Best Colocation Provider Sustainability Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by 
WINNER
Therma Loop AB (T.Loop)
T.Loop was established in 2020 with a clear mission to change the role data centers play in society. The concept of Data Energy Center® was developed during 2023, in close partnership with the real estate owner CapMan who saw the potential in Data Energy Centers®’ contribution to their climate goals. Since the site was built in the basement of an existing office block there were no issues around permitting, planning consent or power. Spare grid capacity was available and no planning or permitting was required. The design was developed in detail and the procurement took place avoiding long lead items – the establishment of the data hall (200 kW) took 6 months in total to establish.
At CapMan Real Estate, we work with forward-thinking partners who support our vision of creating people-centered properties with a net-positive environmental impact. T.Loop's projects and technical solutions represent the kind of innovations our industry needs to transition to more sustainable ways of working,
- Magnus Berglund, Partner and Head of CapMan Real Estate Sweden and Norway.
Office buildings are abundant in every major city, but T.Loop is the first and only company to recognize the potential of utilizing the unused power capacity in these buildings. While data center operators are facing long lead times and infrastructure challenges in accessing grid capacity, we tap into the existing stranded capacity in office blocks, utilizing the existing infrastructure resulting in maximizing the use existing resources and faster go-to-market for IT-customers.
I am very impressed with T.Loop’s' innovative strategy for building modern and sustainable data centers. They have quickly established a strong presence in the market. There is a high demand for data center capacity in the Nordics from international players. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly difficult to find capacity even here. But T.Loop seems to be finding available power capacity in the Nordics when no one else does.
-Jonathan Evans, CEO of TDCS.
By analyzing and capturing stranded capacity we are applying true circular economy principles, and we are uncovering large power capacities in all the major city centric data markets. We are making data centers more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
T.Loop stand for renewal and change in an otherwise traditional industry. The urban and sustainable Data Energy Center® that T.Loop is building enables improved connectivity, density, and more nodes in our mesh network.
- Daniel Persson, CEO and founder of layer & Mesh.
And it does not stop with office buildings. Our vision is to establish data centers in every commercial property—be it office blocks, industrial sites, or shopping centers. As an example, we're currently in discussions with power plants in Sweden and other markets.
Besides contributing to the heating systems, data centers can also play a role in stabilizing the electricity grid. Data centers have enormous potential to contribute to a more stable European power grid. A data center has battery capacity designed to manage temporary outages in the electricity grid—an energy resource that today remains largely untapped. According to McKinsey, data center capacity in Europe currently amounts to 10,000 MW and is expected to grow to 35,000 MW by 2030, corresponding to approximately the same level of installed battery capacity. This capacity could also be used to support the power grid. . Our mission is to empower data center operators to unlock new revenue streams while contributing to a more a more stable and sustainable energy system.
Of course, one wants to support a digital cutting-edge company that strengthens its customers' - and society's - resilience while reducing climate impact as T.Loop grows.
- Jonas Roupé, Sustainability Advisory Board T.Loop
For a long time, we searched for a partner who could help us utilize our excess capacity for grid balancing. The challenge was to prioritize uninterrupted power supply for our IT customers while maximizing utility. When we couldn’t find anyone to solve this, we decided to build the solution ourselves, leveraging our expertise in data centers and energy companies. Together with Ematic, experts in are soft- and hardware development, we founded TSO link to transform underutilized data center resources into opportunities for profit and sustainability.
By tapping into existing capacities like UPS systems and batteries, we enable data centers to actively participate in the Nordic balancing market. TSO link has developed hardware and software specifically tailored for grid balancing in data center environments. Now we can use our backup power in our Data Energy Centers® to support the grid during peak demand periods with services like grid balancing and peak shaving, while still assuring the uptime connectivity to the colocation customers. Hence making data centers active participants in energy management, contributing to a more resilient and efficient power system.
What sets T.Loop apart from other players is that we base the establishment of our Data Energy Centers on heat demand. We size our data capacity according to energy and heat needs. This approach not only reduces carbon footprints and power bills but also contributes to grid stability by repurposing unused UPS battery systems for grid stabilization. Our model is scalable and can be replicated in cities around the world.
To demonstrate the direct impact we can have with our data center, we have chosen to use our Data Energy Center, The Factory, as an example. These figures have also been reported to and validated by the Swedish Energy Agency, where T.Loop had the privilege of participating in the agency’s investment accelerator program during 2024.
Every aspect of the infrastructure in The Factory was carefully considered. By utilizing an existing basement space, we avoided the carbon footprint of constructing a new building. The data center spans 153 m² with a capacity of 170 kW (150 kW immersion, 20 kW air-cooled). The location was selected to leverage existing infrastructure, including flue gas evacuation, ventilation systems, cable trays, switchgear, and the property's chilled water system. Excess heat from immersion cooling is directly transferred to the building’s heating system, eliminating the need for heat pumps.
The Submer immersion cooling system offers significant advantages over air cooling, reducing the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) to 1.03. Server fans are removed, lowering the energy load, and the room size is reduced by 50% due to the system's efficiency. Heat captured from the servers leaves at 55°C, providing a higher, more usable temperature for heating.
T.Loop’s data center also contributes to grid balancing through our joint venture TSO link and in close collaboration with Eaton. This hardware-software solution has shown exceptional responsiveness, reacting in milliseconds compared to the standard 7.5 seconds.
In combination with Sweden’s energy mix, T.Loop's Data Energy Center® achieves a negative carbon footprint of minus 8 tons CO2eq annually per 10 MW IT load. Moving 10 MW from a traditional HVAC-cooled data center to our facility would reduce emissions by nearly 80,000 tons of CO2eq annually. To put that in perspective, 1,000 tons of CO2eq is equivalent to one car driving around the globe 300 times. For the landlord, our data hall will provide 60% of the heat need for the 12,000 sqm commercial estate, reducing their heat cost with approx. 30% and their heat CO2 emissions with 60%. For the colocation customer, this means that besides that we providing them with a strong customer support and expertise, we help our customers achieve their business goals by lowering energy costs and reducing their climate footprint.
“By recovering heat from the datacenters, a key component of T.Loop's strategy, we enhance Safespring's private cloud services with an even more sustainable profile”.
- Fredric Wallsten, CEO Safespring
At CapMan Real Estate, we work with forward-thinking partners who support our vision of creating people-centered properties with a net-positive environmental impact. T.Loop's projects and technical solutions represent the kind of innovations our industry needs to transition to more sustainable ways of working,
- Magnus Berglund, Partner and Head of CapMan Real Estate Sweden and Norway.
Office buildings are abundant in every major city, but T.Loop is the first and only company to recognize the potential of utilizing the unused power capacity in these buildings. While data center operators are facing long lead times and infrastructure challenges in accessing grid capacity, we tap into the existing stranded capacity in office blocks, utilizing the existing infrastructure resulting in maximizing the use existing resources and faster go-to-market for IT-customers.
I am very impressed with T.Loop’s' innovative strategy for building modern and sustainable data centers. They have quickly established a strong presence in the market. There is a high demand for data center capacity in the Nordics from international players. In recent years, however, it has become increasingly difficult to find capacity even here. But T.Loop seems to be finding available power capacity in the Nordics when no one else does.
-Jonathan Evans, CEO of TDCS.
By analyzing and capturing stranded capacity we are applying true circular economy principles, and we are uncovering large power capacities in all the major city centric data markets. We are making data centers more accessible, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
T.Loop stand for renewal and change in an otherwise traditional industry. The urban and sustainable Data Energy Center® that T.Loop is building enables improved connectivity, density, and more nodes in our mesh network.
- Daniel Persson, CEO and founder of layer & Mesh.
And it does not stop with office buildings. Our vision is to establish data centers in every commercial property—be it office blocks, industrial sites, or shopping centers. As an example, we're currently in discussions with power plants in Sweden and other markets.
Besides contributing to the heating systems, data centers can also play a role in stabilizing the electricity grid. Data centers have enormous potential to contribute to a more stable European power grid. A data center has battery capacity designed to manage temporary outages in the electricity grid—an energy resource that today remains largely untapped. According to McKinsey, data center capacity in Europe currently amounts to 10,000 MW and is expected to grow to 35,000 MW by 2030, corresponding to approximately the same level of installed battery capacity. This capacity could also be used to support the power grid. . Our mission is to empower data center operators to unlock new revenue streams while contributing to a more a more stable and sustainable energy system.
Of course, one wants to support a digital cutting-edge company that strengthens its customers' - and society's - resilience while reducing climate impact as T.Loop grows.
- Jonas Roupé, Sustainability Advisory Board T.Loop
For a long time, we searched for a partner who could help us utilize our excess capacity for grid balancing. The challenge was to prioritize uninterrupted power supply for our IT customers while maximizing utility. When we couldn’t find anyone to solve this, we decided to build the solution ourselves, leveraging our expertise in data centers and energy companies. Together with Ematic, experts in are soft- and hardware development, we founded TSO link to transform underutilized data center resources into opportunities for profit and sustainability.
By tapping into existing capacities like UPS systems and batteries, we enable data centers to actively participate in the Nordic balancing market. TSO link has developed hardware and software specifically tailored for grid balancing in data center environments. Now we can use our backup power in our Data Energy Centers® to support the grid during peak demand periods with services like grid balancing and peak shaving, while still assuring the uptime connectivity to the colocation customers. Hence making data centers active participants in energy management, contributing to a more resilient and efficient power system.
What sets T.Loop apart from other players is that we base the establishment of our Data Energy Centers on heat demand. We size our data capacity according to energy and heat needs. This approach not only reduces carbon footprints and power bills but also contributes to grid stability by repurposing unused UPS battery systems for grid stabilization. Our model is scalable and can be replicated in cities around the world.
To demonstrate the direct impact we can have with our data center, we have chosen to use our Data Energy Center, The Factory, as an example. These figures have also been reported to and validated by the Swedish Energy Agency, where T.Loop had the privilege of participating in the agency’s investment accelerator program during 2024.
Every aspect of the infrastructure in The Factory was carefully considered. By utilizing an existing basement space, we avoided the carbon footprint of constructing a new building. The data center spans 153 m² with a capacity of 170 kW (150 kW immersion, 20 kW air-cooled). The location was selected to leverage existing infrastructure, including flue gas evacuation, ventilation systems, cable trays, switchgear, and the property's chilled water system. Excess heat from immersion cooling is directly transferred to the building’s heating system, eliminating the need for heat pumps.
The Submer immersion cooling system offers significant advantages over air cooling, reducing the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) to 1.03. Server fans are removed, lowering the energy load, and the room size is reduced by 50% due to the system's efficiency. Heat captured from the servers leaves at 55°C, providing a higher, more usable temperature for heating.
T.Loop’s data center also contributes to grid balancing through our joint venture TSO link and in close collaboration with Eaton. This hardware-software solution has shown exceptional responsiveness, reacting in milliseconds compared to the standard 7.5 seconds.
In combination with Sweden’s energy mix, T.Loop's Data Energy Center® achieves a negative carbon footprint of minus 8 tons CO2eq annually per 10 MW IT load. Moving 10 MW from a traditional HVAC-cooled data center to our facility would reduce emissions by nearly 80,000 tons of CO2eq annually. To put that in perspective, 1,000 tons of CO2eq is equivalent to one car driving around the globe 300 times. For the landlord, our data hall will provide 60% of the heat need for the 12,000 sqm commercial estate, reducing their heat cost with approx. 30% and their heat CO2 emissions with 60%. For the colocation customer, this means that besides that we providing them with a strong customer support and expertise, we help our customers achieve their business goals by lowering energy costs and reducing their climate footprint.
“By recovering heat from the datacenters, a key component of T.Loop's strategy, we enhance Safespring's private cloud services with an even more sustainable profile”.
- Fredric Wallsten, CEO Safespring
RUNNER UP
Gapit Nordics AS
Gapit Horizon: Redefining Data Center Intelligence for Executives
In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, data center leaders are under immense pressure to balance efficiency, cost management, and sustainability. However, fragmented data across on-premise and cloud environments creates blind spots, making it difficult to track energy usage, optimize operations, and maintain compliance. Without real-time insights, executives struggle to make data-driven decisions that drive business success.
A Unified Platform for Smarter, Faster Decision-Making
Gapit Horizon is a cloud-powered executive platform designed to centralize data collection, analytics, and reporting. By providing a single source of truth, it empowers leadership teams to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Intelligent Cloud Integration & Advanced Business Insights
Gapit Horizon seamlessly connects on-premise infrastructure with public and private cloud environments, offering:
-Real-Time Executive Dashboards – Delivering instant visibility into energy consumption, operational efficency, and sustainability performance for proactive decision-making.
-Automated Compliance & Financial Reporting – Generating customized, audit-ready reports to streamline regulatory adherence and financial forecasting.
-AI-Driven Business Intelligence – Analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE), and carbon emissions to drive sustainability initiatives.
-Enterprise-Grade Security & API Integration – Ensuring seamless connectivity with existing business systems while maintaining the highest security standards.
The Gapit Horizon Advantage
Unlike traditional solutions, Gapit Horizon bridges the gap between operational data and executive decision-making, offering:
-Strategic Energy & Cost Optimization – Identifying inefficiencies and opportunities to reduce waste, improve PUE, and optimize expenditures.
-Sustainability Leadership – Providing real-time insights into carbon footprint and water usage to align with ESG commitments.
-Regulatory & Compliance Excellence – Automating compliance reporting to ensure seamless adherence to global standards.
-Future-Ready Scalability – Adapting dynamically to growing data demands with a cloud-native architecture designed for expansion.
-Driving Business Value & Competitive Advantage
Since its adoption, Gapit Horizon has helped organizations lower operational costs, enhance sustainability efforts, and improve strategic agility. Executives now have a real-time command center for monitoring performance, optimizing investments, and maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving data center landscape.
Gapit Horizon isn’t just a data tool—it’s a leadership enabler, empowering executives to make faster, smarter, and more sustainable business decisions.
In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, data center leaders are under immense pressure to balance efficiency, cost management, and sustainability. However, fragmented data across on-premise and cloud environments creates blind spots, making it difficult to track energy usage, optimize operations, and maintain compliance. Without real-time insights, executives struggle to make data-driven decisions that drive business success.
A Unified Platform for Smarter, Faster Decision-Making
Gapit Horizon is a cloud-powered executive platform designed to centralize data collection, analytics, and reporting. By providing a single source of truth, it empowers leadership teams to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Intelligent Cloud Integration & Advanced Business Insights
Gapit Horizon seamlessly connects on-premise infrastructure with public and private cloud environments, offering:
-Real-Time Executive Dashboards – Delivering instant visibility into energy consumption, operational efficency, and sustainability performance for proactive decision-making.
-Automated Compliance & Financial Reporting – Generating customized, audit-ready reports to streamline regulatory adherence and financial forecasting.
-AI-Driven Business Intelligence – Analyzing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE), and carbon emissions to drive sustainability initiatives.
-Enterprise-Grade Security & API Integration – Ensuring seamless connectivity with existing business systems while maintaining the highest security standards.
The Gapit Horizon Advantage
Unlike traditional solutions, Gapit Horizon bridges the gap between operational data and executive decision-making, offering:
-Strategic Energy & Cost Optimization – Identifying inefficiencies and opportunities to reduce waste, improve PUE, and optimize expenditures.
-Sustainability Leadership – Providing real-time insights into carbon footprint and water usage to align with ESG commitments.
-Regulatory & Compliance Excellence – Automating compliance reporting to ensure seamless adherence to global standards.
-Future-Ready Scalability – Adapting dynamically to growing data demands with a cloud-native architecture designed for expansion.
-Driving Business Value & Competitive Advantage
Since its adoption, Gapit Horizon has helped organizations lower operational costs, enhance sustainability efforts, and improve strategic agility. Executives now have a real-time command center for monitoring performance, optimizing investments, and maintaining a competitive edge in the evolving data center landscape.
Gapit Horizon isn’t just a data tool—it’s a leadership enabler, empowering executives to make faster, smarter, and more sustainable business decisions.
Best Colocation Provider Sustainability Project of the Year
WINNER
nLighten
nLighten Milton Keynes
objectives
- To make a substantial reduction in the C02e emissions of a pre-existing data centre
- To reduce reliance on and costs of grid sourced power for IT and facilities power
- To offer the potential for future grid stabilization initiatives
Key challenges:
- Solar PV connection/integration with existing power infrastructure
- Avoiding disruption to data centre operations during installation
- Mitigating risk of compromising data centre resilience
This project focused on carbon emissions reduction through the generation of additional renewable carbon free energy for powering the Milton Keynes data centre. While the facility had switched to a 'Zero Carbon Electricity Tariff' several years ago, nLighten wanted to push the boundaries further with the addition of onsite solar power generation. This was in line with its and the industry’s commitment to transitioning totally to carbon free energy.
The installation consists of over 1000 solar panels and is one of the largest data centre rooftop installations in the UK. The project is the first major example of a solar panel deployment by nLighten in Europe since its inception three years ago.
Key innovations include:
- A non-invasive ’plug and play’ mounting design which enabled easy installation and future replacement of individual panels.
- Roof includes a comprehensive waterproofing system comprising of high density tapered insulation and reinforced bitumen membrane
- A renewable solar energy capacity of up to 500 kW, allowing the vast solar array to make a significant impact on reducing the facility’s reliance on the National Grid
- The solar system can generate electricity from any available daylight rather than direct sun light, meaning that it can still produce power during the darker winter months
- Downtime and disruption was avoided due to the innovative M&E design of the facility including dual connections to the National Grid, backup generators, batteries, and uninterruptable power supplies (UPS), providing excellent resiliency and reliability.
- nLighten integrated the four rooftop solar PV inverters with the data centre’s existing generator controls. This was essential so that in the event of a loss of grid power to the building, the UPS and generators would still immediately commence operation.
- The potential for contributing to future carbon free energy grid stabilization initiatives
Results
As a driver for positively impacting the energy and carbon emission performance of our Milton Keynes data centre, the solar power project is proving to be a significant success:
- The data centre building consumes all of the power that it produces for Facilities and IT. The solar produced energy therefore makes a significant contribution to the power requirements of the entire building
- Since installation, the panels have produced a total of 392328 KWh and peak power of 436kW
- There have been periods where the entire building load has been completely covered by the solar roof for several minutes during a day.
- It is predicted that the installation will save around 90 metric tonnes of CO2e per annum
objectives
- To make a substantial reduction in the C02e emissions of a pre-existing data centre
- To reduce reliance on and costs of grid sourced power for IT and facilities power
- To offer the potential for future grid stabilization initiatives
Key challenges:
- Solar PV connection/integration with existing power infrastructure
- Avoiding disruption to data centre operations during installation
- Mitigating risk of compromising data centre resilience
This project focused on carbon emissions reduction through the generation of additional renewable carbon free energy for powering the Milton Keynes data centre. While the facility had switched to a 'Zero Carbon Electricity Tariff' several years ago, nLighten wanted to push the boundaries further with the addition of onsite solar power generation. This was in line with its and the industry’s commitment to transitioning totally to carbon free energy.
The installation consists of over 1000 solar panels and is one of the largest data centre rooftop installations in the UK. The project is the first major example of a solar panel deployment by nLighten in Europe since its inception three years ago.
Key innovations include:
- A non-invasive ’plug and play’ mounting design which enabled easy installation and future replacement of individual panels.
- Roof includes a comprehensive waterproofing system comprising of high density tapered insulation and reinforced bitumen membrane
- A renewable solar energy capacity of up to 500 kW, allowing the vast solar array to make a significant impact on reducing the facility’s reliance on the National Grid
- The solar system can generate electricity from any available daylight rather than direct sun light, meaning that it can still produce power during the darker winter months
- Downtime and disruption was avoided due to the innovative M&E design of the facility including dual connections to the National Grid, backup generators, batteries, and uninterruptable power supplies (UPS), providing excellent resiliency and reliability.
- nLighten integrated the four rooftop solar PV inverters with the data centre’s existing generator controls. This was essential so that in the event of a loss of grid power to the building, the UPS and generators would still immediately commence operation.
- The potential for contributing to future carbon free energy grid stabilization initiatives
Results
As a driver for positively impacting the energy and carbon emission performance of our Milton Keynes data centre, the solar power project is proving to be a significant success:
- The data centre building consumes all of the power that it produces for Facilities and IT. The solar produced energy therefore makes a significant contribution to the power requirements of the entire building
- Since installation, the panels have produced a total of 392328 KWh and peak power of 436kW
- There have been periods where the entire building load has been completely covered by the solar roof for several minutes during a day.
- It is predicted that the installation will save around 90 metric tonnes of CO2e per annum
RUNNER UP
Conapto
Conapto Stockholm 4 South is a colocation data center built to handle the rising demand for AI-ready, high density infrastructure, as well as traditional colocation, while keeping sustainability at its core. This project reflects our commitment to reducing environmental impact through smart energy use, heat reuse to district heating, and fossil free 100% renewable power with Vattenfall 24/7 matching.
A key driver for Stockholm 4 South was our decision to only proceed if the site could be connected to Stockholm’s district heating network for heat reuse. Today, the facility contributes with up to 10 MW of excess heat to Stockholm Exergi, helping warm thousands of homes in a sustainable way. By reusing waste heat that would otherwise be lost, we’re helping to reduce the need for traditional heating sources, cutting carbon emissions and supporting Stockholm to be a more energy efficient city.
Another critical sustainability initiative is our contribution to Sweden's national grid and its stability. Stockholm 4 South provides up to 14 MW of frequency balancing services, helping Sweden’s national grid remain stable while reducing dependency on fossil fuel-powered reserves.
Stockholm 4 South is also the first colocation data center in Europe to achieve OCP Ready™ for Hyperscale certification, proving our dedication to open standards and efficient operations. Its modular design, using pre-assembled power and cooling pods, allows for quick expansion while maintaining energy efficiency. This approach helped speed up construction, cut environmental impact, and provide flexible, high-performance infrastructure for both AI and traditional retail colocation needs.
Running entirely on 100% fossil free and renewable energy through Vattenfall’s 24/7 matching program, Stockholm 4 South is committed to sustainable power use. On-site solar panels produce 200 kW of renewable energy, further showing our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
Summary key Innovations
• Flexible and modular design with power pods and cooling pods allows us to scale rapidly based on customer needs and at the same time do it conscientiously and sustainable.
• The power and cooling distribution internally is also extremely flexible and the total site capacity can be routed to a single computer room.
• Lower level designed for high density air- or liquid cooled deployments on slab. Up to 40 kW per rack air cooled and 100 kW per rack liquid cooled.
• Upper level designed for traditional retail colocation with raised floor. Up to 20 kW per rack on average.
• Up to 10 MW deployed and contracted heat reuse capacity to Stockholm Exergi district heating network.
• Up to 14 MW grid support (FFR) to Svenska Kraftnät national grid.
• Solar panels for adding 200 kW of renewable energy with a producer agreement with Ellevio (TSO).
• 100% fossil free and renewable energy through Vattenfall 24/7 matching.
By integrating heat reuse, grid balancing, modular efficiency, and renewable energy, Stockholm 4 South sets a new benchmark for sustainable colocation. It proves that high-performance data center operations can be both energy efficient and environmentally responsible. As AI and high performance workloads grow, we continue to lead the way in sustainable colocation, ensuring that next-generation computing is built on a foundation of sustainability.
