveyor equipment. A range of Ex i I/O modules and periphery modules complete the automation elements of the Simas system. The emergency stop element of Simas comprises a control unit and a choice of emergency stop buttons, rope-pull switches and coupling devices. The control unit is used as a driver for up to two emergency stop lines. It displays operating and diagnostic data from the system as well as an overview of the devices connected to the emergency stop lines. The control unit is connected to all devices on the network using a specially developed system line, which routes the emergency stop circuit, the power supply and the profinet communication. A factory-set ID allows identification throughout the Simas system. Simas Wi-fi communication options include fixed point radio transmitters (with or without intercom), access points and emergency rope pull switches with integral intercom and access point. Future mobile options include mobile phones and tablets in IS housings. A proprietary App, “Simas Connect", is scheduled for development in the near future. It will enable voice connections and video conferences and address book functions, allowing both private connections and global communications. Authorizations for the mobile devices can be set on the communications server. The overall Simas system is designed for ignition protection group Atex group I M2. In addition, the emergency stop and shutdown facilities use battery backup to meet Atex group I M1 in the event of a main power supply failure. In combination with a failsafe PLC, SIMAS also meets the requirements of functional safety in line with SIL2.