A key driver for Stockholm 4 South was our decision to only proceed if the site could be connected to Stockholm’s district heating network for heat reuse. Today, the facility contributes with up to 10 MW of excess heat to Stockholm Exergi, helping warm thousands of homes in a sustainable way. By reusing waste heat that would otherwise be lost, we’re helping to reduce the need for traditional heating sources, cutting carbon emissions and supporting Stockholm to be a more energy efficient city.
Another critical sustainability initiative is our contribution to Sweden's national grid and its stability. Stockholm 4 South provides up to 14 MW of frequency balancing services, helping Sweden’s national grid remain stable while reducing dependency on fossil fuel-powered reserves.
Stockholm 4 South is also the first colocation data center in Europe to achieve OCP Ready™ for Hyperscale certification, proving our dedication to open standards and efficient operations. Its modular design, using pre-assembled power and cooling pods, allows for quick expansion while maintaining energy efficiency. This approach helped speed up construction, cut environmental impact, and provide flexible, high-performance infrastructure for both AI and traditional retail colocation needs.
Running entirely on 100% fossil free and renewable energy through Vattenfall’s 24/7 matching program, Stockholm 4 South is committed to sustainable power use. On-site solar panels produce 200 kW of renewable energy, further showing our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint.
Summary key Innovations
• Flexible and modular design with power pods and cooling pods allows us to scale rapidly based on customer needs and at the same time do it conscientiously and sustainable.
• The power and cooling distribution internally is also extremely flexible and the total site capacity can be routed to a single computer room.
• Lower level designed for high density air- or liquid cooled deployments on slab. Up to 40 kW per rack air cooled and 100 kW per rack liquid cooled.
• Upper level designed for traditional retail colocation with raised floor. Up to 20 kW per rack on average.
• Up to 10 MW deployed and contracted heat reuse capacity to Stockholm Exergi district heating network.
• Up to 14 MW grid support (FFR) to Svenska Kraftnät national grid.
• Solar panels for adding 200 kW of renewable energy with a producer agreement with Ellevio (TSO).
• 100% fossil free and renewable energy through Vattenfall 24/7 matching.
By integrating heat reuse, grid balancing, modular efficiency, and renewable energy, Stockholm 4 South sets a new benchmark for sustainable colocation. It proves that high-performance data center operations can be both energy efficient and environmentally responsible. As AI and high performance workloads grow, we continue to lead the way in sustainable colocation, ensuring that next-generation computing is built on a foundation of sustainability.
Best Overall Data Centre of the Year
Sponsored by 
WINNER
Green Mountain
Green Mountain is a Norwegian company that designs, builds, and operates highly secure, innovative, and sustainable colocation data centers in Europe. What sets us apart from competitors is our ambition of “Setting the green standard” in the data center industry. This entails that we want to establish ourselves as being the most energy-efficient data center in the market, running on 100% renewable energy and with close to zero CO2 footprints. We incorporate environmental sustainability in all aspects of our business – in the construction of data centers, in the operation of the data center and in the future, when decommissioning a data center. We are also involved in several waste heat reuse projects, contributing to the circular economy.
Our green approach to data centers has proved successful. We have a strong growth rate and currently operate four different sites in Norway. In addition, we have a data center in London and have teamed up with German power company, KMW, to construct 54MW data center in Mainz outside Frankfurt. The FRA-Mainz data center will be powered by renewables, cooled by the river Rhine and supplying district heat to the city’s households. Moreover, by using gas for back-up power, the CO2 emissions will be reduced by nearly 90%.
Our customer portfolio ranges from small rack-by-rack clients to enterprise clients and huge hyperscaler developments. The biggest clients are within cloud, banking/finance, HPC, automotive and more. One of our most recent projects is the OSL-Hamar site. It is the largest colocation data center in Europe – with a record fast building time, a sustainable profile and innovative and future-proof solutions. The data center is built for one client - social media giant, TikTok.
The project has had a significant impact on both our company and the local community in Hamar. Internally, it required us to establish a completely new location in Norway and build an organization from the ground up. Now that all the three buildings (90 MW) are fully operational, the data center employs approximately 210 people, including those working directly for Green Mountain, our client, and various service providers in security, operations, and cleaning. These are entirely new and permanent jobs created within the local region.
This project also represents the largest construction undertaking ever in this area, with substantial economic effects both locally and nationally. At its peak, over 1,000 construction workers were on-site, and up to 600 truckloads of materials and equipment arrived daily. The influx of workers has generated a broader economic impact, as these individuals required accommodation, food, and recreational facilities, extending the project's influence beyond direct site purchases.
Green Mountain’s customer-centric approach, combined with strong technical systems, clear communication, and a culture of trust and responsibility, ensures high satisfaction and long-term partnerships with clients. Our 2024 Client Satisfaction Survey reported an overall score of 5,8 out of 6. “Customer in focus” is one of our core values, and this report demonstrates our commitment.
Our green approach to data centers has proved successful. We have a strong growth rate and currently operate four different sites in Norway. In addition, we have a data center in London and have teamed up with German power company, KMW, to construct 54MW data center in Mainz outside Frankfurt. The FRA-Mainz data center will be powered by renewables, cooled by the river Rhine and supplying district heat to the city’s households. Moreover, by using gas for back-up power, the CO2 emissions will be reduced by nearly 90%.
Our customer portfolio ranges from small rack-by-rack clients to enterprise clients and huge hyperscaler developments. The biggest clients are within cloud, banking/finance, HPC, automotive and more. One of our most recent projects is the OSL-Hamar site. It is the largest colocation data center in Europe – with a record fast building time, a sustainable profile and innovative and future-proof solutions. The data center is built for one client - social media giant, TikTok.
The project has had a significant impact on both our company and the local community in Hamar. Internally, it required us to establish a completely new location in Norway and build an organization from the ground up. Now that all the three buildings (90 MW) are fully operational, the data center employs approximately 210 people, including those working directly for Green Mountain, our client, and various service providers in security, operations, and cleaning. These are entirely new and permanent jobs created within the local region.
This project also represents the largest construction undertaking ever in this area, with substantial economic effects both locally and nationally. At its peak, over 1,000 construction workers were on-site, and up to 600 truckloads of materials and equipment arrived daily. The influx of workers has generated a broader economic impact, as these individuals required accommodation, food, and recreational facilities, extending the project's influence beyond direct site purchases.
Green Mountain’s customer-centric approach, combined with strong technical systems, clear communication, and a culture of trust and responsibility, ensures high satisfaction and long-term partnerships with clients. Our 2024 Client Satisfaction Survey reported an overall score of 5,8 out of 6. “Customer in focus” is one of our core values, and this report demonstrates our commitment.
RUNNER UP
Conapto
What are your company's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
• Designed and built a modern and sustainable data center (Stockholm 4 South) in southern parts of Stockholm that can offer both traditional retail colocation as well as built to order high density AI deployments.
• Flexible, scalable, and energy-efficient design where building construction and infrastructure deployments were made in parallel to cut overall delivery time. This was made possible due to that we had designed the data center with a modular approach using power pods and cooling pods that was pre-assembled off-site.
• Stockholm 4 South is the first colocation data center in Europe to achieve OCP Ready™ V2 for Hyperscale certification, reflecting our commitment to open standards, efficiency, and scalability.
• Its modular design enables seamless expansion for both traditional colocation and AI workloads.
• The facility supports Stockholm’s district heating network by repurposing up to 10 MW of excess heat.
• 14 MW of UPS capacity helps stabilize the national grid in Sweden.
• Solar panels and fossil free 100% renewable energy matched on an hourly basis via Vattenfall 24/7 matching.
• Stockholm 4 South sets a new benchmark for sustainable data centers.
• Certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 50001, PCI DSS, ISAE 3402 and OCP Ready™ V2 For Hyperscale.
What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
• One of the first data centers in Stockholm designed from ground up to offer AI-ready data center capacity, while focusing on efficiency, reliability, sustainability and the opportunity to grow in the future.
• Enhancing Stockholm’s total data center capacity with 20 MW of scalable and sustainable colocation.
• Adding up to 10 MW of energy as heated water into the district heating network.
• Contributing with 14 MW of UPS/battery capacity to balancing services for the national grid.
• Adding 200 kW solar power in the renewable mix.
• Able to provide data center colocation for businesses with AI and high-density computing needs
• Helped customers scale quickly and sustainably
• Contributed to reducing environmental footprints through heat reuse
• Offered green capacity that align with customers' sustainability goals
What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors.
• Personalized, flexible, and proactive customer service
• Close collaboration with clients to provide tailored solutions
• 24/7 availability with quick response times and dedicated support
• Continuous focus on meeting customers’ needs from planning to ongoing maintenance
• Net Promoter Score (NPS) 70 underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience in line with its overarching vision.
What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
• Strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency without sacrificing performance
• Flexible and modular design with power pods and cooling pods allows us to scale rapidly based on customer needs and at the same time do it conscientiously and sustainable.
• Supports both traditional colocation clients and those with high-density workloads, including AI and HPC
• Integration of fossil free 100% renewable energy and heat reuse to district heating
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the position of your company in the market.
1. https://www.opencompute.org/facilities/68/ocp-ready-facility-conapto-stockholm-4-south
2. Conapto's customer - Lantmännen. Ove Hansson, Lantmännen’s Chief Information Officer:
By partnering with Conapto, we’re not only ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our IT infrastructure, but also contributing to our journey towards climate-neutral farming – as all our data, services and processes needs to be stored somewhere with the lowest possible energy footprint. (Source: https://www.conapto.com/portfolio-item/customer-case-lantmannen/)
3. Partner Coromatic, Peter Neuberg, CEO and Group President of Coromatic: The opening of Stockholm 4 South demonstrates Conapto’s commitment to ensuring that the increasing data usage driven by AI and digitalization aligns with sustainable development. At Coromatic, we are proud to be part of this solution. Together, we have designed, built, and installed a data center that meets the highest standards in terms of robustness, energy efficiency, scalability, and circularity. (source: https://www.conapto.com/conapto-opens-stockholm-4-south-a-new-sustainable-data-center/)
4. Case study with Vertiv, Dynamic Grid Support: https://ss-usa.s3.amazonaws.com/c/308468857/media/1326365f02ea0ed39a56124036023397/vertiv-conapto-casestudy-en-emea-web.pdf
5. Stockholm 4 South data sheet: https://koi-3QNF3R5JBY.marketingautomation.services/net/m?md=S7KJixpMIVWy0rWHApxb7vsZYbbJjXYl
• Designed and built a modern and sustainable data center (Stockholm 4 South) in southern parts of Stockholm that can offer both traditional retail colocation as well as built to order high density AI deployments.
• Flexible, scalable, and energy-efficient design where building construction and infrastructure deployments were made in parallel to cut overall delivery time. This was made possible due to that we had designed the data center with a modular approach using power pods and cooling pods that was pre-assembled off-site.
• Stockholm 4 South is the first colocation data center in Europe to achieve OCP Ready™ V2 for Hyperscale certification, reflecting our commitment to open standards, efficiency, and scalability.
• Its modular design enables seamless expansion for both traditional colocation and AI workloads.
• The facility supports Stockholm’s district heating network by repurposing up to 10 MW of excess heat.
• 14 MW of UPS capacity helps stabilize the national grid in Sweden.
• Solar panels and fossil free 100% renewable energy matched on an hourly basis via Vattenfall 24/7 matching.
• Stockholm 4 South sets a new benchmark for sustainable data centers.
• Certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 50001, PCI DSS, ISAE 3402 and OCP Ready™ V2 For Hyperscale.
What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
• One of the first data centers in Stockholm designed from ground up to offer AI-ready data center capacity, while focusing on efficiency, reliability, sustainability and the opportunity to grow in the future.
• Enhancing Stockholm’s total data center capacity with 20 MW of scalable and sustainable colocation.
• Adding up to 10 MW of energy as heated water into the district heating network.
• Contributing with 14 MW of UPS/battery capacity to balancing services for the national grid.
• Adding 200 kW solar power in the renewable mix.
• Able to provide data center colocation for businesses with AI and high-density computing needs
• Helped customers scale quickly and sustainably
• Contributed to reducing environmental footprints through heat reuse
• Offered green capacity that align with customers' sustainability goals
What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors.
• Personalized, flexible, and proactive customer service
• Close collaboration with clients to provide tailored solutions
• 24/7 availability with quick response times and dedicated support
• Continuous focus on meeting customers’ needs from planning to ongoing maintenance
• Net Promoter Score (NPS) 70 underscores the company’s unwavering commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience in line with its overarching vision.
What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
• Strong focus on sustainability and energy efficiency without sacrificing performance
• Flexible and modular design with power pods and cooling pods allows us to scale rapidly based on customer needs and at the same time do it conscientiously and sustainable.
• Supports both traditional colocation clients and those with high-density workloads, including AI and HPC
• Integration of fossil free 100% renewable energy and heat reuse to district heating
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the position of your company in the market.
1. https://www.opencompute.org/facilities/68/ocp-ready-facility-conapto-stockholm-4-south
2. Conapto's customer - Lantmännen. Ove Hansson, Lantmännen’s Chief Information Officer:
By partnering with Conapto, we’re not only ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our IT infrastructure, but also contributing to our journey towards climate-neutral farming – as all our data, services and processes needs to be stored somewhere with the lowest possible energy footprint. (Source: https://www.conapto.com/portfolio-item/customer-case-lantmannen/)
3. Partner Coromatic, Peter Neuberg, CEO and Group President of Coromatic: The opening of Stockholm 4 South demonstrates Conapto’s commitment to ensuring that the increasing data usage driven by AI and digitalization aligns with sustainable development. At Coromatic, we are proud to be part of this solution. Together, we have designed, built, and installed a data center that meets the highest standards in terms of robustness, energy efficiency, scalability, and circularity. (source: https://www.conapto.com/conapto-opens-stockholm-4-south-a-new-sustainable-data-center/)
4. Case study with Vertiv, Dynamic Grid Support: https://ss-usa.s3.amazonaws.com/c/308468857/media/1326365f02ea0ed39a56124036023397/vertiv-conapto-casestudy-en-emea-web.pdf
5. Stockholm 4 South data sheet: https://koi-3QNF3R5JBY.marketingautomation.services/net/m?md=S7KJixpMIVWy0rWHApxb7vsZYbbJjXYl
Cloud Project of the Year
Sponsored by
WINNER
EnerSys
Increasing adoption of cloud computing has positioned data centres as critical infrastructure for global digital services. In recent years, Italy has emerged as a key player in Europe’s cloud market, with significant investment in colocation facilities. The client in this project operates a new-build data centre near Milan, designed to support cloud service providers and enterprise-level workloads.
To ensure scalability, sustainability, and service reliability, the client required a high-performance backup power solution that could:
• Optimise available space to accommodate increasing cloud workloads.
• Improve energy efficiency to align with European sustainability regulations.
• Ensure backup power resilience to protect against service disruptions.
EnerSys was selected as a strategic partner to help future-proof the facility’s power infrastructure, ensuring it could meet the demands of cloud service providers. This project was not only about addressing immediate operational needs but also about creating a resilient and efficient power system that would support the centre’s cloud-first strategy for years to come.
The client faced three key challenges in ensuring the facility could efficiently support cloud service providers:
• Scalability constraints – The client needed to optimise space for future expansion while maintaining essential backup power capabilities. Traditional Lead Calcium batteries would have taken up valuable real estate. Instead, DataSafe® XE batteries, with their reduced footprint, freed up critical space for cloud infrastructure growth.
• Energy consumption and sustainability – With European sustainability regulations driving industry-wide energy efficiency improvements, the client needed a high-efficiency backup power solution. The Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology used in DataSafe® XE batteries allowed for lower floating current requirements, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
• Cloud service uptime – Maintaining uninterrupted cloud services was essential, particularly in a competitive market. The fast-recharge capabilities of DataSafe® XE batteries meant the system could quickly recover from potential power fluctuations, enhancing operational resilience and ensuring minimal risk of disruption to cloud services.
By implementing a modernised backup power solution, the data centre strengthened its ability to support cloud workloads, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and long-term resilience.
Beyond delivering a reliable backup power solution, the project provided significant advantages for cloud operations:
• Optimised for cloud scalability – By freeing up valuable floor space, the data centre was able to increase server density, allowing for future cloud service expansion.
• Reduced energy consumption – The lower float current of DataSafe® XE batteries—requiring approximately 60% of the energy needed to maintain traditional Lead Calcium batteries on float charge—helped lower operational energy costs, a key concern for cloud operators.
• Improved power resilience for cloud workloads – The fast recharge capability of the batteries ensured backup power was restored quickly, reducing the risk of downtime that could impact cloud customers.
The project also supports future-proofing in cloud data centre operations:
• Grid balancing and peak shaving potential – While not currently in use, the batteries provide the ability to store and release energy during peak demand periods, a potential advantage for modern cloud facilities.
• Thermal management and reduced cooling costs – The ability to operate effectively at higher ambient temperatures helps reduce cooling energy demand, supporting the data centre’s broader energy efficiency strategy.
This innovative approach to cloud data centre infrastructure ensures that the client can scale efficiently, maintain resilient cloud service delivery, and meet sustainability objectives.
To ensure scalability, sustainability, and service reliability, the client required a high-performance backup power solution that could:
• Optimise available space to accommodate increasing cloud workloads.
• Improve energy efficiency to align with European sustainability regulations.
• Ensure backup power resilience to protect against service disruptions.
EnerSys was selected as a strategic partner to help future-proof the facility’s power infrastructure, ensuring it could meet the demands of cloud service providers. This project was not only about addressing immediate operational needs but also about creating a resilient and efficient power system that would support the centre’s cloud-first strategy for years to come.
The client faced three key challenges in ensuring the facility could efficiently support cloud service providers:
• Scalability constraints – The client needed to optimise space for future expansion while maintaining essential backup power capabilities. Traditional Lead Calcium batteries would have taken up valuable real estate. Instead, DataSafe® XE batteries, with their reduced footprint, freed up critical space for cloud infrastructure growth.
• Energy consumption and sustainability – With European sustainability regulations driving industry-wide energy efficiency improvements, the client needed a high-efficiency backup power solution. The Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) technology used in DataSafe® XE batteries allowed for lower floating current requirements, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability.
• Cloud service uptime – Maintaining uninterrupted cloud services was essential, particularly in a competitive market. The fast-recharge capabilities of DataSafe® XE batteries meant the system could quickly recover from potential power fluctuations, enhancing operational resilience and ensuring minimal risk of disruption to cloud services.
By implementing a modernised backup power solution, the data centre strengthened its ability to support cloud workloads, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and long-term resilience.
Beyond delivering a reliable backup power solution, the project provided significant advantages for cloud operations:
• Optimised for cloud scalability – By freeing up valuable floor space, the data centre was able to increase server density, allowing for future cloud service expansion.
• Reduced energy consumption – The lower float current of DataSafe® XE batteries—requiring approximately 60% of the energy needed to maintain traditional Lead Calcium batteries on float charge—helped lower operational energy costs, a key concern for cloud operators.
• Improved power resilience for cloud workloads – The fast recharge capability of the batteries ensured backup power was restored quickly, reducing the risk of downtime that could impact cloud customers.
The project also supports future-proofing in cloud data centre operations:
• Grid balancing and peak shaving potential – While not currently in use, the batteries provide the ability to store and release energy during peak demand periods, a potential advantage for modern cloud facilities.
• Thermal management and reduced cooling costs – The ability to operate effectively at higher ambient temperatures helps reduce cooling energy demand, supporting the data centre’s broader energy efficiency strategy.
This innovative approach to cloud data centre infrastructure ensures that the client can scale efficiently, maintain resilient cloud service delivery, and meet sustainability objectives.
RUNNER UP
Gapit Nordics AS
Driving Force Behind the Project
The primary challenge was the lack of real-time, unified insights for data center executives. Fragmented data across on-premise and cloud environments led to inefficiencies in tracking energy usage, optimizing operations, and ensuring compliance. Executives needed a solution that could centralize and simplify decision-making.
How the Solution Addressed Challenges & Innovative Aspects
Gapit Horizon provided a cloud-powered platform that consolidated data collection, analytics, and reporting into a single source of truth. Its innovative features include:
Real-Time Executive Dashboards for instant visibility into key metrics.
Algorithm-Driven Business Intelligence analyzing sustainability KPIs like PUE and WUE.
Automated Compliance & Financial Reporting to streamline adherence to regulations.
Enterprise-Grade Security & API Integration ensuring seamless connectivity and data protection.
These capabilities made Gapit Horizon stand out by directly linking operational insights with executive decision-making, allowing leaders to drive efficiency, sustainability, and compliance with unprecedented ease.
Major Challenges & How They Were Overcome
Data Fragmentation: Overcome through intelligent cloud integration that unifies on-premise and cloud data into a single dashboard.
Regulatory Complexity: Addressed by automated compliance reporting that ensures organizations stay audit-ready.
Scalability Concerns: Resolved with a future-ready, cloud-native architecture capable of adapting to growing data demands.
Tangible Benefits to the Organization
Since implementation, organizations using Gapit Horizon have:
Improved operational efficency by identifying and optimizing energy consumption.
Enhanced sustainability efforts with real-time tracking of carbon footprint and resource usage.
Improved strategic agility through AI-powered insights that support faster, smarter business decisions.
Ultimately, Gapit Horizon has transformed executive decision-making by providing a real-time command center for performance monitoring, investment optimization, and maintaining a competitive advantage in the evolving data center landscape.
The primary challenge was the lack of real-time, unified insights for data center executives. Fragmented data across on-premise and cloud environments led to inefficiencies in tracking energy usage, optimizing operations, and ensuring compliance. Executives needed a solution that could centralize and simplify decision-making.
How the Solution Addressed Challenges & Innovative Aspects
Gapit Horizon provided a cloud-powered platform that consolidated data collection, analytics, and reporting into a single source of truth. Its innovative features include:
Real-Time Executive Dashboards for instant visibility into key metrics.
Algorithm-Driven Business Intelligence analyzing sustainability KPIs like PUE and WUE.
Automated Compliance & Financial Reporting to streamline adherence to regulations.
Enterprise-Grade Security & API Integration ensuring seamless connectivity and data protection.
These capabilities made Gapit Horizon stand out by directly linking operational insights with executive decision-making, allowing leaders to drive efficiency, sustainability, and compliance with unprecedented ease.
Major Challenges & How They Were Overcome
Data Fragmentation: Overcome through intelligent cloud integration that unifies on-premise and cloud data into a single dashboard.
Regulatory Complexity: Addressed by automated compliance reporting that ensures organizations stay audit-ready.
Scalability Concerns: Resolved with a future-ready, cloud-native architecture capable of adapting to growing data demands.
Tangible Benefits to the Organization
Since implementation, organizations using Gapit Horizon have:
Improved operational efficency by identifying and optimizing energy consumption.
Enhanced sustainability efforts with real-time tracking of carbon footprint and resource usage.
Improved strategic agility through AI-powered insights that support faster, smarter business decisions.
Ultimately, Gapit Horizon has transformed executive decision-making by providing a real-time command center for performance monitoring, investment optimization, and maintaining a competitive advantage in the evolving data center landscape.
Customer-Centric Service Excellence Award
WINNER
Telehouse
Telehouse is a global colocation and data centre provider renowned for delivering unmatched connectivity, reliability, and security. Operating from Europe’s most connected data centre campus in London Docklands, Telehouse supports a highly connected digital ecosystem - including leading carriers, cloud providers, and enterprises to facilitate robust interconnections and foster limitless growth opportunities for customers across the world.
Central to Telehouse’s success is its customer-first ethos, built on integrity and trust, which underpins strategic, long-term partnerships that empower organisations to accelerate their digital ambitions and scale confidently into the future.
Tangible impact on the market and customers
Customer Plus builds upon an already successful customer success programme that has for several years been delivering exceptional results for customers with bespoke needs. Telehouse has now formalised the service to meet the increasing demand from businesses that require a highly integrated and strategic partnership with their colocation data centre provider, particularly in industries with stringent regulatory and operational needs.
The service is available in two tiers, Gold and Platinum, to accommodate a wide range of business needs. The Gold tier is ideal for businesses requiring dedicated support with regular service reviews and detailed reporting.
This tier also includes regular reporting on service performance, updates on power usage and metrics such as SLA compliance. In addition, businesses in the Gold tier receive invitations to regular business review meetings to ensure ongoing alignment between their operational needs and Telehouse’s services.
For customers with more complex requirements or critical infrastructure needs, the Platinum tier offers enhanced support. In addition to all the benefits of the Gold tier, Platinum customers receive unlimited audit coordination and documentation support, helping them navigate regulatory compliance effortlessly.
Differentiated offering
Telehouse distinguishes itself through exceptional customer service characterised by unparalleled support, responsiveness, and tailored solutions. Dedicated Customer Success Managers (CSMs) act as central points of contact, fostering proactive communication and ensuring swift issue resolution and a more strategic relationship with Telehouse.
This personalised approach addresses immediate technical concerns while anticipating future needs, providing strategic value beyond traditional colocation services. Additionally, the implementation of the Customer Thermometer, a real-time feedback tool, enables Telehouse to capture and respond to customer satisfaction promptly. This continuous feedback loop ensures that service standards are maintained at the highest levels, setting Telehouse apart from competitors who may rely on less immediate forms of customer feedback.
Case studies and quotations
Telehouse’s collaboration with Tata Communications showcases the practical benefits of its customer-centric approach. Through detailed discussions and tailored solutions, Telehouse facilitated Tata’s expansion to Telehouse South, ensuring operational resilience and enhanced infrastructure capabilities. This collaborative effort not only met Tata’s immediate needs but also positioned them for sustained growth and innovation, demonstrating Telehouse’s ability to deliver on its promise of strategic partnership and exceptional service.
Glenn Hewitt from Tata Communications highlights the transformative impact of Customer Plus, stating, “Since the Customer Plus service came into play, it’s been a game-changer for us. Having a dedicated point of contact who truly understands our needs has significantly improved our operational efficiency.” Melissa Heaven, Senior Customer Success Manager, emphasises the seamless integration and proactive support provided by Telehouse, which has enabled Tata to expand its infrastructure with confidence and enhanced resilience.
One step ahead of the competition
The major differentiators that set Telehouse apart from primary competitors include its unrivalled connectivity and availability, particularly for companies that cannot compromise on latency. Telehouse’s London Docklands campus offers ultra-low latency connections, essential for businesses requiring real-time data processing and rapid communication.
Furthermore, Telehouse’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, demonstrated by powering its data centres with energy from renewable sources, distinguishes it as an environmentally responsible choice. The implementation of multi-layered physical security measures, including 360° perimeter fencing, proximity access control systems, and advanced monitoring technologies, ensures that customer data and infrastructure are safeguarded to the highest standards. Telehouse’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of continuous innovation ensures that it remains at the forefront of the data centre industry, providing future-proof solutions that drive customer success.
Why Telehouse deserves the award
In conclusion, Telehouse’s unwavering focus on customer-centric services, combined with its robust infrastructure and strategic partnerships, consistently exceeds client expectations. By prioritising customer satisfaction and continuously adapting to evolving demands, Telehouse exemplifies service excellence in the colocation industry. Its unparalleled approach to support, proactive communication, and dedication to sustainability, as well as its commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive customer success, make Telehouse a deserving contender for the Customer-Centric Service Excellence Award.
Central to Telehouse’s success is its customer-first ethos, built on integrity and trust, which underpins strategic, long-term partnerships that empower organisations to accelerate their digital ambitions and scale confidently into the future.
Tangible impact on the market and customers
Customer Plus builds upon an already successful customer success programme that has for several years been delivering exceptional results for customers with bespoke needs. Telehouse has now formalised the service to meet the increasing demand from businesses that require a highly integrated and strategic partnership with their colocation data centre provider, particularly in industries with stringent regulatory and operational needs.
The service is available in two tiers, Gold and Platinum, to accommodate a wide range of business needs. The Gold tier is ideal for businesses requiring dedicated support with regular service reviews and detailed reporting.
This tier also includes regular reporting on service performance, updates on power usage and metrics such as SLA compliance. In addition, businesses in the Gold tier receive invitations to regular business review meetings to ensure ongoing alignment between their operational needs and Telehouse’s services.
For customers with more complex requirements or critical infrastructure needs, the Platinum tier offers enhanced support. In addition to all the benefits of the Gold tier, Platinum customers receive unlimited audit coordination and documentation support, helping them navigate regulatory compliance effortlessly.
Differentiated offering
Telehouse distinguishes itself through exceptional customer service characterised by unparalleled support, responsiveness, and tailored solutions. Dedicated Customer Success Managers (CSMs) act as central points of contact, fostering proactive communication and ensuring swift issue resolution and a more strategic relationship with Telehouse.
This personalised approach addresses immediate technical concerns while anticipating future needs, providing strategic value beyond traditional colocation services. Additionally, the implementation of the Customer Thermometer, a real-time feedback tool, enables Telehouse to capture and respond to customer satisfaction promptly. This continuous feedback loop ensures that service standards are maintained at the highest levels, setting Telehouse apart from competitors who may rely on less immediate forms of customer feedback.
Case studies and quotations
Telehouse’s collaboration with Tata Communications showcases the practical benefits of its customer-centric approach. Through detailed discussions and tailored solutions, Telehouse facilitated Tata’s expansion to Telehouse South, ensuring operational resilience and enhanced infrastructure capabilities. This collaborative effort not only met Tata’s immediate needs but also positioned them for sustained growth and innovation, demonstrating Telehouse’s ability to deliver on its promise of strategic partnership and exceptional service.
Glenn Hewitt from Tata Communications highlights the transformative impact of Customer Plus, stating, “Since the Customer Plus service came into play, it’s been a game-changer for us. Having a dedicated point of contact who truly understands our needs has significantly improved our operational efficiency.” Melissa Heaven, Senior Customer Success Manager, emphasises the seamless integration and proactive support provided by Telehouse, which has enabled Tata to expand its infrastructure with confidence and enhanced resilience.
One step ahead of the competition
The major differentiators that set Telehouse apart from primary competitors include its unrivalled connectivity and availability, particularly for companies that cannot compromise on latency. Telehouse’s London Docklands campus offers ultra-low latency connections, essential for businesses requiring real-time data processing and rapid communication.
Furthermore, Telehouse’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, demonstrated by powering its data centres with energy from renewable sources, distinguishes it as an environmentally responsible choice. The implementation of multi-layered physical security measures, including 360° perimeter fencing, proximity access control systems, and advanced monitoring technologies, ensures that customer data and infrastructure are safeguarded to the highest standards. Telehouse’s dedication to adopting cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of continuous innovation ensures that it remains at the forefront of the data centre industry, providing future-proof solutions that drive customer success.
Why Telehouse deserves the award
In conclusion, Telehouse’s unwavering focus on customer-centric services, combined with its robust infrastructure and strategic partnerships, consistently exceeds client expectations. By prioritising customer satisfaction and continuously adapting to evolving demands, Telehouse exemplifies service excellence in the colocation industry. Its unparalleled approach to support, proactive communication, and dedication to sustainability, as well as its commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive customer success, make Telehouse a deserving contender for the Customer-Centric Service Excellence Award.
RUNNER UP
Fasthosts
Fasthosts has built a reputation for long-term customer loyalty, with many clients staying for over two decades. Its customer-first approach, rooted in empathy, expertise, and innovation, sets it apart in the hosting market. At the heart of this success is a straightforward yet powerful formula: hiring agents with the curiosity and skills to solve problems, empowering them with a voice in the business, and continuously improving based on customer feedback. This commitment to technical excellence and real human support has made Fasthosts a trusted partner for businesses that rely on seamless, responsive service.
Key features and USP
Fasthosts’ exceptional service is built around three core strengths. Its 24/7 technical support ensures customers can access real-time assistance whenever they need it. Whether it’s a critical issue at 4 a.m. or routine assistance, customers will always speak to a knowledgeable expert.
Unlike competitors who rely on automated systems, Fasthosts prioritises human interaction, delivered by empathetic, well-trained agents. This ethos is encapsulated in the “Fasthosts Way,” a culture that values patience, problem-solving, and customer understanding over rigid call metrics. Rather than focusing on what can’t be done, the team is trained to focus on how they can help, regardless of the challenge. As David Probyn, Technical Support Manager at Fasthosts, explains:
“Our mantra is ‘We focus on what we can do to support a customer, not on what we can’t.’ In our industry, with servers often being self-managed, it’s easy for companies in our position to say, ‘This service is self-managed, we can’t help with that.’ Instead, we always point the customer in the right direction no matter what, rather than just handing the problem back to them.”
This commitment ensures that even in situations where other providers might turn customers away, Fasthosts remains a trusted partner, delivering a level of care that sets it apart.
Tangible impact on the market and customers
Fasthosts’ impact is reflected in both measurable improvements and real customer success stories. Trustpilot ratings have climbed from 4.3 to 4.7 since 2022, while post-contact NPS scores remain around 70, significantly above industry averages. Since 2020, post-contact NPS has risen by 20 points, and online NPS has improved by five points, serving as clear evidence that Fasthosts continually raises the bar for customer satisfaction.
Behind these numbers are real stories of staff going above and beyond. When a customer’s Plesk server update resulted in severe database corruption, leaving their websites offline, the usual course of action from competitors would have been to advise restoring from a backup. Except there wasn’t one. Instead of walking away, Fasthosts’ team took the unusual step of attempting a manual recovery. After hours of troubleshooting, the team managed to restore the database service, extract the necessary data, and repair the system, bringing all websites back online.
In another instance, a local business had been paying for a hosting package for over a year but had never successfully launched its website. A chance encounter with a Fasthosts support agent changed that. Although site-building isn’t a standard service, the team guided the customer through setup, ensuring they could finally get their business online.
Additionally, customer feedback drives many of Fasthosts’ innovations. The introduction of passwordless login has simplified secure access, while an improved domain transfer process has significantly reduced confusion and failed migrations. The Customer Management Tool has streamlined account access for partners, with one praising it as “a stroke of genius”.
These examples demonstrate Fasthosts’ dedication to listening, adapting, and delivering meaningful improvements that enhance both the customer experience and business outcomes.
Levels of customer service
Fasthosts offers support through multiple channels, ensuring customers can always reach a real person when they need help. Whether through phone, email, live chat, or even an impromptu conversation at a networking event or local pub, the team is always ready to assist.
Fasthosts empowers its agents to take the time needed to fully resolve customer issues, whether that takes minutes or hours. With an average talk time of 8 minutes 30 seconds compared to an industry average of around 2 minutes 50 seconds, the focus is on resolution rather than speed, ensuring customers feel fully supported at every step. This approach builds stronger relationships and reinforces trust in Fasthosts’ service.
During the pandemic, Fasthosts launched online sessions covering topics like SEO and social media, providing impartial advice to support businesses during uncertain times. These efforts underscore the company’s commitment to empowering its customers, a sentiment echoed in testimonials like, “I always feel confident relying on Fasthosts to resolve even the most complex issues.”
Major differentiators
Fasthosts' support team doesn’t operate in isolation. Its UK-based call handlers work in the same building as key teams, such as devops, product, and operations, ensuring effortless escalation and faster resolution of complex issues. This is complemented by a high-performing team in the Philippines, managed from the UK, whose expertise allows Fasthosts to deliver seamless, empathetic support around the clock.
Unlike competitors, Fasthosts actively reaches out to new hosting customers to ensure they feel confident using their services. This proactive approach helps demystify the setup process, particularly for less experienced users. Additionally, the invitation-only Partner Network, which connects businesses with reliable trusted and IT professionals, further distinguishes Fasthosts by creating a support ecosystem that nurtures meaningful partnerships.
Even after an issue is resolved, Fasthosts remains engaged. Trustpilot reviews are managed directly by the support team, ensuring feedback is acted upon and customer concerns are addressed swiftly.
Key features and USP
Fasthosts’ exceptional service is built around three core strengths. Its 24/7 technical support ensures customers can access real-time assistance whenever they need it. Whether it’s a critical issue at 4 a.m. or routine assistance, customers will always speak to a knowledgeable expert.
Unlike competitors who rely on automated systems, Fasthosts prioritises human interaction, delivered by empathetic, well-trained agents. This ethos is encapsulated in the “Fasthosts Way,” a culture that values patience, problem-solving, and customer understanding over rigid call metrics. Rather than focusing on what can’t be done, the team is trained to focus on how they can help, regardless of the challenge. As David Probyn, Technical Support Manager at Fasthosts, explains:
“Our mantra is ‘We focus on what we can do to support a customer, not on what we can’t.’ In our industry, with servers often being self-managed, it’s easy for companies in our position to say, ‘This service is self-managed, we can’t help with that.’ Instead, we always point the customer in the right direction no matter what, rather than just handing the problem back to them.”
This commitment ensures that even in situations where other providers might turn customers away, Fasthosts remains a trusted partner, delivering a level of care that sets it apart.
Tangible impact on the market and customers
Fasthosts’ impact is reflected in both measurable improvements and real customer success stories. Trustpilot ratings have climbed from 4.3 to 4.7 since 2022, while post-contact NPS scores remain around 70, significantly above industry averages. Since 2020, post-contact NPS has risen by 20 points, and online NPS has improved by five points, serving as clear evidence that Fasthosts continually raises the bar for customer satisfaction.
Behind these numbers are real stories of staff going above and beyond. When a customer’s Plesk server update resulted in severe database corruption, leaving their websites offline, the usual course of action from competitors would have been to advise restoring from a backup. Except there wasn’t one. Instead of walking away, Fasthosts’ team took the unusual step of attempting a manual recovery. After hours of troubleshooting, the team managed to restore the database service, extract the necessary data, and repair the system, bringing all websites back online.
In another instance, a local business had been paying for a hosting package for over a year but had never successfully launched its website. A chance encounter with a Fasthosts support agent changed that. Although site-building isn’t a standard service, the team guided the customer through setup, ensuring they could finally get their business online.
Additionally, customer feedback drives many of Fasthosts’ innovations. The introduction of passwordless login has simplified secure access, while an improved domain transfer process has significantly reduced confusion and failed migrations. The Customer Management Tool has streamlined account access for partners, with one praising it as “a stroke of genius”.
These examples demonstrate Fasthosts’ dedication to listening, adapting, and delivering meaningful improvements that enhance both the customer experience and business outcomes.
Levels of customer service
Fasthosts offers support through multiple channels, ensuring customers can always reach a real person when they need help. Whether through phone, email, live chat, or even an impromptu conversation at a networking event or local pub, the team is always ready to assist.
Fasthosts empowers its agents to take the time needed to fully resolve customer issues, whether that takes minutes or hours. With an average talk time of 8 minutes 30 seconds compared to an industry average of around 2 minutes 50 seconds, the focus is on resolution rather than speed, ensuring customers feel fully supported at every step. This approach builds stronger relationships and reinforces trust in Fasthosts’ service.
During the pandemic, Fasthosts launched online sessions covering topics like SEO and social media, providing impartial advice to support businesses during uncertain times. These efforts underscore the company’s commitment to empowering its customers, a sentiment echoed in testimonials like, “I always feel confident relying on Fasthosts to resolve even the most complex issues.”
Major differentiators
Fasthosts' support team doesn’t operate in isolation. Its UK-based call handlers work in the same building as key teams, such as devops, product, and operations, ensuring effortless escalation and faster resolution of complex issues. This is complemented by a high-performing team in the Philippines, managed from the UK, whose expertise allows Fasthosts to deliver seamless, empathetic support around the clock.
Unlike competitors, Fasthosts actively reaches out to new hosting customers to ensure they feel confident using their services. This proactive approach helps demystify the setup process, particularly for less experienced users. Additionally, the invitation-only Partner Network, which connects businesses with reliable trusted and IT professionals, further distinguishes Fasthosts by creating a support ecosystem that nurtures meaningful partnerships.
Even after an issue is resolved, Fasthosts remains engaged. Trustpilot reviews are managed directly by the support team, ensuring feedback is acted upon and customer concerns are addressed swiftly.
Data Centre Analytics/Observability Innovation of the Year
WINNER
Gapit Nordics AS
Gapit Horizon isn’t just a data tool—it’s a leadership enabler, empowering executives to make faster, smarter, and more sustainable business decisions.
RUNNER UP
Colt Data Centre Services
Product Key Distinguishing Features:
In March 2024, Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS) launched the Central Telemetry Platform (CTP). The globally available solution developed in partnership with Protiviti, a global consulting firm and Microsoft Solutions Partner, enables customers to use real-time telemetry data to support the management of their platforms in Colt DCS’ data centres around the world.
Key features of the CTP include:
Access to thousands of data points - from data centres Colt DCS operates for our customers around the globe, delivered to customers in a standardised format.
Near real-time data - enabling customers to make accurate and timely decisions on their processing loads across multiple data centres by monitoring power usage, internal and external temperatures, PUE and alarm status.
Data sent via API - with data sent every minute, customers can integrate the platform’s API seamlessly into their existing systems, applications, or dashboards to build powerful tools and automate processes based on the most current data available.
Simplified reporting dashboard - the platform includes visually engaging dashboards that transform complex telemetry data into intuitive graphs and charts to allow users to spot trends, identify anomalies, and check for and provide evidence for SLA compliance.
Tangible Impact on the Market and Customers:
Access to telemetry data from their data centre partners will become a must-have for hyperscale cloud service providers as they work to meet performance, availability and sustainability objectives.
The CTP therefore has provided the market with a secure and reliable service to access real-time telemetry data and incorporate it into critical workflows, be it advanced failure detection, cloud orchestration or capacity optimisation. As a result of using the platform, our customers have gained further insight into their operational performance, enabling them to adjust infrastructure resources for greater cost and energy efficiency.
Colt DCS’ most advanced customers are now using AI tools to recommend platform management actions, based on the massive amount of data our service provides. With an increasing focus on the power use and environmental impact of cloud and AI services, demonstrating that data centres are intelligently managed to maximum efficiency is an important objective.
Major Differentiators Between Primary Competitors:
Many data centre providers can provide a dashboard showing power use and limited data hall environmental data, some provide an on-site direct connection to a BMS and some also provide a local API for an individual site. Colt DCS’ difference is we have developed a globally standardised data set and API interface. In comparison to other telemetry data services, our CTP is delivered completely as a cloud-based software solution, without any reliance on customer installed on-site hardware. Therefore, the solution can be accessed by our customers on any device at any time or place in the world to offer instant business insight.
Furthermore, our CTP is uniquely placed to capture information relating to environment and sustainability KPIs from all of our global data centres across Europe and APAC and can provide additional value to local or centralised sustainability teams.
Quotes / Case Study Materials to Demonstrate Customer Value:
For obvious security and commercial reasons Colt DCS’ customers do not allow us to publicise their presence in our data centres and as such do not approve the use of case study material.
We can state however that we have single customers to whom we provide over 30,000 data points delivered from multiple data centres in the UK, Continental Europe and Asia. Customers have called the service “class leading” and “ground breaking” and are keen for Colt DCS to share our technology and methodology with other providers within the data centre operator sector.
Using the CTP service also removes the need for customers to install and maintain dedicated physical BMS interfaces within data centres, removing up to £300k of installation costs per data centre location.
In March 2024, Colt Data Centre Services (Colt DCS) launched the Central Telemetry Platform (CTP). The globally available solution developed in partnership with Protiviti, a global consulting firm and Microsoft Solutions Partner, enables customers to use real-time telemetry data to support the management of their platforms in Colt DCS’ data centres around the world.
Key features of the CTP include:
Access to thousands of data points - from data centres Colt DCS operates for our customers around the globe, delivered to customers in a standardised format.
Near real-time data - enabling customers to make accurate and timely decisions on their processing loads across multiple data centres by monitoring power usage, internal and external temperatures, PUE and alarm status.
Data sent via API - with data sent every minute, customers can integrate the platform’s API seamlessly into their existing systems, applications, or dashboards to build powerful tools and automate processes based on the most current data available.
Simplified reporting dashboard - the platform includes visually engaging dashboards that transform complex telemetry data into intuitive graphs and charts to allow users to spot trends, identify anomalies, and check for and provide evidence for SLA compliance.
Tangible Impact on the Market and Customers:
Access to telemetry data from their data centre partners will become a must-have for hyperscale cloud service providers as they work to meet performance, availability and sustainability objectives.
The CTP therefore has provided the market with a secure and reliable service to access real-time telemetry data and incorporate it into critical workflows, be it advanced failure detection, cloud orchestration or capacity optimisation. As a result of using the platform, our customers have gained further insight into their operational performance, enabling them to adjust infrastructure resources for greater cost and energy efficiency.
Colt DCS’ most advanced customers are now using AI tools to recommend platform management actions, based on the massive amount of data our service provides. With an increasing focus on the power use and environmental impact of cloud and AI services, demonstrating that data centres are intelligently managed to maximum efficiency is an important objective.
Major Differentiators Between Primary Competitors:
Many data centre providers can provide a dashboard showing power use and limited data hall environmental data, some provide an on-site direct connection to a BMS and some also provide a local API for an individual site. Colt DCS’ difference is we have developed a globally standardised data set and API interface. In comparison to other telemetry data services, our CTP is delivered completely as a cloud-based software solution, without any reliance on customer installed on-site hardware. Therefore, the solution can be accessed by our customers on any device at any time or place in the world to offer instant business insight.
Furthermore, our CTP is uniquely placed to capture information relating to environment and sustainability KPIs from all of our global data centres across Europe and APAC and can provide additional value to local or centralised sustainability teams.
Quotes / Case Study Materials to Demonstrate Customer Value:
For obvious security and commercial reasons Colt DCS’ customers do not allow us to publicise their presence in our data centres and as such do not approve the use of case study material.
We can state however that we have single customers to whom we provide over 30,000 data points delivered from multiple data centres in the UK, Continental Europe and Asia. Customers have called the service “class leading” and “ground breaking” and are keen for Colt DCS to share our technology and methodology with other providers within the data centre operator sector.
Using the CTP service also removes the need for customers to install and maintain dedicated physical BMS interfaces within data centres, removing up to £300k of installation costs per data centre location.
Data Centre Consolidation/Upgrade Project of the Year
WINNER
Schneider Electric and APT
Driving force
First established in 1914, The Pirbright Institute is at the forefront of global viral research, operating as one of the UK's leading virus diagnostics and surveillance centres. Today it is a world-leading centre of excellence for research into the control and surveillance of virus diseases of farm animals, and viruses that spread from animals to humans.
Developing its campus has been imperative for maintaining the Institute’s Reference Laboratory status - enabling it to provide a world-leading facility for research and training, while making its data available to researchers from other institutions around the world. Its campus also provides laboratories with facilities capable of identifying and meeting the future demands of diseases which have not yet become a problem here in the UK, but with the advent of climate change, could soon become more widespread.
Due to the mission-critical nature of its research, and the need to provide continuity of service during any modernisation projects, the Institute had to identify a new strategy to build out its infrastructure to support future technological requirements for HPC and AI. This would not only provide a home for the massive amounts of data generated by its researchers, but also deliver the processing power to analyse and turn it into actionable intelligence.
Schneider Electric, together with its EcoXpert Partners, Advanced Power Technology (APT), developed a new containerised data centre to meet the Institute’s requirement for a scalable, resilient, flexible, and energy-efficient infrastructure that would ensure the highest levels of availability and continuity.
Key challenges
APT quickly identified a need for what became known as the CDC – the Institute’s new ‘Containerised Data Centre’. Using key components from Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Data Centres solutions portfolio – including its EcoStruxure Row Data Center system, APC NetShelter racks, InRow cooling, Symmetra Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), APC NetBotz environmental monitoring – APT was able to pre-configure its design, enabling the solution to be pre-tested off-site for faster deployment.
The project was delivered in three phases and within a strict timeline of 12-weeks, ensuring minimal impact on the Institute’s business and critical applications.
• The first required detailed site preparation and connection of utilities, with new foundations laid for the data centre modules.
• The second required the data centre to be built, pre-configured and pre-integrated off-site, along with the migration of the existing applications and IT systems, which were to be retained by the Institute.
• The third and final phase was deployment, and with tight physical access, the containerised modules were delivered to site via low-loader and craned into position in June 2023.
By the end of July 2023, the project was completed and commissioned ahead of schedule. The new data centre delivers 80kW of scalable, optimised and future-proofed capacity in an N 1 configuration, allowing the Institute to increase the resiliency and availability of its critical infrastructure systems.
Tangible benefits
The data centre has allowed The Pirbright Institute to bring its IT infrastructure in line with its development master plans, ensuring it retains its place as the UK’s foremost centre of excellence in research and surveillance of viral diseases. Future plans include new laboratories, scientific and administrative facilities, three new centres of computing, and a control facility.
Furthermore, it has the flexibility and capacity to support scientists and researchers as they leverage state-of-the-art laboratories, and the specialised requirements of high-tech virology, HPC, and the vast data it produces – enabling it to further fast-track its knowledge and contributions to global health and welfare for animals with a solid IT foundation on which to
develop ground-breaking research for decades to come.
The new data centre at Pirbright exemplifies the fundamental role these advanced computing systems play in life science research, and truly demonstrates why data centres have been designated critical national infrastructure. It also reinforces the role of digital infrastructure as a critical fourth utility, and through these new, world-class IT facilities, the Institute has developed a secure, scalable and dedicated platform to support the vital work of its researchers now, and in the future.
The new data centre now provides a dedicated, world-class IT function that allows Pirbright to compete for ground-breaking research projects globally. Its scalable, modular architecture, also provides the highest levels of availability, resiliency and efficiency.
With the containerised data centre at its core, Pirbright’s infrastructure is future-proofed for new evolutions in high-tech research equipment such as sequencers, and diamond-light processes for virus analysis that can generate data sets of 700GB each. It also allows them to leverage new advancements in HPC, AI and GPU-powered computing, allowing them to identify breakthroughs in viral research at a far faster rate.
One result of the new data centre and IT systems is the flexibility it provides for new research projects. For example, if a researcher has an urgent requirement, there is the space to spin up more servers and have the system populated with the equipment from its previous data centre.
Future plans include new laboratories, scientific and administrative facilities that will see three centres of computing, comprising the two main mirror sites and a third, smaller control facility. Furthermore, the Institute now has the flexibility and capacity to support scientists and researchers as they leverage the state-of-the-art laboratories, and the specialised requirements of high-tech virology, HPC, and the vast data it produces.
In addition, the Institute can further fast-track its knowledge and contributions to global health and welfare for animals, building on a solid IT foundation on which to develop ground-breaking research for decades to come.
First established in 1914, The Pirbright Institute is at the forefront of global viral research, operating as one of the UK's leading virus diagnostics and surveillance centres. Today it is a world-leading centre of excellence for research into the control and surveillance of virus diseases of farm animals, and viruses that spread from animals to humans.
Developing its campus has been imperative for maintaining the Institute’s Reference Laboratory status - enabling it to provide a world-leading facility for research and training, while making its data available to researchers from other institutions around the world. Its campus also provides laboratories with facilities capable of identifying and meeting the future demands of diseases which have not yet become a problem here in the UK, but with the advent of climate change, could soon become more widespread.
Due to the mission-critical nature of its research, and the need to provide continuity of service during any modernisation projects, the Institute had to identify a new strategy to build out its infrastructure to support future technological requirements for HPC and AI. This would not only provide a home for the massive amounts of data generated by its researchers, but also deliver the processing power to analyse and turn it into actionable intelligence.
Schneider Electric, together with its EcoXpert Partners, Advanced Power Technology (APT), developed a new containerised data centre to meet the Institute’s requirement for a scalable, resilient, flexible, and energy-efficient infrastructure that would ensure the highest levels of availability and continuity.
Key challenges
APT quickly identified a need for what became known as the CDC – the Institute’s new ‘Containerised Data Centre’. Using key components from Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Data Centres solutions portfolio – including its EcoStruxure Row Data Center system, APC NetShelter racks, InRow cooling, Symmetra Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS), APC NetBotz environmental monitoring – APT was able to pre-configure its design, enabling the solution to be pre-tested off-site for faster deployment.
The project was delivered in three phases and within a strict timeline of 12-weeks, ensuring minimal impact on the Institute’s business and critical applications.
• The first required detailed site preparation and connection of utilities, with new foundations laid for the data centre modules.
• The second required the data centre to be built, pre-configured and pre-integrated off-site, along with the migration of the existing applications and IT systems, which were to be retained by the Institute.
• The third and final phase was deployment, and with tight physical access, the containerised modules were delivered to site via low-loader and craned into position in June 2023.
By the end of July 2023, the project was completed and commissioned ahead of schedule. The new data centre delivers 80kW of scalable, optimised and future-proofed capacity in an N 1 configuration, allowing the Institute to increase the resiliency and availability of its critical infrastructure systems.
Tangible benefits
The data centre has allowed The Pirbright Institute to bring its IT infrastructure in line with its development master plans, ensuring it retains its place as the UK’s foremost centre of excellence in research and surveillance of viral diseases. Future plans include new laboratories, scientific and administrative facilities, three new centres of computing, and a control facility.
Furthermore, it has the flexibility and capacity to support scientists and researchers as they leverage state-of-the-art laboratories, and the specialised requirements of high-tech virology, HPC, and the vast data it produces – enabling it to further fast-track its knowledge and contributions to global health and welfare for animals with a solid IT foundation on which to
develop ground-breaking research for decades to come.
The new data centre at Pirbright exemplifies the fundamental role these advanced computing systems play in life science research, and truly demonstrates why data centres have been designated critical national infrastructure. It also reinforces the role of digital infrastructure as a critical fourth utility, and through these new, world-class IT facilities, the Institute has developed a secure, scalable and dedicated platform to support the vital work of its researchers now, and in the future.
The new data centre now provides a dedicated, world-class IT function that allows Pirbright to compete for ground-breaking research projects globally. Its scalable, modular architecture, also provides the highest levels of availability, resiliency and efficiency.
With the containerised data centre at its core, Pirbright’s infrastructure is future-proofed for new evolutions in high-tech research equipment such as sequencers, and diamond-light processes for virus analysis that can generate data sets of 700GB each. It also allows them to leverage new advancements in HPC, AI and GPU-powered computing, allowing them to identify breakthroughs in viral research at a far faster rate.
One result of the new data centre and IT systems is the flexibility it provides for new research projects. For example, if a researcher has an urgent requirement, there is the space to spin up more servers and have the system populated with the equipment from its previous data centre.
Future plans include new laboratories, scientific and administrative facilities that will see three centres of computing, comprising the two main mirror sites and a third, smaller control facility. Furthermore, the Institute now has the flexibility and capacity to support scientists and researchers as they leverage the state-of-the-art laboratories, and the specialised requirements of high-tech virology, HPC, and the vast data it produces.
In addition, the Institute can further fast-track its knowledge and contributions to global health and welfare for animals, building on a solid IT foundation on which to develop ground-breaking research for decades to come.
RUNNER UP
Telehouse Europe
Leading global data centre provider, Telehouse, has conducted an extensive refurbishment and upgrade of its Telehouse South data centre in London Docklands. The redevelopment project was driven by a critical need to upgrade an older data centre while delivering direct benefits and legacy to the surrounding communities in London’s Tower Hamlets.
Rather than constructing a new facility, the company pursued a large-scale retrofit and remodelling of an existing building, a strategy that saved an estimated 10,000tCO2e while enhancing energy efficiency. The project itself was notable for its breadth: the main building spans 35,000 square metres over eleven storeys, with an additional 4,000 square metres across four storeys in the supporting structure.
The project was one of the most complex and challenging ever undertaken in a live data centre environment, as the project team were required to maintain a live operational data centre whilst undertaking the complete remodelling of the building and its Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEPH) infrastructure.
Ensuring continuous operations within a live data centre was one of the project’s toughest challenges. The facility serves emergency services, financial institutions, and critical national infrastructure, so any downtime would be highly disruptive. Telehouse partnered closely with Skanska for construction and Black & White Engineering for design, developing rigorous plans to prevent operational interruptions.
Phased demolition, vigorous security measures, and advanced logistics planning were essential to keep services online while heavy refurbishment occurred across numerous floors. The scale of this work, at £158 million, which was delivered over a 22-month construction period, provides an understanding of the magnitude of the work involved with Skanska having over 575 people on site. This required a one team approach and was a collaborative effort from all Telehouse, design consultants and contractors working together to plan and deliver the works without negative impact on the operational data centre.
Whilst the project delivery was challenging and complex, the project was not just about construction, it was about the contribution to society during construction and the legacy it leaves Telehouse recognised the importance of reducing environmental impact and strengthening ties with local stakeholders and a core element of this initiative was a circular economy model. Materials from the demolition, including metals, redundant switchpanels and floor tiles, were not simply disposed of. Instead, they were carefully extracted, repurposed, or donated.
Together with other events, Telehouse has generated £76,500 for local charities, including Leaders in Community and First Love Foundation. These organisations tackle pressing social challenges, such as poverty, eviction risks, and youth empowerment, in one of London’s most disadvantaged boroughs. In February 2025, Telehouse hosted its inaugural ‘Connect for a Cause’ gala, bringing together partners and suppliers, to raise £20,000 for each of the two charities, contributing significantly to the total amount raised.
In addition, furniture and office equipment removed were donated to local schools, businesses, and community organisations, extending the project’s environmental benefits, and providing practical resources to neighbourhood groups as well as the community-first philosophy in the donation of forty laptops to local voluntary groups, helping bridge the divide.
The project has delivered tangible, measurable benefits. On full fit out, Telehouse will have reduced the building’s Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) from 1.74 to 1.27 - a substantial improvement in energy efficiency. The redesigned infrastructure also recaptures heat generated by data halls, directing it into circulation, meeting, and office areas while removing reliance on fossil fuels for heating needs.
Telehouse has implemented systems designed to export excess heat to a district heating network, contributing to potential energy cost savings for the local community. This initiative reflects a deep commitment to sustainable energy reuse and responsible resource management.
Community outreach added further dimensions to the project’s success. Apprentices and graduate trainees working on-site visited nearby schools and colleges to discuss industry career paths, and a joint careers fair with Skanska and Leaders in Community offered local youth insight into employment opportunities in data centre and construction roles.
Overall, the Telehouse South initiative showcases how an extensive retrofit can meet modern technology needs, reduce operational costs, and generate positive societal impacts. By integrating sustainability, social responsibility, and careful planning, Telehouse successfully revitalised an essential data centre while injecting meaningful support into the local community.
From large-scale recycling targets (surpassing 95% of all project-generated waste) to significant improvements in energy performance, the project sets a strong example for the broader data centre industry. It stands as a proof point that retrofitting existing structures can be both environmentally responsible and an opportunity for meaningful engagement with the surrounding area.
Rather than constructing a new facility, the company pursued a large-scale retrofit and remodelling of an existing building, a strategy that saved an estimated 10,000tCO2e while enhancing energy efficiency. The project itself was notable for its breadth: the main building spans 35,000 square metres over eleven storeys, with an additional 4,000 square metres across four storeys in the supporting structure.
The project was one of the most complex and challenging ever undertaken in a live data centre environment, as the project team were required to maintain a live operational data centre whilst undertaking the complete remodelling of the building and its Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEPH) infrastructure.
Ensuring continuous operations within a live data centre was one of the project’s toughest challenges. The facility serves emergency services, financial institutions, and critical national infrastructure, so any downtime would be highly disruptive. Telehouse partnered closely with Skanska for construction and Black & White Engineering for design, developing rigorous plans to prevent operational interruptions.
Phased demolition, vigorous security measures, and advanced logistics planning were essential to keep services online while heavy refurbishment occurred across numerous floors. The scale of this work, at £158 million, which was delivered over a 22-month construction period, provides an understanding of the magnitude of the work involved with Skanska having over 575 people on site. This required a one team approach and was a collaborative effort from all Telehouse, design consultants and contractors working together to plan and deliver the works without negative impact on the operational data centre.
Whilst the project delivery was challenging and complex, the project was not just about construction, it was about the contribution to society during construction and the legacy it leaves Telehouse recognised the importance of reducing environmental impact and strengthening ties with local stakeholders and a core element of this initiative was a circular economy model. Materials from the demolition, including metals, redundant switchpanels and floor tiles, were not simply disposed of. Instead, they were carefully extracted, repurposed, or donated.
Together with other events, Telehouse has generated £76,500 for local charities, including Leaders in Community and First Love Foundation. These organisations tackle pressing social challenges, such as poverty, eviction risks, and youth empowerment, in one of London’s most disadvantaged boroughs. In February 2025, Telehouse hosted its inaugural ‘Connect for a Cause’ gala, bringing together partners and suppliers, to raise £20,000 for each of the two charities, contributing significantly to the total amount raised.
In addition, furniture and office equipment removed were donated to local schools, businesses, and community organisations, extending the project’s environmental benefits, and providing practical resources to neighbourhood groups as well as the community-first philosophy in the donation of forty laptops to local voluntary groups, helping bridge the divide.
The project has delivered tangible, measurable benefits. On full fit out, Telehouse will have reduced the building’s Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) from 1.74 to 1.27 - a substantial improvement in energy efficiency. The redesigned infrastructure also recaptures heat generated by data halls, directing it into circulation, meeting, and office areas while removing reliance on fossil fuels for heating needs.
Telehouse has implemented systems designed to export excess heat to a district heating network, contributing to potential energy cost savings for the local community. This initiative reflects a deep commitment to sustainable energy reuse and responsible resource management.
Community outreach added further dimensions to the project’s success. Apprentices and graduate trainees working on-site visited nearby schools and colleges to discuss industry career paths, and a joint careers fair with Skanska and Leaders in Community offered local youth insight into employment opportunities in data centre and construction roles.
Overall, the Telehouse South initiative showcases how an extensive retrofit can meet modern technology needs, reduce operational costs, and generate positive societal impacts. By integrating sustainability, social responsibility, and careful planning, Telehouse successfully revitalised an essential data centre while injecting meaningful support into the local community.
From large-scale recycling targets (surpassing 95% of all project-generated waste) to significant improvements in energy performance, the project sets a strong example for the broader data centre industry. It stands as a proof point that retrofitting existing structures can be both environmentally responsible and an opportunity for meaningful engagement with the surrounding area.
Data Centre Cooling Innovation of the Year
WINNER
VERTIV
In today's interconnected world of 2025, the need for seamless global communication needs rapid access to data. Any minor delays or interruptions in the flow of communication can potentially result in adverse effects, ranging from financial losses to critical operational disruptions. Also, the growing trend of rapid data center deployment is expanding due to increased demand for digital services and cloud computing.
It's driven by factors like the adoption of edge computing and IoT, requiring strategically distributed data centers for optimal performance, and the need for agile infrastructure to support new applications and workloads.
The Vertiv™ Liebert® PDX-PAM stands as a testament to innovation and engineering excellence in the field of thermal management. This cutting-edge perimeter unit is designed to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and energy efficiency, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from data centres and colocation facilities to healthcare and government installations. Its design focuses on integrating performance and continuous cooling operations. Downtime is minimized through proactive alarm and failure prevention, along with real-time optimization and adaptation of operating parameters.
Key Benefits:
-Reduced Environmental Impact: Utilizes R513A refrigerant with a low GWP.
-Flexibility and Adaptability: Modular design allows for seamless integration into various environments.
-Reliability and Longevity: Built to withstand demanding conditions and minimize maintenance, with a completely safe nonflammable refrigerant.
-Energy Efficiency: Optimizes refrigerant flow and heat exchange to reduce energy consumption.
Technical Features:
-Eco-friendly Refrigerant: R513A with a lower GWP.
-Modular Design: Customizable to fit various installation requirements.
-Compact Footprint: Minimizes space requirements.
-Advanced Heat Exchange Technology: Efficient cooling and heating performance.
-Robust Construction: Durable materials and manufacturing techniques.
-Eco-friendly, Nonflammable Refrigerant: R513A with a lower GWP and no flammability risks
Additional Benefits:
-Reduced Operating Costs: Energy-efficient design lowers energy consumption.
-Improved Uptime: Reliable performance minimizes downtime.
-Enhanced Data Centre Efficiency: Optimal thermal management contributes to overall data centre performance.
-Compliance with Environmental Regulations: Adheres to the latest sustainability standards and regulations*.
-Customizable Design: Can accommodate evolving needs and technologies.
The Vertiv™ Liebert® PDX-PAM represents a significant advancement in thermal management technology. Its combination of exceptional performance, flexibility, reliability, and energy efficiency makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. By addressing the growing demand for more sustainable and efficient cooling solutions, the PDX-PAM demonstrates Vertiv's commitment to innovation and focus on excellence in the field of data centre infrastructure.
* R513A refrigerant is totally compliant to F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and has a Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 631 as per IPCC AR4 y R513A is a non-flammable refrigerant, completely safe from fire injection and flame propagation risks, in case of leakage, with a lower toxicity compared to other refrigerants (class A1 as per ASHRAE 34 Standard).
It's driven by factors like the adoption of edge computing and IoT, requiring strategically distributed data centers for optimal performance, and the need for agile infrastructure to support new applications and workloads.
The Vertiv™ Liebert® PDX-PAM stands as a testament to innovation and engineering excellence in the field of thermal management. This cutting-edge perimeter unit is designed to deliver exceptional performance, reliability, and energy efficiency, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications, from data centres and colocation facilities to healthcare and government installations. Its design focuses on integrating performance and continuous cooling operations. Downtime is minimized through proactive alarm and failure prevention, along with real-time optimization and adaptation of operating parameters.
Key Benefits:
-Reduced Environmental Impact: Utilizes R513A refrigerant with a low GWP.
-Flexibility and Adaptability: Modular design allows for seamless integration into various environments.
-Reliability and Longevity: Built to withstand demanding conditions and minimize maintenance, with a completely safe nonflammable refrigerant.
-Energy Efficiency: Optimizes refrigerant flow and heat exchange to reduce energy consumption.
Technical Features:
-Eco-friendly Refrigerant: R513A with a lower GWP.
-Modular Design: Customizable to fit various installation requirements.
-Compact Footprint: Minimizes space requirements.
-Advanced Heat Exchange Technology: Efficient cooling and heating performance.
-Robust Construction: Durable materials and manufacturing techniques.
-Eco-friendly, Nonflammable Refrigerant: R513A with a lower GWP and no flammability risks
Additional Benefits:
-Reduced Operating Costs: Energy-efficient design lowers energy consumption.
-Improved Uptime: Reliable performance minimizes downtime.
-Enhanced Data Centre Efficiency: Optimal thermal management contributes to overall data centre performance.
-Compliance with Environmental Regulations: Adheres to the latest sustainability standards and regulations*.
-Customizable Design: Can accommodate evolving needs and technologies.
The Vertiv™ Liebert® PDX-PAM represents a significant advancement in thermal management technology. Its combination of exceptional performance, flexibility, reliability, and energy efficiency makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. By addressing the growing demand for more sustainable and efficient cooling solutions, the PDX-PAM demonstrates Vertiv's commitment to innovation and focus on excellence in the field of data centre infrastructure.
* R513A refrigerant is totally compliant to F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and has a Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 631 as per IPCC AR4 y R513A is a non-flammable refrigerant, completely safe from fire injection and flame propagation risks, in case of leakage, with a lower toxicity compared to other refrigerants (class A1 as per ASHRAE 34 Standard).
RUNNER UP
EkkoSense
EkkoSim - the Key EkkoSense features:
EkkoSim is the first Digital Twin solution to provide comprehensive grey space modelling and simulation across full end-to-end data centre infrastructures. The EkkoSIM software platform draws on first principles maths and physics models to create the industry’s most precise data centre cooling, power and capacity simulations – with accuracy levels already running at 99% plus.
The EkkoSim Digital Twin helps data centre teams to zero in on the right decisions by creating, testing and analysing the results of multiple data centre ‘what if?’ scenarios. EkkoSIM can unlock the answers you need. It also provides a great way of establishing the likely impact of changing environmental conditions on your estate.
EkkoSIM will support unlimited simulation scenarios, with examples including the addition of new plant; increased IT loads; failover scenarios; reconfiguration of cooling systems, and viability of new power distribution systems. Other simulation options will include quick simulations, graphical analysis, configuration of electrical and mechanical systems, alternative cooling configurations for chilled water, split DX units, air-cooled chillers, liquid cooling IT racks and air economisers, as well as N R and 2N R resilience testing.
The EkkoSim interface clearly displays the capacity for each unique asset class based on the provisioned (maximum) and utilised (existing) site loads. EkkoSIM also integrates with the award-winning EkkoSoft Critical 3D platform, drawing on our 50 billion point data lake to provide live Actual vs. Expected performance data in order to review operation performance against OEM specifications.
Why was the innovation needed?
The whole point of an innovation tool for data centres is to allow businesses to simulate change quickly, note the broad effects and results, and draw whatever conclusions they need to.
So, for data centre teams tasked with responding to the rapid pace of change triggered by continued AI innovation, what’s really needed is straight answers to some basic questions. That’s particularly the case when it comes to planning for high-density AI workloads. These can already exceed 125 kW per rack – and will keep on rising. Everyone knows data centre infrastructures will inevitably be stretched, but very few operations team know by how much exactly.
Given the scale and cost of this challenge it’s simply not practical for IT teams to build their own full-scale test facilities, particularly when there are so many questions and variables involved that need addressing fast. So, whether you’re a CFO validating potential AI investments, a CIO trying to identify capacity bottlenecks for increasing IT loads, or a data centre manager looking to specify the most appropriate cooling strategy, some way of simulating potential AI data centre scenarios before committing to major infrastructure investments is essential.
EkkoSim is the first Digital Twin solution to provide comprehensive grey space modelling and simulation across full end-to-end data centre infrastructures. The EkkoSIM software platform draws on first principles maths and physics models to create the industry’s most precise data centre cooling, power and capacity simulations – with accuracy levels already running at 99% plus.
The EkkoSim Digital Twin helps data centre teams to zero in on the right decisions by creating, testing and analysing the results of multiple data centre ‘what if?’ scenarios. EkkoSIM can unlock the answers you need. It also provides a great way of establishing the likely impact of changing environmental conditions on your estate.
EkkoSIM will support unlimited simulation scenarios, with examples including the addition of new plant; increased IT loads; failover scenarios; reconfiguration of cooling systems, and viability of new power distribution systems. Other simulation options will include quick simulations, graphical analysis, configuration of electrical and mechanical systems, alternative cooling configurations for chilled water, split DX units, air-cooled chillers, liquid cooling IT racks and air economisers, as well as N R and 2N R resilience testing.
The EkkoSim interface clearly displays the capacity for each unique asset class based on the provisioned (maximum) and utilised (existing) site loads. EkkoSIM also integrates with the award-winning EkkoSoft Critical 3D platform, drawing on our 50 billion point data lake to provide live Actual vs. Expected performance data in order to review operation performance against OEM specifications.
Why was the innovation needed?
The whole point of an innovation tool for data centres is to allow businesses to simulate change quickly, note the broad effects and results, and draw whatever conclusions they need to.
So, for data centre teams tasked with responding to the rapid pace of change triggered by continued AI innovation, what’s really needed is straight answers to some basic questions. That’s particularly the case when it comes to planning for high-density AI workloads. These can already exceed 125 kW per rack – and will keep on rising. Everyone knows data centre infrastructures will inevitably be stretched, but very few operations team know by how much exactly.
Given the scale and cost of this challenge it’s simply not practical for IT teams to build their own full-scale test facilities, particularly when there are so many questions and variables involved that need addressing fast. So, whether you’re a CFO validating potential AI investments, a CIO trying to identify capacity bottlenecks for increasing IT loads, or a data centre manager looking to specify the most appropriate cooling strategy, some way of simulating potential AI data centre scenarios before committing to major infrastructure investments is essential.
Data Centre Facilities Vendor of the Year
WINNER
Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd.
•;; What are your company's key distinguishing features and/or USP? Established in June 2021, Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd. (Huawei Digital Power for short) is a leading global provider of digital power products and solutions, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Huawei. Our unique value lies in our long-term R&D investment in digital and power electronics technologies. Focusing on technology convergence and innovation, we aim to accelerate clean energy generation, build green data centers, and sites, and ultimately contribute to zero-carbon buildings, campuses, and cities. Huawei Digital Power's business domains include smart PV, smart charging network, data center facility, and site power facility. It operates 12 R&D centers in regions including China, Europe, and Asia Pacific and possesses a total of 2810 valid patents (by the end of 2024). With approximately 10,000 employees, 60% of whom focus on R&D, Huawei Digital Power serves over 3 billion people in more than 170 countries and regions. For data center facility, Huawei proposes the AI data center construction guideline RASTM (Reliable, Agile, Sustainable) to develop comprehensive and end-to-end AI data center solutions. These innovative solutions include power supply and distribution systems, cooling systems, modular data centers, prefabricated modular data centers and management systems. By integrating advanced technologies and solutions, Huawei helps customers build a highly reliable computing facility and power the digital era forward. •;;What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers? With over 30 years of experience in data center construction and operation, Huawei's products and solutions are widely used in various industries, including colocation, OTT, carriers, finance, government, manufacturing, and transportation, etc. To date, Huawei has successfully delivered more than 1000 large-scale data center projects with our partners together, providing more than 15GW of capacity. According to Omdia and Frost & Sullivan, Huawei's modular UPS (UPS5000) has ranked No. 1 in global market share for nine consecutive years, its modular data center (FusionModule) has ranked No. 1 in global market share for seven consecutive years, its lithium-ion battery (SmartLi) has ranked No. 1 in global market share for three consecutive years, and its prefabricated modular data center (FusionDC) has ranked No. 1 in global market share for ten consecutive years. Going forward, Huawei will continue to increase its investment in digital technologies and power electronics technologies to develop E2E AI data center solutions, leveraging highly reliable products, global ecosystem collaboration, and professional service support. •;;What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors? Huawei's customer service is distinguished by an unwavering commitment to a customer-centric value, consistently creating value for customers. By leveraging the strengths of highly reliable products, global ecosystem, and professional services, Huawei helps customers achieve greater business success. Highly Reliable Products: Huawei has built comprehensive R&D capabilities, ranging from components to solutions, providing comprehensive, end-to-end AI data center solutions. Global Ecosystem: Huawei collaborates with leading industry partners to build a full-chain ecosystem covering data center consulting, design, solution development, and integrated delivery, providing one-stop, full-lifecycle data centers services. Professional Services: Huawei's global service network covers more than 170 countries and supports 14 languages, with more than 1800 professional engineers providing 24/7 technical support. The flagship service centers in cities like Johor, Malaysia, and Horinger, China, ensure a one-hour service response. •;;What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors? The era of intelligent computing is approaching. AI applications are widely used in various industries. As the demand for computing power grows rapidly, data centers are faced with new development opportunities. However, they also face four major challenges: reliability, uncertainty, rapid deployment, and higher energy consumption. based on extensive exploration and long-term practice, Huawei proposes the AI data center construction guideline RASTM to develop a new large-scale data center architecture and innovative solutions to build reliable, agile and sustainable data centers to power the digital era forward. The new large-scale data center architecture has the following features: •;; Subsystem Decoupling: The data center subsystems include the low-voltage power supply and distribution subsystem, cooling subsystem, and genset subsystem. These subsystems are decoupled from buildings and equipment rooms, and are designed to be modular and prefabricated. This approach reduces the impact between subsystems, buildings, and equipment rooms, enabling rapid data center deployment, on-demand construction, and flexible capacity expansion. •;; Isolated Battery Backup: With the increasing use of lithium batteries in data centers, their safety has become a major concern in the era of intelligent computing. Isolated battery backup is becoming the best choice for the safe use of lithium batteries. By deploying lithium batteries remotely or independently in a room that meets fire protection requirements, the risks of failure are minimized. Even in the event of a fault, the main services remain unaffected. This approach effectively isolates risk, enabling data centers to operate safely and reliably. •;; Air-liquid Hybrid Cooling: In the era of intelligent computing, data centers house both general-purpose and intelligent computing. However, uncertainties remain about their ratio, server types, and cooling requirements. To address these challenges, the cooling solution must be more flexible and able to meet the requirements of different air-to-liquid cooling ratios. The solution should allow general-purpose and intelligent computing to be deployed together, reducing the PUE and improving the energy efficiency of the data center. •;; Distributed Architecture: Each cooling and power system is housed in its own container, ensuring that each cooling and power unit operates independently. This design prevents a failure in one unit from affecting the others, effectively isolating faults and minimizing the fault domain. •;; AI Intelligent Management: DC for AI and AI for DC. We use AI technologies in data centers to improve energy efficiency and system reliability. Using AI, we can predict the temperature of the PowerPOD';s copper bars and the lifespan of key UPS components such as capacitors and fans. Through proactive prevention and predictive maintenance, we improve the reliability of the power system and ensure reliable operation of data centers. •;;Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the position of your company in the market. For market share, please refer to the separately provided attachments “Modular Data Center Market Share 2023” and “Modular UPS market share 2023”.
RUNNER UP
CBRE
Data Centre Facilities Vendor of the Year
Introduction
CBRE are pleased to enter this award for ‘Data Centre Facilities Vendor of the Year’. Our submission is driven by the CBRE Data Center Solutions outstanding market position, commitment to advancing the industry, and exceptional track record of performance. We provide engineering, FM, and IT services to more than 200 data center providers and 700 data centers, surpassing industry benchmarks such as 5x9's operating standards.
As one of the largest employers in the data center sector, CBRE employs over 4,000 dedicated data center experts who have significantly supported customers and propelled the entire market forward through customer proximity and innovative strength. In the last 18 months, we have successfully transitioned over 700MW of brand-new data center real estate from construction to live site operations and enabled the entry of 400 new employees from adjacent industries into the data center market sector.
To address the industry's shortage of data center experts, we continuously strive to attract and train talent. CBRE has trained over 2,600 data center professionals and increased our engineering team by 20% to meet the industry's growth demands. We have created more job opportunities across the industry, positively impacting the war on talent.
In addition, we have expanded our service offering across our end-to-end delivery model, resulting in increased solutions and client outcomes for a wide range of needs. We have successfully delivered operations and projects to Hyperscalers, Enterprise, Co-Location, and Telecommunications and Infrastructure providers. Our services have evolved to meet the demands of shareholders and stakeholders, bringing operational advancements, sophisticated outsource models, and addressing matters of ESG and Capital Investment. This expanded scope has allowed us to be true partners and influence client business strategies.
What are your company's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
CBRE Data Center Solutions' key distinguishing features and unique selling propositions (USPs) include:
– DCS Shield Program: This proprietary risk management platform is central to our operations, significantly reducing downtime and human error. The DCS Shield ensures high reliability and performance with a global uptime rate of 99.99968%.
– Comprehensive Service Offering: We provide a full range of data center lifecycle services including engineering, FM, and IT services to over 200 data center providers and 700 data centers globally. This includes everything from extensive maintenance and project capabilities to energy optimization and analytic insights.
– Innovation and Continuous Improvement: We have a strong focus on innovation with initiatives like the Innovation Charter, Smart FM, and significant investments in R&D. Our commitment to leveraging digital technologies, machine learning, and AI ensures we stay ahead of the curve.
– Global Reach and Scale: Operating in 45 countries with over 4,000 dedicated data center professionals, CBRE has a robust market presence and the ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services across the globe.
– People-Centric Approach: With a strong emphasis on training, development, and retention, CBRE ensures that our employees are highly skilled and motivated. Our programs like DCS Select, Human Factors Training, and a diverse and inclusive recruitment process, help us attract and retain the best talent.
– Customer-Centric Performance Management: Through tools like the Balanced Scorecard, Annual Customer Satisfaction Surveys, and Monthly Net Promoter Scores, we continuously track and improve our service delivery to meet client expectations effectively.
– Sustainability and ESG Commitment: We focus on energy optimization and sustainability, helping clients meet their environmental goals while optimizing operational performance.
– Strong Track Record and Market Leadership: With over 700MW of new data center real estate transitioned and a customer retention rate of 98%, our proven track record demonstrates reliability and effectiveness in meeting industry demands.
These features collectively set CBRE Data Center Solutions apart as a leader in the data center FM industry.
What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
CBRE has had a significant tangible impact on the market and our customers through a variety of initiatives and achievements:
– Growth and Financial Stability:
o Achieved a turnover exceeding $1 billion, reflecting robust financial growth and stability.
o Expanded our portfolio by securing both global and local contracts.
– DCS Shield Program:
o Over 700MW of new data centre real estate transitioned, helping meet global growth demands.
o Achieved and maintained a global uptime rate of 99.99968%, demonstrating high reliability and performance.
o Reduced downtime and human error incidents, ensuring optimal operational performance for our clients.
– Innovation and Technology:
o Implementation of the DCS Shield tool suite adopted by over 150 clients globally, enabling speed to market and global consistency.
o Development of Smart FM solutions, which leverage people, processes, and integrated technology to improve FM delivery, reduce energy consumption, and meet client goals.
o Investments in R&D leading to advancements in Smart FM, Risk Management, and predictive strategies through machine learning and AI.
– Training and Development:
o Trained over 3,000 employees through Human Factors programs.
o Developed over 250 leaders through Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) programs.
o Transitioned 250 technicians from outside industries into data centre professions.
– Client Satisfaction and Retention:
o 98% customer retention rate, showcasing our commitment to client satisfaction.
o 20% YOY business growth, indicating strong market impact and customer trust.
– Employee Well-Being and Growth:
o Created a positive workplace culture, ensuring employees feel valued and appreciated.
o Implemented the Be Well initiative to support employee well-being on a global scale.
o Recognition and reward programs to boost employee morale and retention.
– Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:
o Focused on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through Smart FM solutions.
o Developed Quantum Glass technology for enhanced data visibility, streamlined operations, and improved risk management.
These initiatives have collectively positioned CBRE as a leader in the data centre industry, driving continuous improvement, innovation, and exceptional service delivery to our clients.
What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors.
CBRE differentiates itself from competitors through several key levels of customer service:
– Annual Performance Reviews: We conduct formal performance reviews with our clients and senior management, using a Balanced Scorecard process to document trends, improvements, and opportunities for enhancement.
– Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey: We engage Kingsley, a third-party firm, to assess client satisfaction annually. This helps us develop immediate action plans for areas needing attention.
– Monthly Net Promoter Scores: We ask clients to complete monthly NPS questionnaires, which are tracked, reviewed, and reported to client leadership. This process is aimed at improving service delivery continually.
– Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Through initiatives like the Innovation Charter and DCS Shield, we drive continuous improvement and innovation in our service delivery. These programs help us maintain high performance and reliability standards.
– Proactive Monitoring and Management: Our DCS Shield program provides proactive monitoring and management of critical facility infrastructure, improving uptime and optimizing operational performance.
– Employee Training and Development: We invest heavily in training and development, ensuring our employees are highly skilled and motivated. This includes programs like Human Factors training, ILM programs, and targeted recruitment through DCS Select.
– Diversity and Inclusion: We prioritize a diverse and inclusive work environment, reflecting the diversity of our clients and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
– Employee Well-Being and Recognition: We focus on employee well-being through programs like Be Well and recognize outstanding performance through various reward and recognition strategies.
– Comprehensive Service Offering: We offer a full range of data center lifecycle services, from extensive maintenance and project capabilities to energy optimization and analytic insights.
– Client Partnership and Collaboration: We work closely with clients, forming joint charters and aligning with their goals to achieve global consistency and success.
These levels of customer service ensure that CBRE not only meets but exceeds client expectations, fostering long-term partnerships and driving continuous improvement and innovation.
What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
Our major differentiators include:
1. DCS Shield Program: CBRE's proprietary risk management platform, DCS Shield, is a cornerstone of our operations, providing proactive monitoring and management of critical facility infrastructure. This program has significantly reduced downtime and human error, ensuring a 99.99968% uptime rate across our global portfolio.
2. Innovation and Continuous Improvement: We are committed to driving innovation through initiatives like Smart FM, which leverages data-driven decisions and connected technology to enhance operational efficiencies. Our Innovation Charter ensures a structured approach to fostering new ideas and best practices.
3. People and Talent Management: CBRE invests heavily in attracting, training, and retaining top talent. Our robust training programs, including Human Factors Training and ILM programs, along with initiatives like DCS Select for recruitment, ensure we have the best talent in the industry. We also focus on diversity and inclusion, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.
4. Comprehensive Service Offering: We provide a full range of data center lifecycle services, from maintenance and project management to energy optimization and analytic insights. This end-to-end service model allows us to meet a wide array of client needs and deliver customized solutions.
5. Client-Centric Approach: Our commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through our structured performance reviews, customer satisfaction surveys, and continuous improvement processes. We maintain a 98% customer retention rate and a 20% year-over-year business growth.
6. Global Scale and Expertise: With over 4,000 data center professionals operating in 45 countries, we have the global reach and local expertise to support our clients' needs anywhere in the world. Our extensive experience and best practices developed from operating over 700 data centers ensure optimal performance for our customers.
These differentiators set CBRE apart from our competitors, allowing us to deliver world-class data center services consistently and effectively.
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the position of your company in the market.
Paul Hood, Chief Operating Officer - Global Data Centre Operations at Yondr Group:
We are absolutely delighted with our partnership with CBRE throughout our Global portfolio. Their collaborative mindset and dedication to our shared vision have been pivotal in our journey to enhance our capabilities at scale and pace, essential in today's dynamic data centre market. From aligning with our goals to achieve global consistency, CBRE continues to meet our expectations. Their commitment to efficiency, cost savings, and constructive challenge has strategically positioned us for success. Together, we've established a mature, collaborative approach, reinforced by a joint charter that guides us at every level of our organizations. As we look ahead, we're incredibly optimistic about the future and the continued success of our partnership. Our journey has begun with great excitement, and we are grateful to have CBRE alongside us every step of the way.
Steve Webb, Data Centre Operations and Sustainability Director at Global Technical Realty:
We began our partnership with CBRE several years ago, and we have been impressed with the exceptional level of service and attitude. Their contribution to our business goes far beyond our initial expectations, as they have made a significant impact to our transition. The CBRE team demonstrated a deep understanding of our unique needs and challenges and provides us with the most effective and accurate solutions to address our specific requirements. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in enhancing our operations and driving our success. As the data centre industry continues to evolve rapidly, our partnership has been positioned for long-term success.
Case Study 1: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Sustainability for Confidential Financial Services Client
Background
Our client, a global financial services company, sought to optimise its operations in construction materials procurement, operational costs, data center management, and sustainability initiatives. The objective was to enhance service delivery while achieving significant cost savings and maintaining high client satisfaction.
Key Achievements
1. Reduced Lead Time for Construction Materials
By implementing a streamlined procurement process, we successfully reduced the lead time for construction materials by an impressive 59 weeks. This initiative not only expedited project timelines but also resulted in substantial savings of $1.8 million.
2. Operational Cost Optimization
CBRE achieved a 16% reduction in operational costs for our client through several strategic measures:
• Optimised Staffing Models: Adjusted workforce allocation to meet demand efficiently.
• Improved Maintenance Procedures: Enhanced maintenance protocols decreased downtime and increased productivity.
• Enhanced Vendor Management: Strengthened relationships with suppliers led to better pricing and service levels.
3. Uninterrupted Data Center Operations
CBRE maintained an exceptional 99.999% uptime across all managed data centers for this client. This reliability ensured uninterrupted service for their critical operations, reinforcing the company’s commitment to operational excellence and client trust.
4. Sustainability Initiatives
CBRE implemented energy-saving initiatives on this client’s data centre sites, that successfully resulted in a 10% reduction in energy consumption. These efforts not only contributed to cost savings but also aligned with their sustainability goals, promoting a greener operational footprint.
5. High Client Satisfaction
CBRE achieved a remarkable client satisfaction score of 95% within the first year of these operational improvements. This score reflects the high quality of service provided and the commitment to meeting client needs effectively.
Conclusion
Through strategic initiatives in procurement, operational cost reduction, data center management, and sustainability, CBRE has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency while delivering exceptional value to this financial services client. These efforts have not only resulted in significant cost savings but have also established them as a leader in operational excellence and sustainability.
Case Study 2: Enabling Rapid Expansion for a Colocation Client through Streamlined Operations
Client Overview:
Our client, a rapidly expanding global corporation, sought to appoint an operations partner to enhance consistency across their rapidly growing data centre portfolio. Facing the challenges of managing operations in multiple regions, they recognised the need for a partner with established tools and processes to facilitate a smoother launch and ongoing management.
Challenge:
The client aimed to establish a uniform operational framework that could be implemented globally without incurring the high overhead costs associated with developing their own systems. They required a reliable partner who could provide immediate support in recruitment, process implementation, and supply chain management.
Solution:
Leveraging our extensive expertise and local networks, we provided a comprehensive solution that addressed the client’s operational needs:
1. Recruitment of Local Managers and Site Teams:
We utilised our established presence in key markets to recruit experienced local managers and site teams. This ensured that operations were led by individuals who understood the local context and could drive performance effectively.
2. Consistent Processes and Procedures Implementation:
From day one, we implemented standardised processes and procedures across all sites. This approach not only enhanced operational efficiency but also ensured uniformity in service delivery, allowing the client to maintain brand integrity.
3. Engagement with Local Supply Chain Partners:
By leveraging our local supply chain relationships, we facilitated partnerships with suppliers offering competitive pricing and shorter lead times. This strategic engagement reduced costs and improved service delivery timelines, benefiting the client’s bottom line.
Results:
The collaboration resulted in:
- A rapid operational launch across multiple locations, significantly reducing time-to-market.
- Streamlined processes that improved operational efficiency by 30%.
- Cost savings of 20% through better supply chain management and local partnerships.
- Increased client satisfaction due to consistent service delivery and quicker response times.
Conclusion:
By partnering with us, this colocation client successfully navigated the complexities of scaling their operations while maintaining consistency and reducing overhead. Our tools, processes, and local expertise proved invaluable in establishing a robust operational framework that supports their ongoing growth and success.
Introduction
CBRE are pleased to enter this award for ‘Data Centre Facilities Vendor of the Year’. Our submission is driven by the CBRE Data Center Solutions outstanding market position, commitment to advancing the industry, and exceptional track record of performance. We provide engineering, FM, and IT services to more than 200 data center providers and 700 data centers, surpassing industry benchmarks such as 5x9's operating standards.
As one of the largest employers in the data center sector, CBRE employs over 4,000 dedicated data center experts who have significantly supported customers and propelled the entire market forward through customer proximity and innovative strength. In the last 18 months, we have successfully transitioned over 700MW of brand-new data center real estate from construction to live site operations and enabled the entry of 400 new employees from adjacent industries into the data center market sector.
To address the industry's shortage of data center experts, we continuously strive to attract and train talent. CBRE has trained over 2,600 data center professionals and increased our engineering team by 20% to meet the industry's growth demands. We have created more job opportunities across the industry, positively impacting the war on talent.
In addition, we have expanded our service offering across our end-to-end delivery model, resulting in increased solutions and client outcomes for a wide range of needs. We have successfully delivered operations and projects to Hyperscalers, Enterprise, Co-Location, and Telecommunications and Infrastructure providers. Our services have evolved to meet the demands of shareholders and stakeholders, bringing operational advancements, sophisticated outsource models, and addressing matters of ESG and Capital Investment. This expanded scope has allowed us to be true partners and influence client business strategies.
What are your company's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
CBRE Data Center Solutions' key distinguishing features and unique selling propositions (USPs) include:
– DCS Shield Program: This proprietary risk management platform is central to our operations, significantly reducing downtime and human error. The DCS Shield ensures high reliability and performance with a global uptime rate of 99.99968%.
– Comprehensive Service Offering: We provide a full range of data center lifecycle services including engineering, FM, and IT services to over 200 data center providers and 700 data centers globally. This includes everything from extensive maintenance and project capabilities to energy optimization and analytic insights.
– Innovation and Continuous Improvement: We have a strong focus on innovation with initiatives like the Innovation Charter, Smart FM, and significant investments in R&D. Our commitment to leveraging digital technologies, machine learning, and AI ensures we stay ahead of the curve.
– Global Reach and Scale: Operating in 45 countries with over 4,000 dedicated data center professionals, CBRE has a robust market presence and the ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services across the globe.
– People-Centric Approach: With a strong emphasis on training, development, and retention, CBRE ensures that our employees are highly skilled and motivated. Our programs like DCS Select, Human Factors Training, and a diverse and inclusive recruitment process, help us attract and retain the best talent.
– Customer-Centric Performance Management: Through tools like the Balanced Scorecard, Annual Customer Satisfaction Surveys, and Monthly Net Promoter Scores, we continuously track and improve our service delivery to meet client expectations effectively.
– Sustainability and ESG Commitment: We focus on energy optimization and sustainability, helping clients meet their environmental goals while optimizing operational performance.
– Strong Track Record and Market Leadership: With over 700MW of new data center real estate transitioned and a customer retention rate of 98%, our proven track record demonstrates reliability and effectiveness in meeting industry demands.
These features collectively set CBRE Data Center Solutions apart as a leader in the data center FM industry.
What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
CBRE has had a significant tangible impact on the market and our customers through a variety of initiatives and achievements:
– Growth and Financial Stability:
o Achieved a turnover exceeding $1 billion, reflecting robust financial growth and stability.
o Expanded our portfolio by securing both global and local contracts.
– DCS Shield Program:
o Over 700MW of new data centre real estate transitioned, helping meet global growth demands.
o Achieved and maintained a global uptime rate of 99.99968%, demonstrating high reliability and performance.
o Reduced downtime and human error incidents, ensuring optimal operational performance for our clients.
– Innovation and Technology:
o Implementation of the DCS Shield tool suite adopted by over 150 clients globally, enabling speed to market and global consistency.
o Development of Smart FM solutions, which leverage people, processes, and integrated technology to improve FM delivery, reduce energy consumption, and meet client goals.
o Investments in R&D leading to advancements in Smart FM, Risk Management, and predictive strategies through machine learning and AI.
– Training and Development:
o Trained over 3,000 employees through Human Factors programs.
o Developed over 250 leaders through Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) programs.
o Transitioned 250 technicians from outside industries into data centre professions.
– Client Satisfaction and Retention:
o 98% customer retention rate, showcasing our commitment to client satisfaction.
o 20% YOY business growth, indicating strong market impact and customer trust.
– Employee Well-Being and Growth:
o Created a positive workplace culture, ensuring employees feel valued and appreciated.
o Implemented the Be Well initiative to support employee well-being on a global scale.
o Recognition and reward programs to boost employee morale and retention.
– Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:
o Focused on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through Smart FM solutions.
o Developed Quantum Glass technology for enhanced data visibility, streamlined operations, and improved risk management.
These initiatives have collectively positioned CBRE as a leader in the data centre industry, driving continuous improvement, innovation, and exceptional service delivery to our clients.
What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors.
CBRE differentiates itself from competitors through several key levels of customer service:
– Annual Performance Reviews: We conduct formal performance reviews with our clients and senior management, using a Balanced Scorecard process to document trends, improvements, and opportunities for enhancement.
– Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey: We engage Kingsley, a third-party firm, to assess client satisfaction annually. This helps us develop immediate action plans for areas needing attention.
– Monthly Net Promoter Scores: We ask clients to complete monthly NPS questionnaires, which are tracked, reviewed, and reported to client leadership. This process is aimed at improving service delivery continually.
– Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Through initiatives like the Innovation Charter and DCS Shield, we drive continuous improvement and innovation in our service delivery. These programs help us maintain high performance and reliability standards.
– Proactive Monitoring and Management: Our DCS Shield program provides proactive monitoring and management of critical facility infrastructure, improving uptime and optimizing operational performance.
– Employee Training and Development: We invest heavily in training and development, ensuring our employees are highly skilled and motivated. This includes programs like Human Factors training, ILM programs, and targeted recruitment through DCS Select.
– Diversity and Inclusion: We prioritize a diverse and inclusive work environment, reflecting the diversity of our clients and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
– Employee Well-Being and Recognition: We focus on employee well-being through programs like Be Well and recognize outstanding performance through various reward and recognition strategies.
– Comprehensive Service Offering: We offer a full range of data center lifecycle services, from extensive maintenance and project capabilities to energy optimization and analytic insights.
– Client Partnership and Collaboration: We work closely with clients, forming joint charters and aligning with their goals to achieve global consistency and success.
These levels of customer service ensure that CBRE not only meets but exceeds client expectations, fostering long-term partnerships and driving continuous improvement and innovation.
What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
Our major differentiators include:
1. DCS Shield Program: CBRE's proprietary risk management platform, DCS Shield, is a cornerstone of our operations, providing proactive monitoring and management of critical facility infrastructure. This program has significantly reduced downtime and human error, ensuring a 99.99968% uptime rate across our global portfolio.
2. Innovation and Continuous Improvement: We are committed to driving innovation through initiatives like Smart FM, which leverages data-driven decisions and connected technology to enhance operational efficiencies. Our Innovation Charter ensures a structured approach to fostering new ideas and best practices.
3. People and Talent Management: CBRE invests heavily in attracting, training, and retaining top talent. Our robust training programs, including Human Factors Training and ILM programs, along with initiatives like DCS Select for recruitment, ensure we have the best talent in the industry. We also focus on diversity and inclusion, creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.
4. Comprehensive Service Offering: We provide a full range of data center lifecycle services, from maintenance and project management to energy optimization and analytic insights. This end-to-end service model allows us to meet a wide array of client needs and deliver customized solutions.
5. Client-Centric Approach: Our commitment to customer satisfaction is evident through our structured performance reviews, customer satisfaction surveys, and continuous improvement processes. We maintain a 98% customer retention rate and a 20% year-over-year business growth.
6. Global Scale and Expertise: With over 4,000 data center professionals operating in 45 countries, we have the global reach and local expertise to support our clients' needs anywhere in the world. Our extensive experience and best practices developed from operating over 700 data centers ensure optimal performance for our customers.
These differentiators set CBRE apart from our competitors, allowing us to deliver world-class data center services consistently and effectively.
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the position of your company in the market.
Paul Hood, Chief Operating Officer - Global Data Centre Operations at Yondr Group:
We are absolutely delighted with our partnership with CBRE throughout our Global portfolio. Their collaborative mindset and dedication to our shared vision have been pivotal in our journey to enhance our capabilities at scale and pace, essential in today's dynamic data centre market. From aligning with our goals to achieve global consistency, CBRE continues to meet our expectations. Their commitment to efficiency, cost savings, and constructive challenge has strategically positioned us for success. Together, we've established a mature, collaborative approach, reinforced by a joint charter that guides us at every level of our organizations. As we look ahead, we're incredibly optimistic about the future and the continued success of our partnership. Our journey has begun with great excitement, and we are grateful to have CBRE alongside us every step of the way.
Steve Webb, Data Centre Operations and Sustainability Director at Global Technical Realty:
We began our partnership with CBRE several years ago, and we have been impressed with the exceptional level of service and attitude. Their contribution to our business goes far beyond our initial expectations, as they have made a significant impact to our transition. The CBRE team demonstrated a deep understanding of our unique needs and challenges and provides us with the most effective and accurate solutions to address our specific requirements. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in enhancing our operations and driving our success. As the data centre industry continues to evolve rapidly, our partnership has been positioned for long-term success.
Case Study 1: Enhancing Operational Efficiency and Sustainability for Confidential Financial Services Client
Background
Our client, a global financial services company, sought to optimise its operations in construction materials procurement, operational costs, data center management, and sustainability initiatives. The objective was to enhance service delivery while achieving significant cost savings and maintaining high client satisfaction.
Key Achievements
1. Reduced Lead Time for Construction Materials
By implementing a streamlined procurement process, we successfully reduced the lead time for construction materials by an impressive 59 weeks. This initiative not only expedited project timelines but also resulted in substantial savings of $1.8 million.
2. Operational Cost Optimization
CBRE achieved a 16% reduction in operational costs for our client through several strategic measures:
• Optimised Staffing Models: Adjusted workforce allocation to meet demand efficiently.
• Improved Maintenance Procedures: Enhanced maintenance protocols decreased downtime and increased productivity.
• Enhanced Vendor Management: Strengthened relationships with suppliers led to better pricing and service levels.
3. Uninterrupted Data Center Operations
CBRE maintained an exceptional 99.999% uptime across all managed data centers for this client. This reliability ensured uninterrupted service for their critical operations, reinforcing the company’s commitment to operational excellence and client trust.
4. Sustainability Initiatives
CBRE implemented energy-saving initiatives on this client’s data centre sites, that successfully resulted in a 10% reduction in energy consumption. These efforts not only contributed to cost savings but also aligned with their sustainability goals, promoting a greener operational footprint.
5. High Client Satisfaction
CBRE achieved a remarkable client satisfaction score of 95% within the first year of these operational improvements. This score reflects the high quality of service provided and the commitment to meeting client needs effectively.
Conclusion
Through strategic initiatives in procurement, operational cost reduction, data center management, and sustainability, CBRE has demonstrated a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency while delivering exceptional value to this financial services client. These efforts have not only resulted in significant cost savings but have also established them as a leader in operational excellence and sustainability.
Case Study 2: Enabling Rapid Expansion for a Colocation Client through Streamlined Operations
Client Overview:
Our client, a rapidly expanding global corporation, sought to appoint an operations partner to enhance consistency across their rapidly growing data centre portfolio. Facing the challenges of managing operations in multiple regions, they recognised the need for a partner with established tools and processes to facilitate a smoother launch and ongoing management.
Challenge:
The client aimed to establish a uniform operational framework that could be implemented globally without incurring the high overhead costs associated with developing their own systems. They required a reliable partner who could provide immediate support in recruitment, process implementation, and supply chain management.
Solution:
Leveraging our extensive expertise and local networks, we provided a comprehensive solution that addressed the client’s operational needs:
1. Recruitment of Local Managers and Site Teams:
We utilised our established presence in key markets to recruit experienced local managers and site teams. This ensured that operations were led by individuals who understood the local context and could drive performance effectively.
2. Consistent Processes and Procedures Implementation:
From day one, we implemented standardised processes and procedures across all sites. This approach not only enhanced operational efficiency but also ensured uniformity in service delivery, allowing the client to maintain brand integrity.
3. Engagement with Local Supply Chain Partners:
By leveraging our local supply chain relationships, we facilitated partnerships with suppliers offering competitive pricing and shorter lead times. This strategic engagement reduced costs and improved service delivery timelines, benefiting the client’s bottom line.
Results:
The collaboration resulted in:
- A rapid operational launch across multiple locations, significantly reducing time-to-market.
- Streamlined processes that improved operational efficiency by 30%.
- Cost savings of 20% through better supply chain management and local partnerships.
- Increased client satisfaction due to consistent service delivery and quicker response times.
Conclusion:
By partnering with us, this colocation client successfully navigated the complexities of scaling their operations while maintaining consistency and reducing overhead. Our tools, processes, and local expertise proved invaluable in establishing a robust operational framework that supports their ongoing growth and success.
Data Centre Hosting/co-location Supplier of the Year
WINNER
Conapto
Conapto is one of the leading colocation provider in the Nordics, offering sustainable, scalable, and high performance data center colocation as well as the cloud connectivity needed for companies and managed service providers to produce and deliver digital services in a hybrid IT-environment.
Conapto is redefining colocation by combining smart infrastructure with a strong commitment to energy efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability.
With four data centers across Stockholm, including our latest facility, Stockholm 4 South, we provide a secure and climate-responsible environment for businesses needing reliable colocation services. Our data center, Stockholm 4 South, are built to support both AI-ready, high-density infrastructure and traditional retail colocation, ensuring high performance, flexibility, and reliability for all workloads.
Across all our facilities, we provide:
- Focus on sustainability: Conapto runs entirely on 100% fossil-free and renewable energy through Vattenfall 24/7 matching. We also integrate onsite solar power at Stockholm 4 South, with 200 kW of renewable energy produced through our solar panel installations.
- Energy circularity: We are committed to heat reuse, with up to 14 MW of excess heat from our operations contributing to Stockholm’s district heating network via Stockholm Exergi. This initiative reduces overall energy waste while supporting the local community.
- Dynamic Grid Support: Conapto plays an active role in balancing Sweden’s national grid. Our facilities provide up to 18 MW of UPS/battery capacity to balancing services for the national grid, ensuring grid stability while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-powered reserves.
- Recycling and Reuse: Outdated equipment is recycled and repurposed through Stena Recycling/Moreco Group AB. Since partnering with Moreco/Stena Recycling in 2020, Conapto and its customers have significantly reduced CO2 emissions. To date, these recycling and reuse efforts have led to an impressive total CO2 savings of 365,727.37 tonnes CO2e.
- GHG reporting: Conapto has been reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2019. In 2023, we earned the GoClimate CO₂ Transparency label, which includes an annual Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) report. This report provides a detailed climate calculation of our emissions, along with action plans and targets to reduce them.
- Certifications: We are proud to be the first colocation provider in Europe with an OCP Ready™ V2 for Hyperscale certified data center (Stockholm 4 South), reflecting our commitment to open standards, efficiency, and scalability. Conapto is also certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 50001, PCI DSS, ISAE 3402.
- Members of: Climate neutral data center pact, “Klimatpakten” Stockholm City, Swedish Data Center Industry Association (SweDCI), TechSweden.
- Net Promoter Score (NPS): With an impressive NPS of 70, Conapto demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience, fully aligned with our vision.
Conapto’s combination of sustainable practices, innovative infrastructure, and dedication to customer service makes us a strong leader in the colocation industry.
Conapto is redefining colocation by combining smart infrastructure with a strong commitment to energy efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability.
With four data centers across Stockholm, including our latest facility, Stockholm 4 South, we provide a secure and climate-responsible environment for businesses needing reliable colocation services. Our data center, Stockholm 4 South, are built to support both AI-ready, high-density infrastructure and traditional retail colocation, ensuring high performance, flexibility, and reliability for all workloads.
Across all our facilities, we provide:
- Focus on sustainability: Conapto runs entirely on 100% fossil-free and renewable energy through Vattenfall 24/7 matching. We also integrate onsite solar power at Stockholm 4 South, with 200 kW of renewable energy produced through our solar panel installations.
- Energy circularity: We are committed to heat reuse, with up to 14 MW of excess heat from our operations contributing to Stockholm’s district heating network via Stockholm Exergi. This initiative reduces overall energy waste while supporting the local community.
- Dynamic Grid Support: Conapto plays an active role in balancing Sweden’s national grid. Our facilities provide up to 18 MW of UPS/battery capacity to balancing services for the national grid, ensuring grid stability while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-powered reserves.
- Recycling and Reuse: Outdated equipment is recycled and repurposed through Stena Recycling/Moreco Group AB. Since partnering with Moreco/Stena Recycling in 2020, Conapto and its customers have significantly reduced CO2 emissions. To date, these recycling and reuse efforts have led to an impressive total CO2 savings of 365,727.37 tonnes CO2e.
- GHG reporting: Conapto has been reporting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2019. In 2023, we earned the GoClimate CO₂ Transparency label, which includes an annual Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG) report. This report provides a detailed climate calculation of our emissions, along with action plans and targets to reduce them.
- Certifications: We are proud to be the first colocation provider in Europe with an OCP Ready™ V2 for Hyperscale certified data center (Stockholm 4 South), reflecting our commitment to open standards, efficiency, and scalability. Conapto is also certified according to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 27001, ISO 50001, PCI DSS, ISAE 3402.
- Members of: Climate neutral data center pact, “Klimatpakten” Stockholm City, Swedish Data Center Industry Association (SweDCI), TechSweden.
- Net Promoter Score (NPS): With an impressive NPS of 70, Conapto demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering a world-class customer experience, fully aligned with our vision.
Conapto’s combination of sustainable practices, innovative infrastructure, and dedication to customer service makes us a strong leader in the colocation industry.
RUNNER UP
nLighten
Founded in March 2021, nLighten’s aim is to create the next step for the data centre industry by building and operating the largest pan-European edge data centre platform - aligned with the green transition. This is to meet growing IT requirements for solving distance-related latency challenges. At the same time, to leverage the energy potential of edge data centres by virtue of their proximity to densely populated areas and economic zones: providing local communities with carbon free energy ((heat reuse) and supporting regional energy infrastructure (grid stabilization, onsite renewable power generation).
To accelerate achieving a critical mass in Europe and with the financial backing of I Squared Capital, nLighten acquired seven further edge data centres in April 2024, expanding its presence into Belgium, Switzerland and Spain and adding further sites in existing nLighten markets including Germany, France, the UK and the Netherlands. Since its foundation in March 2021, this latest expansion took nLighten's total number of edge data centres to 34 in Europe, including the key business hubs of Amsterdam, London, Paris, Madrid, Geneva, Zurich, and Ghent.
Our platform provides IT and communications customers with a wide range of colocation, connectivity, and on-site services and carbon free energy (CFE) reuse pilots are underway at three German sites in Eschborn, Hamburg, Nuremberg.
objectives:
- To address IT’s growing demand for low latency by bringing data physically closer to customers, in support of both enterprise and edge use cases
- Make our data centres pivotal to supporting and stimulating local regional economies
- Through sector coupling, support the carbon-free energy transition requirements/challenges of local communities and energy utilities
Investment & Vision
Prior to and throughout the ongoing expansion phase, the company co-founders and senior management team have worked closely to ensure seamless execution and delivery against plan, followed by a smooth integration of sites and personnel into the company. I Squared Capital our funding partner, was key to ensuring we were able to move quickly rather than in a piecemeal fashion.
October 2021
nLighten founded.
Secures multi-million Euros ongoing investment from I Squared Capital.
Ongoing market research and discussions with potential data centre acquisition targets.
September 2022
nLighten completes acquisition of 10 data centres from EXA Infrastructure in Germany
March 2023
nLighten signs agreement with City of Eschborn (nr. Frankfurt) for data centre heat reuse/exchange
April 2023
nLighten completes acquisition of Euclyde, adding six data centres in France
Sept 2023
Completion of acquisition of Proximity Data Centres brings 10 UK sites under nLighten's umbrella.
November 2023
The growth trajectory continued in November with the addition of GYROCenter in the Netherlands.
April 2024
nLighten acquires seven more edge data centers from EXA Infrastructure, expanding its presence into Belgium, Switzerland and Spain. It also added further sites in existing nLighten markets including Germany, France, the UK and the Netherlands.
This expansion brings nLighten's total number of edge data centers to 34 in Europe, including the key business hubs of Amsterdam, London, Paris, Madrid, Geneva, Zurich, and Ghent.
June 2024
nLighten initiates a new carbon free energy (CFE) score, a new metric that includes CFE heat recovery in energy reporting
2025
nLighten to continue significant pan-European expansion through targeted acquisitions as well as enhancing existing sites - this includes evolving sites into centres of excellence for supporting AI-based solutions and services
Innovation
Our scope has extended beyond mere geographical convenience. We have built a data centre network that’s specifically designed to support colocation and applications requiring minimal latency and be ready to integrate with local and regional energy initiatives.
We recognise the demolition or abandonment of existing legacy data centres instead of refurbishment should not be the norm. Our approach ensures much of the embodied carbon expended in the construction phase of vacated legacy premises can be offset to reduce the future environmental impact.
Compared to a new build approach dependent on long planning consents, our strategy has allowed us significantly less construction expenditure and delivered our customers a much faster time to market. Crucially, there is power and connectivity to site which can more easily be upgraded and expanded as needs arise.
- Close: nLighten’s edge data centres are situated in prime locations – in close proximity to our clients and their customers, to employees who work remotely and to our strategic partners.
Our platform fosters a bustling ecosystem for local businesses, content distribution, network connections and cloud solutions.
- Coupled: Our vision is for our data centres to be increasingly coupled to the energy sector, seeking to recover heat for the local community and stabilize the grid, using energy increasingly from onsite renewable generation.
With the increasing collaboration of our data centres with the local energy infrastructure, such that they share and conserve energy, we are setting an example for data centers to assist community emissions reductions.
- Connected: nLighten’s resilient, low-latency connectivity and energy infrastructure ensure optimal operating conditions for carrier equipment and software-defined networks. Our high-speed platform allows companies to securely access a variety of high availability services like Cloud Connect, Direct Internet Access, IP transit, Switched Ethernet, MPLS, Wavelengths and dark fibre.
Meeting objectives
Our rapid expansion of the platform during the period concerned has ensured customers gain access to the most comprehensive edge infrastructure network throughout Europe. Additionally, our platform is creating an ecosystem for local businesses, content distribution, network connections and cloud solutions. It is also ideally positioned to contribute to local and regional energy needs through sector coupling initiatives.
We recognised that locating at the edge is essential for businesses who want to keep pace with the ongoing rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G technologies, big data and cloud applications. We therefore ensured we took the financial, engineering and operational decisions necessary to support this growing requirement with the timely delivery of highly connected and strategically located data centres: providing an edge platform capable of serving the low latency IT requirements of enterprise and edge use cases on a local/regional, national and international scale.
Our successful execution of the plan has been achieved through:
Experienced team: Our core senior management team has many years’ experience and wide-ranging expertise in the data centre sector - including Equinix - across finance, operations, engineering and sales.
Major Funding: Ensuring the necessary funding was in place for ensuring the additional acquisitions and their successful integration into the edge platform was achieved smoothly, without undue delay.
Clear Vision: nLighten is committed to continuous improvement in sustainability and implementing innovative solutions. Our vision is for our data centres to be increasingly coupled to the energy sector, seeking to recover heat for the local community and stabilize the grid, using energy increasingly from onsite renewable generation.
Speed of deployment: This was facilitated by the acquisition and subsequent ongoing improvement of existing modern, strategically located data centres.
To accelerate achieving a critical mass in Europe and with the financial backing of I Squared Capital, nLighten acquired seven further edge data centres in April 2024, expanding its presence into Belgium, Switzerland and Spain and adding further sites in existing nLighten markets including Germany, France, the UK and the Netherlands. Since its foundation in March 2021, this latest expansion took nLighten's total number of edge data centres to 34 in Europe, including the key business hubs of Amsterdam, London, Paris, Madrid, Geneva, Zurich, and Ghent.
Our platform provides IT and communications customers with a wide range of colocation, connectivity, and on-site services and carbon free energy (CFE) reuse pilots are underway at three German sites in Eschborn, Hamburg, Nuremberg.
objectives:
- To address IT’s growing demand for low latency by bringing data physically closer to customers, in support of both enterprise and edge use cases
- Make our data centres pivotal to supporting and stimulating local regional economies
- Through sector coupling, support the carbon-free energy transition requirements/challenges of local communities and energy utilities
Investment & Vision
Prior to and throughout the ongoing expansion phase, the company co-founders and senior management team have worked closely to ensure seamless execution and delivery against plan, followed by a smooth integration of sites and personnel into the company. I Squared Capital our funding partner, was key to ensuring we were able to move quickly rather than in a piecemeal fashion.
October 2021
nLighten founded.
Secures multi-million Euros ongoing investment from I Squared Capital.
Ongoing market research and discussions with potential data centre acquisition targets.
September 2022
nLighten completes acquisition of 10 data centres from EXA Infrastructure in Germany
March 2023
nLighten signs agreement with City of Eschborn (nr. Frankfurt) for data centre heat reuse/exchange
April 2023
nLighten completes acquisition of Euclyde, adding six data centres in France
Sept 2023
Completion of acquisition of Proximity Data Centres brings 10 UK sites under nLighten's umbrella.
November 2023
The growth trajectory continued in November with the addition of GYROCenter in the Netherlands.
April 2024
nLighten acquires seven more edge data centers from EXA Infrastructure, expanding its presence into Belgium, Switzerland and Spain. It also added further sites in existing nLighten markets including Germany, France, the UK and the Netherlands.
This expansion brings nLighten's total number of edge data centers to 34 in Europe, including the key business hubs of Amsterdam, London, Paris, Madrid, Geneva, Zurich, and Ghent.
June 2024
nLighten initiates a new carbon free energy (CFE) score, a new metric that includes CFE heat recovery in energy reporting
2025
nLighten to continue significant pan-European expansion through targeted acquisitions as well as enhancing existing sites - this includes evolving sites into centres of excellence for supporting AI-based solutions and services
Innovation
Our scope has extended beyond mere geographical convenience. We have built a data centre network that’s specifically designed to support colocation and applications requiring minimal latency and be ready to integrate with local and regional energy initiatives.
We recognise the demolition or abandonment of existing legacy data centres instead of refurbishment should not be the norm. Our approach ensures much of the embodied carbon expended in the construction phase of vacated legacy premises can be offset to reduce the future environmental impact.
Compared to a new build approach dependent on long planning consents, our strategy has allowed us significantly less construction expenditure and delivered our customers a much faster time to market. Crucially, there is power and connectivity to site which can more easily be upgraded and expanded as needs arise.
- Close: nLighten’s edge data centres are situated in prime locations – in close proximity to our clients and their customers, to employees who work remotely and to our strategic partners.
Our platform fosters a bustling ecosystem for local businesses, content distribution, network connections and cloud solutions.
- Coupled: Our vision is for our data centres to be increasingly coupled to the energy sector, seeking to recover heat for the local community and stabilize the grid, using energy increasingly from onsite renewable generation.
With the increasing collaboration of our data centres with the local energy infrastructure, such that they share and conserve energy, we are setting an example for data centers to assist community emissions reductions.
- Connected: nLighten’s resilient, low-latency connectivity and energy infrastructure ensure optimal operating conditions for carrier equipment and software-defined networks. Our high-speed platform allows companies to securely access a variety of high availability services like Cloud Connect, Direct Internet Access, IP transit, Switched Ethernet, MPLS, Wavelengths and dark fibre.
Meeting objectives
Our rapid expansion of the platform during the period concerned has ensured customers gain access to the most comprehensive edge infrastructure network throughout Europe. Additionally, our platform is creating an ecosystem for local businesses, content distribution, network connections and cloud solutions. It is also ideally positioned to contribute to local and regional energy needs through sector coupling initiatives.
We recognised that locating at the edge is essential for businesses who want to keep pace with the ongoing rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G technologies, big data and cloud applications. We therefore ensured we took the financial, engineering and operational decisions necessary to support this growing requirement with the timely delivery of highly connected and strategically located data centres: providing an edge platform capable of serving the low latency IT requirements of enterprise and edge use cases on a local/regional, national and international scale.
Our successful execution of the plan has been achieved through:
Experienced team: Our core senior management team has many years’ experience and wide-ranging expertise in the data centre sector - including Equinix - across finance, operations, engineering and sales.
Major Funding: Ensuring the necessary funding was in place for ensuring the additional acquisitions and their successful integration into the edge platform was achieved smoothly, without undue delay.
Clear Vision: nLighten is committed to continuous improvement in sustainability and implementing innovative solutions. Our vision is for our data centres to be increasingly coupled to the energy sector, seeking to recover heat for the local community and stabilize the grid, using energy increasingly from onsite renewable generation.
Speed of deployment: This was facilitated by the acquisition and subsequent ongoing improvement of existing modern, strategically located data centres.
Data Centre ICT Automation/Orchestration Innovation of the Year
WINNER
Türk Telekom
What are the key differentiators and/or USP of your product/solution?
Digital transformation has created the need to minimize demand times, present different technologies under one roof, and minimize human and hardware dependency of processes. The management of more than 10,000 virtual server components in 6 different data centers within Türk Telekom is carried out by Turkey's largest IT organization in accordance with operational standards, in the most accurate and traceable way. In order to respond to changing dynamic processes and the speed of digitalization, the Digital Infrastructure Service-BuluTTan study was launched in the first quarter of 2021, in line with the aim of making all virtual server components available to the customer at a central point through automation channels. Our aim in this project is to keep up with the pace of digitalization and advance the flows that offer us solutions without human intervention.
What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
Thanks to the end-to-end automation system in our cloud project, Türk Telekom internal customers and server installation system teams involved in the virtual server installation saved 40% of their time.
While digitalization was achieved at the infrastructure layer with the BuluTTan project, it set an example for Türk Telekom in terms of infrastructure teams involved in product and service development. The work, which was initiated with the aim of minimizing human effort and adopting the IaC (infrastructure as code) approach, served as a catalyst in the launch of many initiatives. The L1 workload density problem was solved by transferring L1 tasks to automation channels via digital services. Our project had a direct impact on achieving the SRE model targeted through digitalization and achieving cultural transformation goals. The desire and curiosity for open source products has increased among employees who have adopted the SRE model, and in this context, a 120% increase in the open source managed service catalog has been achieved. It is aimed to reduce meetings by transferring the processes followed by employees to automation flows and digital services.
What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
Our project, which was initiated as a central automation initiative within Türk Telekom, was supported by the SRE approach we initiated to support cultural transformation and turned into a digital service. The service catalog solution developed in our product, which makes the lives of Türk Telekom employees easier in many areas and offers a hybrid cloud experience, directly encouraged the use of open source and enabled us to achieve success of up to 90%. The risks that became evident around experience and continuity have been eliminated with the standards created and the solutions implemented, and a significant contribution has been made in this field. The automation and centrally managed services initiative, which started with 21 employees, has turned into an open source ecosystem supported by 130 employees. These employees became role models for 3000 people and shared their knowledge and experience at the Cloud Team meetings. An open source culture has been developed through joint work within the institution. This contribution has allowed us to quickly commission open source projects and sometimes contribute to these projects. The project we started was not limited to IaaS and PaaS automation, but continued with the addition of open source products to the service catalog and turned into a large ecosystem with FaaS and Machine Learning based Anomaly detection stages.
During the development of our project, we gained skills in versioning, writing code, working in protocols such as rest API, and developing a common protocol that allows different layers to communicate.
Since all processes are realized with automation flows, employee dependency has been reduced by up to 80%.
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the value of this product/solution to your customers/partners.
The work, which was initiated to minimize human effort and adopt the IaC (infrastructure as code) approach, served as a catalyst in taking a number of initiatives. While 90% of L1 tasks were transferred to automation channels via digital services, action was taken in the first phase of the project for 25% of L2 tasks.
By transferring the processes followed by employees to automation flows and digital services, meetings were reduced by 15% and an end-to-end visible demand tracking system was created.
A 15% saving was achieved in infrastructure costs through resource shared use. Total effort decreased by 20%.
Thanks to idle resource conversion, a 20% saving was achieved in existing resource usage. By writing the central cloud environment management interface internally, a 30% gain was achieved from the budget allocated for this task.
It is aimed to increase this rate to around 40% in server installations with Windows and Linux OS systems, and to 60% with open source service catalog products (MaaS, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS etc.).
With our click-on-buy-self-install strategy, the requested service is quickly ordered with a few clicks and the installation process begins with the same agility. Business units that are independent of each other and serve at different layers can be quickly organized and installed with minimum effort thanks to automated processes.
KPI values we determined within the scope of the project;
• To present resource and solution requests to IT customers in a multi-tenant structure through digital tools with a service catalog solution and to increase the service catalog rate to over 90%.
• Reducing component-based demand response times from hours to minutes.
• Reducing demand-based approval flows by 90% and transferring them to digital channels and services.
• To ensure that all components are monitored and reported according to certain standards. Preventing Shadow IT situations.
• Converting the central automation and reporting product specific to Türk Telekom into a service. To offer it to external customers as a hybrid cloud product.
Digital transformation has created the need to minimize demand times, present different technologies under one roof, and minimize human and hardware dependency of processes. The management of more than 10,000 virtual server components in 6 different data centers within Türk Telekom is carried out by Turkey's largest IT organization in accordance with operational standards, in the most accurate and traceable way. In order to respond to changing dynamic processes and the speed of digitalization, the Digital Infrastructure Service-BuluTTan study was launched in the first quarter of 2021, in line with the aim of making all virtual server components available to the customer at a central point through automation channels. Our aim in this project is to keep up with the pace of digitalization and advance the flows that offer us solutions without human intervention.
What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
Thanks to the end-to-end automation system in our cloud project, Türk Telekom internal customers and server installation system teams involved in the virtual server installation saved 40% of their time.
While digitalization was achieved at the infrastructure layer with the BuluTTan project, it set an example for Türk Telekom in terms of infrastructure teams involved in product and service development. The work, which was initiated with the aim of minimizing human effort and adopting the IaC (infrastructure as code) approach, served as a catalyst in the launch of many initiatives. The L1 workload density problem was solved by transferring L1 tasks to automation channels via digital services. Our project had a direct impact on achieving the SRE model targeted through digitalization and achieving cultural transformation goals. The desire and curiosity for open source products has increased among employees who have adopted the SRE model, and in this context, a 120% increase in the open source managed service catalog has been achieved. It is aimed to reduce meetings by transferring the processes followed by employees to automation flows and digital services.
What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
Our project, which was initiated as a central automation initiative within Türk Telekom, was supported by the SRE approach we initiated to support cultural transformation and turned into a digital service. The service catalog solution developed in our product, which makes the lives of Türk Telekom employees easier in many areas and offers a hybrid cloud experience, directly encouraged the use of open source and enabled us to achieve success of up to 90%. The risks that became evident around experience and continuity have been eliminated with the standards created and the solutions implemented, and a significant contribution has been made in this field. The automation and centrally managed services initiative, which started with 21 employees, has turned into an open source ecosystem supported by 130 employees. These employees became role models for 3000 people and shared their knowledge and experience at the Cloud Team meetings. An open source culture has been developed through joint work within the institution. This contribution has allowed us to quickly commission open source projects and sometimes contribute to these projects. The project we started was not limited to IaaS and PaaS automation, but continued with the addition of open source products to the service catalog and turned into a large ecosystem with FaaS and Machine Learning based Anomaly detection stages.
During the development of our project, we gained skills in versioning, writing code, working in protocols such as rest API, and developing a common protocol that allows different layers to communicate.
Since all processes are realized with automation flows, employee dependency has been reduced by up to 80%.
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the value of this product/solution to your customers/partners.
The work, which was initiated to minimize human effort and adopt the IaC (infrastructure as code) approach, served as a catalyst in taking a number of initiatives. While 90% of L1 tasks were transferred to automation channels via digital services, action was taken in the first phase of the project for 25% of L2 tasks.
By transferring the processes followed by employees to automation flows and digital services, meetings were reduced by 15% and an end-to-end visible demand tracking system was created.
A 15% saving was achieved in infrastructure costs through resource shared use. Total effort decreased by 20%.
Thanks to idle resource conversion, a 20% saving was achieved in existing resource usage. By writing the central cloud environment management interface internally, a 30% gain was achieved from the budget allocated for this task.
It is aimed to increase this rate to around 40% in server installations with Windows and Linux OS systems, and to 60% with open source service catalog products (MaaS, SaaS, PaaS, IaaS etc.).
With our click-on-buy-self-install strategy, the requested service is quickly ordered with a few clicks and the installation process begins with the same agility. Business units that are independent of each other and serve at different layers can be quickly organized and installed with minimum effort thanks to automated processes.
KPI values we determined within the scope of the project;
• To present resource and solution requests to IT customers in a multi-tenant structure through digital tools with a service catalog solution and to increase the service catalog rate to over 90%.
• Reducing component-based demand response times from hours to minutes.
• Reducing demand-based approval flows by 90% and transferring them to digital channels and services.
• To ensure that all components are monitored and reported according to certain standards. Preventing Shadow IT situations.
• Converting the central automation and reporting product specific to Türk Telekom into a service. To offer it to external customers as a hybrid cloud product.
RUNNER UP
DCConnect Global
1. What are your product's/solution's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
We are the only provider implementing both MEF LSO OSS and BSS. While many competitors are limited to basic quoting functions, our platform delivers true end-to-end automation, covering pricing, billing, management, and service provisioning across Data Center Interconnection, Cloud Connect, and Instant DIA. Our platform has rapidly expanded to 7,000 endpoints in 63 countries. Another key differentiator is our expertise in bridging gaps to challenging regions through collaborations with 30 leading telecom providers.
As the first self-built SDN platform, DC Gateway integrates advanced technologies:
- K-Shortest Path with Limited Overlap (KSPwLO): Overcomes the limitations of traditional k-shortest path routing by ensuring alternative paths are sufficiently diverse.
- Operational API: Enables full automation of the service lifecycle, from ordering to provisioning.
- Automesh AI-Driven Bandwidth Allocation: Dynamically distributes bandwidth across network endpoints based on real-time usage patterns.
- Advanced Multi-Path Calculation Algorithm & VXLAN: Optimizes path selection based on cost, distance, and similarity thresholds for enhanced performance.
2. What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
- First Cloud Automation in Indonesia: We launched Indonesia’s first cloud automation in partnership with NTT Indonesia, providing a white-label portal with a customized URL and full automation capabilities, including IX integration for JKTIX.
- Pioneering Automation in Pakistan: DCConnect helped Cybernet automate its data center in Karachi and SG1 PoPs through DC Gateway.
- Latin America Endpoints: In collaboration with Orchest Technologies, we have connected 80 million access points across Latin America to 6,500 endpoints in 1,000 data centers worldwide
- White-Label Solution for Telecoms: Our white-label feature help telecom providers without SDN or NaaS capabilities to transform into digital telcos, aligning with key industry KPIs. This solution is already widely adopted.
3. What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
- C-Tag & S-Tag: We are the only provider that incorporates C-Tag and S-Tag, ensuring seamless operation of our Buy and Sell feature for customers who utilize it.
- Wholesale/Carrier Neutral: We are the only platform offering 30 telecom providers in a single platform, allowing customers that best meet their requirements
- OSS/BSS Automation: While many telecom providers are launching NaaS platforms, most rely solely on basic price retrieval. DC Gateway is the only NaaS platform with full OSS/BSS automation, enabling quoting to provisioning, all within a single platform.
- White label: Allows telecom companies to brand and customize our platform with their own logo, colors, and domain, making it appear as their own proprietary solution.
4. Use case, testimonial & documentation
Use Case:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1e_bAe5gABCSw8koiGqUGf_bVYCQs8OU-
Documentation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/17l94VeZWV15-UTOcnmpBYNSxHB2y5Eo6
Press Release:
- Orchest Technologies and DCConnect Expand Automation Partnership : https://www.capacitymedia.com/article/2d8qju5fw5r8y64xzwg00/news/orchest-dcconnect-expand-automation-partnership
- Arc and DCConnect Partner to Deliver On-Demand Connectivity to Users in the Middle East and Across the Globe - DCConnect Global: https://www.dcconnectglobal.com/arc-and-dcconnect-partner-to-deliver-on-demand-connectivity-to-users-in-the-middle-east-and-across-the-globe/
- DCConnect and IGC to form a partnership to expand coverage with advanced automated SDN technology: https://www.dcconnectglobal.com/dcconnect-and-igc-to-form-a-partnership-to-expand-coverage-with-advanced-automated-sdn-technology/
- GDS Partners with DCConnect to implement advanced SDN technology: https://www.dcconnectglobal.com/gds-partners-with-dcconnect-to-implement-advanced-sdn-technology-in-data-centers-of-gds-for-global-network-connectivity/
We are the only provider implementing both MEF LSO OSS and BSS. While many competitors are limited to basic quoting functions, our platform delivers true end-to-end automation, covering pricing, billing, management, and service provisioning across Data Center Interconnection, Cloud Connect, and Instant DIA. Our platform has rapidly expanded to 7,000 endpoints in 63 countries. Another key differentiator is our expertise in bridging gaps to challenging regions through collaborations with 30 leading telecom providers.
As the first self-built SDN platform, DC Gateway integrates advanced technologies:
- K-Shortest Path with Limited Overlap (KSPwLO): Overcomes the limitations of traditional k-shortest path routing by ensuring alternative paths are sufficiently diverse.
- Operational API: Enables full automation of the service lifecycle, from ordering to provisioning.
- Automesh AI-Driven Bandwidth Allocation: Dynamically distributes bandwidth across network endpoints based on real-time usage patterns.
- Advanced Multi-Path Calculation Algorithm & VXLAN: Optimizes path selection based on cost, distance, and similarity thresholds for enhanced performance.
2. What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
- First Cloud Automation in Indonesia: We launched Indonesia’s first cloud automation in partnership with NTT Indonesia, providing a white-label portal with a customized URL and full automation capabilities, including IX integration for JKTIX.
- Pioneering Automation in Pakistan: DCConnect helped Cybernet automate its data center in Karachi and SG1 PoPs through DC Gateway.
- Latin America Endpoints: In collaboration with Orchest Technologies, we have connected 80 million access points across Latin America to 6,500 endpoints in 1,000 data centers worldwide
- White-Label Solution for Telecoms: Our white-label feature help telecom providers without SDN or NaaS capabilities to transform into digital telcos, aligning with key industry KPIs. This solution is already widely adopted.
3. What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
- C-Tag & S-Tag: We are the only provider that incorporates C-Tag and S-Tag, ensuring seamless operation of our Buy and Sell feature for customers who utilize it.
- Wholesale/Carrier Neutral: We are the only platform offering 30 telecom providers in a single platform, allowing customers that best meet their requirements
- OSS/BSS Automation: While many telecom providers are launching NaaS platforms, most rely solely on basic price retrieval. DC Gateway is the only NaaS platform with full OSS/BSS automation, enabling quoting to provisioning, all within a single platform.
- White label: Allows telecom companies to brand and customize our platform with their own logo, colors, and domain, making it appear as their own proprietary solution.
4. Use case, testimonial & documentation
Use Case:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/1e_bAe5gABCSw8koiGqUGf_bVYCQs8OU-
Documentation:
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/3/folders/17l94VeZWV15-UTOcnmpBYNSxHB2y5Eo6
Press Release:
- Orchest Technologies and DCConnect Expand Automation Partnership : https://www.capacitymedia.com/article/2d8qju5fw5r8y64xzwg00/news/orchest-dcconnect-expand-automation-partnership
- Arc and DCConnect Partner to Deliver On-Demand Connectivity to Users in the Middle East and Across the Globe - DCConnect Global: https://www.dcconnectglobal.com/arc-and-dcconnect-partner-to-deliver-on-demand-connectivity-to-users-in-the-middle-east-and-across-the-globe/
- DCConnect and IGC to form a partnership to expand coverage with advanced automated SDN technology: https://www.dcconnectglobal.com/dcconnect-and-igc-to-form-a-partnership-to-expand-coverage-with-advanced-automated-sdn-technology/
- GDS Partners with DCConnect to implement advanced SDN technology: https://www.dcconnectglobal.com/gds-partners-with-dcconnect-to-implement-advanced-sdn-technology-in-data-centers-of-gds-for-global-network-connectivity/
Data Centre ICT Networking Innovation of the Year
WINNER
Bridgeworks
WAN Acceleration technologies accelerate data transfers that eliminate data management challenges are known as ‘WAN acceleration.’ Bridgeworks patented artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies accelerate organisations existing technologies and dramatically accelerate their Wide Area Networks (WANs). AI underpins the patented technology to provide process intelligence, mitigating latency and mitigate packet loss. Bridgeworks' solutions, such as PORTrockIT, dramatically improve data throughput up to 98% of bandwidth – regardless of distance.
Accelerating BlackPearl, Securing Data
Spectra Logic: “In our tests, PORTrockIT accelerated BlackPearl’s replication performance significantly – in one case, completing the job more than 5 times faster.”
BlackPearl is a Spectra Logic platform that aims to make it easy for organisations to preserve data simply, affordably, and safely. It provides a RESTful interface that allows users to store files as objects and uses an onboard cache to accelerate the movement of data on and off long-term storage media, such as disk arrays and tape libraries.
One of the key use cases for BlackPearl is to enable geographically dispersed archiving, where data is preserved at multiple sites to reduce the risk of data loss in the event of a disaster. BlackPearl makes this easy to achieve by simply connecting two BlackPearl devices across a wide area network (WAN) connection.
However, whenever data is transferred across a WAN, it is subject to the effects of latency and packet loss, which can have a dramatic impact on data throughput. Using BlackPearl together with PORTrockIT can transform the performance of data replication across the WAN by counteracting the impact of both latency and packet loss. In every scenario we evaluated, PORTrockIT was able to increase transfer rates significantly. In one case, it reduced the total transfer time from 247 minutes to just 47 minutes, completing the job more than five times faster.
A complete complement
BlackPearl can help businesses to create and maintain geographically dispersed archives, while PORTrockIT adds value by mitigating the risk of losing valuable data and making it easier to demonstrate compliance with data retention regulations.
To demonstrate the results that PORTrockIT can deliver for BlackPearl customers, Bridgeworks conducted a set of performance tests at a testing facility in the UK. The test infrastructures mimicked a real-world BlackPearl architecture, using an “Injector” server to inject or extract files from BlackPearl, and a WANulator to simulate different levels of latency across a wide area network. Performance figures were taken from the BlackPearl console and recorded.
The tests assessed WAN data transfer performance at various simulated levels of latency. The WANulator also simulated a nominal packet loss rate of 0.1%, representing a typical service-level agreement from most WAN providers.
Test 1 and Test 2
Test 1 and Test 2 were run first with PORTrockIT set to bypass mode, to simulate an unaccelerated network architecture. The tests were then rerun with PORTrockIT in active mode, to simulate an accelerated network architecture. The figures from the two test runs were then compared to assess the difference in performance between the unaccelerated and accelerated architectures.
Test 3 - a slightly different setup
Test 3 used a slightly different setup, with a pair of Bridgeworks WANrockIT appliances in place of the PORTrockIT appliances. This is because WANrockIT is specifically designed to enable the transfer of SAN block-level protocols across a WAN, which is necessary for testing the specific use case of transferring data between a local BlackPearl and a remote tape library that are linked by a fibre channel connection.
Across all three tests, the most important metrics to consider are:
• Average transfer rate, measured in megabytes per second. This allows us to assess the speed at which files can be transferred across the WAN.
• Total time to completion, measured in minutes. This allows us to judge how long the entire file transfer job takes.
Test 1 assessed the performance of transferring a 1 TB payload of files from the local BlackPearl cache to the remote BlackPearl cache and back again at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ms of latency with 0.1% packet loss.
Test 2 extended Test 1 by adding a tape library connected to the BlackPearl appliance at the remote end of the WAN. This simulated a scenario where BlackPearl is used as a distributed archive for long-term data retention.
In Test 3, one BlackPearl appliance was placed on the local side of the WANulator and connected via a fibre channel connection to a remote tape library, using WANrockIT as the accelerator. This would evaluate the speed of reading directly from tape across the WAN.
Accelerated Results
Without PORTrockIT - For the unaccelerated network architecture, the results of Test 1 and Test 2 show a negative correlation between latency and performance. As latency increases, average transfer rates (ATR) decline and we see a longer total time to completion (TTC). For example, in Test 1, the TTC was 119 minutes when there was 20 ms of latency but rose to 246 minutes at 100 ms of latency – more than twice as long.
The results of Test 2 were similar: the TTC was 78 minutes at 20 ms of latency, but 157 minutes at 100 ms of latency – again, more than double the time to complete the transfer. In a real-world scenario, this variability in TTC would be a major concern, as any unexpected increase in latency could cause transfers to time-out or overrun their scheduled window – putting valuable business data at risk.
With PORTrockIT - When we look at the architecture accelerated by PORTrockIT, the results are very different. At all levels of latency, the ATR improves dramatically when PORTrockIT is activated. For example, in Test 1, the worst-case ATR of the accelerated architecture (365 MB/s at 100 ms of latency) is still more than 2.5 times as fast as the best-case ATR of the unaccelerated architecture (145 MB/s at 20 ms of latency). We can also see that PORTrockIT keeps TTC stable, regardless of latency.
In Test 1, the shortest TTC was 39 minutes at 20 ms of latency, and the longest was 46 minutes at 100 ms of latency. In Test 2, the fastest TTC was 36 minutes and the slowest 43 minutes. In both cases, that’s a difference of just 7 minutes between the slowest and fastest transfers – which suggests that real-world users can expect their transfers to complete on time, even if latency increases.
Test 3 demonstrates that Bridgeworks WANrockIT, a WAN acceleration product for SAN protocols, Spectra Logic customers cannot only geographically separate their BlackPearl instances, but also use a third geographical site for air-gapped tape storage facilities without suffering the performance penalties associated with latency and packet loss.
Accelerating IT security
The project with the major IT security firm is also a game-changer. Between November and December 2021, a storage subject matter expert within this company came to Bridgeworks with details about a file transfer problem on a 2Gbps WAN circuit between Colorado, USA, and Bangalore in India.
Problem:
With data equating to 700TB storage estate, backups are only as good as the ability to restore the data. In order to allow an acceptable transfer time of this data requires a robust solution
There were 2 NetApp units involved in the data migration: one in Bangalore and another in Denver. The transfer was performed using the inbuilt NetApp Snap Mirror feature. It involved migrating data in a follow the sun requirement, and critical data and security was paramount. The allocated WAN bandwidth for transfer was a 1Gb/s controlled by a SD-WAN. But the raw WAN bandwidth was 2 Gb/s. Before PORTrockIT, throughput was typically equating to 2MB/s using Incumbent technology WAN-Optimisation with only 2% unitisation of WAN, and the time to transfer the data was 8.4 days.
After installing and configuring the Bridgeworks PORTrockIT virtual instances, the transfer speed increased to 80MB/s – a 40-fold increase and the time taken was reduced to under 6 hours. In this case the benchmark figure we were given was that the customer was only able to move data at around 2 Mega Bytes per second.”
Results
A spokesperson from the IT security company remarks: “The rate of throughput was incredible. PORTrockIT from Bridgeworks is a game changer. I am a storage engineer with limited networking knowledge. I was able to configure and deploy PORTrockIT in less than 2 hours”. The IT security firm believes that with ‘unthrottled’ conditions and utilising their full 2 Gig WAN, they would be able to transfer data at 200 MBs per second. PORTrockIT is working over a SD-WAN, and they required no other changes to the LAN or WAN configurations.
Speaking about the project, Kevin St. Cyr, Tributary Systems inc. of Dallas, Texas says: “We have always impressed with the capabilities of PORTrockIT product, but what they have achieved with the IT security company’s installation takes it to another level. It is a showcase for the capabilities of PORTrockIT. The beauty is, it’s easy to install and it shows the performance that can be achieved over a WAN that was once thought impossible.”
WAN Acceleration: Accelerating cloud metro cluster deployment
WAN Acceleration technologies accelerate data transfers that eliminate data management challenges are known as ‘WAN acceleration’. Bridgeworks patented artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies accelerate organisations existing technologies and dramatically accelerate their Wide Area Networks (WANs). AI underpins the patented technology to provide process intelligence, mitigating latency and mitigate packet loss. Our solutions, such as PORTrockIT, dramatically improve data throughput up to 98% of bandwidth – regardless of distance.
Hybrid cloud, object storage and metro clusters
Steven Umbehocker (SU), CEO and CTO of OSNEXUS Corporation explains why this is important to organisations that are accelerating their adoption of hybrid cloud strategies: “This can be in the form of object storage for backup, disaster recovery sites, and all this puts a greater importance on efficient use of the WAN. This is important across all sectors. However, it is especially important in sectors such as healthcare to protect data like PACS images.”
Before implementing Bridgeworks PORTrockIT OSNexus was facing performance challenges in deploying metro clusters and disaster recovery (DR) sites over WANs – suffering with particularly high latency over large distances. There was a 200-700% boost in performance by implementing PORTrockIT which is a game changer. The highest performance improvement was 7 times higher than without any WAN acceleration.”
Critical: Recovery Time objectives
Recovery time objectives (RTOs) are critical to IT organisations, so it is imperative to have adequate WAN bandwidth and throughput to keep the remote replication to DR sites within the required RTO. OSNexus is also seeing increase demand for metro clusters where the storage is distributed across multiple sites to achieve zero downtime in the event of a site outage.
Umbehocker therefore adds: “That’s only possible when the latency is low enough to provide sufficient and adequate performance for the workloads. PORTrockIT solves these latency issues so that metro clusters and DR sites can be deployed across a much larger geographic area. If you have an earthquake in one zone, that larger metro cluster offers benefits. You can avoid downtime, enabling organisations to link their disparate sites together. There is much latency between New York and Tokyo, and so you need something like PORTrockIT to mitigate latency.”
With high latency and packet loss, he explains that data transfers are delayed and may need to be resent which reduces performance – the transfer rate. WANs are typically spanning portions of the public internet and/or shared dark fibre infrastructure that IT organisations don’t have much control over, and simply upping bandwidth doesn’t address the latency issues. What is required is a different approach to boosting WAN performance that is designed to specifically address the inherent latency issues and packet loss.
Before approaching Bridgeworks, OSNexus experimented with various network tuning options, including adjusting the frame sizes and queueing techniques, but these adjustments do not come anywhere close to the range of benefits offered by PORTrockIT. The three biggest benefits were the reliability of the link, the visibility of the performance, and increased performance with PORTrockIT.
Joshua Blake (JB), Regional Support Lead – EMEA at OSNexus Corporation therefore says: “It definitely increased performance, but I couldn’t tell you if there was more smoothness. It was easy to set up once you understand it. There were some things I needed to read up on, but it was otherwise easy to set up.”
The company has a disaster recovery site between Seattle and Las Vegas, and so it found it helpful to include PORTrockIT into their automated test systems. To that extent, PORTrockIT is now certified for use with QuantaStor, and this enables OSNexus customers to leverage it for disaster recovery sites and metro cluster use cases.
Performance improvements
The QuantaStor VM endpoints shown in Figure 1 use the PORTrockIT virtual appliances as gateways for replicating data from a ZFS file system. For the data payload, OSNEXUS used a randomly generated 5,124 MB test file. The ZFS data was sent and received via SSH on TCP port 22.
By using WANulator to simulate the scenarios presented in Table 1, the OSNEXUS team was able to test transfer speeds both with and without PORTrockIT data acceleration and make direct comparisons between the two data transfer strategies. The test was conducted five times for each different latency, and the average transfer time in seconds can be seen below. Packet loss equated to 0.1%, and latency ranged from 0 milliseconds to 160 milliseconds.
At 0ms the unaccelerated the unaccelerated transfer time equated to 107.0 seconds. When accelerated this amounted to 105.6 seconds, with an improvement factor of -0.01. At 20ms the unaccelerated transfer time was 333.6 seconds, while the accelerated time was 117.6 seconds – leading to an improvement factor of 2.83. At 40ms the unaccelerated transfer rate was 1,724.6 seconds, and the accelerated transfer time was 245.0 – an improvement factor of 7.03. At 80ms the unaccelerated transfer time sat at 2,945.4 seconds, while accelerated it stood at 454.6 seconds – an improvement factor of 6.47. Lastly, at 160ms the unaccelerated transfer time was 3,789.0 seconds. Yet when accelerated it stood at 871.6 – an improvement factor of 4.34.
Blake therefore comments: “Aside from the performance benefits, being able to identify as a complementary product – architecting it with storage – adds another string to our bow effectively. We have mentioned PORTrockIT as a goal. We go in to speak about it, and then they see the benefits themselves – it’s like planting a seed.”
OSNexus has clients that are implementing hybrid cloud strategies who want or need the benefits that, according to Umbehocker, need to the benefits that PORTrockIT solves. This is because PORTrockIT allow data to be moved over WANs quickly and efficiently is a core challenge in implementing hybrid cloud strategies.
He concludes: “We have already started adding more features like automatic tiering from file to object storage and these new features around replication and tiering of data are putting an increased importance efficient use of customers available WAN bandwidth. PORTrockIT enables organisations to get increased value and performance out of their monthly WAN bandwidth investment, with an increase in throughput up to a 700%.”
National Institutes of Health
The NIH was originally a PORTrockIT 400 customer. However, it found an additional need to add two of Bridgeworks’ new high end PORTrockIT 800’s last year. They are moving four protocols over the WAN at ‘breakneck speed’.
A spokesperson from BKJ Works - New York comments: “This is a non-engineering group, but they have had no problem in installing the devices (each in under 1 hour!). Don't be surprised if they come up with future needs on an even grander scale in the future. I cannot thank Bridgeworks enough for their continued support, fast turn around and meeting all and any of our requests with a willingness to say, ‘Yes we can’. This relationship will only deepen going forward.”
WAN Data Acceleration powers the National Institutes of Health’s global data transfer requirements at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. It is also the world’s largest biomedical research agency. One Bridgeworks' healthcare customer, US-based CVS Caremark, connected two virtual tape libraries over 2,860 miles at full WAN bandwidth. This achieved a performance gain of 95 times the unaccelerated performance.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has gone from never being able to achieve fast datacentre replication over a distance between sites of 2,000 miles, to be able to attain it. The difference between doing it between two machines in the same datacentre and in two machines across two datacentres was 6 MB/s on NetApp Snap Mirror replication. So, they now lose only this amount of time.
The NIH wasn’t able to address this issue for a couple of years. NetApp and Aspera couldn’t achieve this. Bridgeworks was brought in to conduct a quick POC that took a couple of days to set it up, and then that was it. The savings come from not having anything previously to protect their data. Bridgeworks has also helped NIH to resolve network infrastructure issues. Although successful, the results aren’t yet in the public domain. Yet it is a substantial multi-million U.S. dollar contract.
Accelerating IT security
The project with the major IT security firm is also a game-changer. Between November and December 2021, a storage subject matter expert within this company came to Bridgeworks with details about a file transfer problem on a 2Gbps WAN circuit between Colorado, USA, and Bangalore in India.
Problem:
With data equating to 700TB storage estate, backups are only as good as the ability to restore the data. In order to allow an acceptable transfer time of this data requires a robust solution.
There were 2 NetApp units involved in the data migration: one in Bangalore and another in Denver. The transfer was performed using the inbuilt NetApp Snap Mirror feature. It involved migrating data in a follow the sun requirement, and critical data and security was paramount. The allocated WAN bandwidth for transfer was a 1Gb/s controlled by a SD-WAN. But the raw WAN bandwidth was 2 Gb/s. Before PORTrockIT, throughput was typically equating to 2MB/s using Incumbent technology WAN-Optimisation with only 2% unitisation of WAN, and the time to transfer the data was 8.4 days.
Bridgeworks explains: “Our PORTrockIT solution for this company mitigated the effects of Latency and Packet loss. He says the latency between Denver and Bangalore at 350ms is a lot of latency! The biggest single factor causing latency is distance - even though the speed of light is around 186,282 miles per second – this figure is actually around one third lower when going through fibre optic cables.
Although the units can be hardware, sometimes virtual images or cloud machine images are more useful. As time was of the essence and the customer had real looming deadlines, the IT security firm opted for a Virtual Machine (VM) running in VMWare ESX. This made the turnaround for the evaluation-solution really quick. The following table shows the technical specification of the virtual products which would server the customer best.
After installing and configuring the PORTrockIT virtual instances the transfer speed increased to 80MB/s – a 40-fold increase and the time taken was reduced to under 6 hours. In this case the benchmark figure we were given was that the customer was only able to move data at around 2 Mega Bytes per second.”
Results
A spokesperson from the IT security company remarks: “The rate of throughput was incredible. PORTrockIT from Bridgeworks is a game changer. I am a storage engineer with limited networking knowledge. I was able to configure and deploy PORTrockIT in less than 2 hours”. The IT security firm believes that with ‘unthrottled’ conditions and utilising their full 2 Gig WAN, they would be able to transfer data at 200 MBs per second. PORTrockIT is working over a SD-WAN, and they required no other changes to the LAN or WAN configurations.
Speaking about the project, Kevin St. Cyr, Tributary Systems inc. of Dallas, Texas says: “We have always impressed with the capabilities of PORTrockIT product, but what they have achieved with the IT security company’s installation takes it to another level. It is a showcase for the capabilities of PORTrockIT. The beauty is, it’s easy to install and it shows the performance that can be achieved over a WAN that was once thought impossible.”
WAN Accelerating F1
A Formula 1 (F1) team undertook an evaluation, a proof of concept (POC), which showed the ability of PORTrockIT to make their WAN data transfers 60 times faster than before. The trial was so successful that the team ended it early. Bridgeworks’ brief was to help them speed up data the transfer of data from the Cotswolds in the UK to New England, in the USA.
A new Partnership with Prodec Networks was formed in the process, and a spokesperson from Prodec comments: “Regarding the F1 team, from wind tunnel analysis to engineering documents, Formula 1 teams accumulate significant volumes of data. The cars’ sensors (over a hundred of them) tell their own story about the race for the duration of the race and for referral later.”
“Needless to say, up to date revisions of the cars’ specific designs need to be easily accessible. How the teams deal with the pressures of reacting quickly to the vast amount of information is often the difference between winning and losing each race. With race data exceeding 150Gb per race weekend, it’s easy to see how our F1 team needed a fast data-transfer solution.”
Bridgeworks continues to keep its customers on track by enabling them to mitigate latency and packet loss. Even organisations that are implementing SD-WANs can benefit from a WAN Acceleration, which is data agnostic, and which permits the transmission of encrypted data at speed over large distances. This is something that tools such as WAN Optimisation will never be able to achieve.
Accelerating BlackPearl, Securing Data
Spectra Logic: “In our tests, PORTrockIT accelerated BlackPearl’s replication performance significantly – in one case, completing the job more than 5 times faster.”
BlackPearl is a Spectra Logic platform that aims to make it easy for organisations to preserve data simply, affordably, and safely. It provides a RESTful interface that allows users to store files as objects and uses an onboard cache to accelerate the movement of data on and off long-term storage media, such as disk arrays and tape libraries.
One of the key use cases for BlackPearl is to enable geographically dispersed archiving, where data is preserved at multiple sites to reduce the risk of data loss in the event of a disaster. BlackPearl makes this easy to achieve by simply connecting two BlackPearl devices across a wide area network (WAN) connection.
However, whenever data is transferred across a WAN, it is subject to the effects of latency and packet loss, which can have a dramatic impact on data throughput. Using BlackPearl together with PORTrockIT can transform the performance of data replication across the WAN by counteracting the impact of both latency and packet loss. In every scenario we evaluated, PORTrockIT was able to increase transfer rates significantly. In one case, it reduced the total transfer time from 247 minutes to just 47 minutes, completing the job more than five times faster.
A complete complement
BlackPearl can help businesses to create and maintain geographically dispersed archives, while PORTrockIT adds value by mitigating the risk of losing valuable data and making it easier to demonstrate compliance with data retention regulations.
To demonstrate the results that PORTrockIT can deliver for BlackPearl customers, Bridgeworks conducted a set of performance tests at a testing facility in the UK. The test infrastructures mimicked a real-world BlackPearl architecture, using an “Injector” server to inject or extract files from BlackPearl, and a WANulator to simulate different levels of latency across a wide area network. Performance figures were taken from the BlackPearl console and recorded.
The tests assessed WAN data transfer performance at various simulated levels of latency. The WANulator also simulated a nominal packet loss rate of 0.1%, representing a typical service-level agreement from most WAN providers.
Test 1 and Test 2
Test 1 and Test 2 were run first with PORTrockIT set to bypass mode, to simulate an unaccelerated network architecture. The tests were then rerun with PORTrockIT in active mode, to simulate an accelerated network architecture. The figures from the two test runs were then compared to assess the difference in performance between the unaccelerated and accelerated architectures.
Test 3 - a slightly different setup
Test 3 used a slightly different setup, with a pair of Bridgeworks WANrockIT appliances in place of the PORTrockIT appliances. This is because WANrockIT is specifically designed to enable the transfer of SAN block-level protocols across a WAN, which is necessary for testing the specific use case of transferring data between a local BlackPearl and a remote tape library that are linked by a fibre channel connection.
Across all three tests, the most important metrics to consider are:
• Average transfer rate, measured in megabytes per second. This allows us to assess the speed at which files can be transferred across the WAN.
• Total time to completion, measured in minutes. This allows us to judge how long the entire file transfer job takes.
Test 1 assessed the performance of transferring a 1 TB payload of files from the local BlackPearl cache to the remote BlackPearl cache and back again at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 ms of latency with 0.1% packet loss.
Test 2 extended Test 1 by adding a tape library connected to the BlackPearl appliance at the remote end of the WAN. This simulated a scenario where BlackPearl is used as a distributed archive for long-term data retention.
In Test 3, one BlackPearl appliance was placed on the local side of the WANulator and connected via a fibre channel connection to a remote tape library, using WANrockIT as the accelerator. This would evaluate the speed of reading directly from tape across the WAN.
Accelerated Results
Without PORTrockIT - For the unaccelerated network architecture, the results of Test 1 and Test 2 show a negative correlation between latency and performance. As latency increases, average transfer rates (ATR) decline and we see a longer total time to completion (TTC). For example, in Test 1, the TTC was 119 minutes when there was 20 ms of latency but rose to 246 minutes at 100 ms of latency – more than twice as long.
The results of Test 2 were similar: the TTC was 78 minutes at 20 ms of latency, but 157 minutes at 100 ms of latency – again, more than double the time to complete the transfer. In a real-world scenario, this variability in TTC would be a major concern, as any unexpected increase in latency could cause transfers to time-out or overrun their scheduled window – putting valuable business data at risk.
With PORTrockIT - When we look at the architecture accelerated by PORTrockIT, the results are very different. At all levels of latency, the ATR improves dramatically when PORTrockIT is activated. For example, in Test 1, the worst-case ATR of the accelerated architecture (365 MB/s at 100 ms of latency) is still more than 2.5 times as fast as the best-case ATR of the unaccelerated architecture (145 MB/s at 20 ms of latency). We can also see that PORTrockIT keeps TTC stable, regardless of latency.
In Test 1, the shortest TTC was 39 minutes at 20 ms of latency, and the longest was 46 minutes at 100 ms of latency. In Test 2, the fastest TTC was 36 minutes and the slowest 43 minutes. In both cases, that’s a difference of just 7 minutes between the slowest and fastest transfers – which suggests that real-world users can expect their transfers to complete on time, even if latency increases.
Test 3 demonstrates that Bridgeworks WANrockIT, a WAN acceleration product for SAN protocols, Spectra Logic customers cannot only geographically separate their BlackPearl instances, but also use a third geographical site for air-gapped tape storage facilities without suffering the performance penalties associated with latency and packet loss.
Accelerating IT security
The project with the major IT security firm is also a game-changer. Between November and December 2021, a storage subject matter expert within this company came to Bridgeworks with details about a file transfer problem on a 2Gbps WAN circuit between Colorado, USA, and Bangalore in India.
Problem:
With data equating to 700TB storage estate, backups are only as good as the ability to restore the data. In order to allow an acceptable transfer time of this data requires a robust solution
There were 2 NetApp units involved in the data migration: one in Bangalore and another in Denver. The transfer was performed using the inbuilt NetApp Snap Mirror feature. It involved migrating data in a follow the sun requirement, and critical data and security was paramount. The allocated WAN bandwidth for transfer was a 1Gb/s controlled by a SD-WAN. But the raw WAN bandwidth was 2 Gb/s. Before PORTrockIT, throughput was typically equating to 2MB/s using Incumbent technology WAN-Optimisation with only 2% unitisation of WAN, and the time to transfer the data was 8.4 days.
After installing and configuring the Bridgeworks PORTrockIT virtual instances, the transfer speed increased to 80MB/s – a 40-fold increase and the time taken was reduced to under 6 hours. In this case the benchmark figure we were given was that the customer was only able to move data at around 2 Mega Bytes per second.”
Results
A spokesperson from the IT security company remarks: “The rate of throughput was incredible. PORTrockIT from Bridgeworks is a game changer. I am a storage engineer with limited networking knowledge. I was able to configure and deploy PORTrockIT in less than 2 hours”. The IT security firm believes that with ‘unthrottled’ conditions and utilising their full 2 Gig WAN, they would be able to transfer data at 200 MBs per second. PORTrockIT is working over a SD-WAN, and they required no other changes to the LAN or WAN configurations.
Speaking about the project, Kevin St. Cyr, Tributary Systems inc. of Dallas, Texas says: “We have always impressed with the capabilities of PORTrockIT product, but what they have achieved with the IT security company’s installation takes it to another level. It is a showcase for the capabilities of PORTrockIT. The beauty is, it’s easy to install and it shows the performance that can be achieved over a WAN that was once thought impossible.”
WAN Acceleration: Accelerating cloud metro cluster deployment
WAN Acceleration technologies accelerate data transfers that eliminate data management challenges are known as ‘WAN acceleration’. Bridgeworks patented artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies accelerate organisations existing technologies and dramatically accelerate their Wide Area Networks (WANs). AI underpins the patented technology to provide process intelligence, mitigating latency and mitigate packet loss. Our solutions, such as PORTrockIT, dramatically improve data throughput up to 98% of bandwidth – regardless of distance.
Hybrid cloud, object storage and metro clusters
Steven Umbehocker (SU), CEO and CTO of OSNEXUS Corporation explains why this is important to organisations that are accelerating their adoption of hybrid cloud strategies: “This can be in the form of object storage for backup, disaster recovery sites, and all this puts a greater importance on efficient use of the WAN. This is important across all sectors. However, it is especially important in sectors such as healthcare to protect data like PACS images.”
Before implementing Bridgeworks PORTrockIT OSNexus was facing performance challenges in deploying metro clusters and disaster recovery (DR) sites over WANs – suffering with particularly high latency over large distances. There was a 200-700% boost in performance by implementing PORTrockIT which is a game changer. The highest performance improvement was 7 times higher than without any WAN acceleration.”
Critical: Recovery Time objectives
Recovery time objectives (RTOs) are critical to IT organisations, so it is imperative to have adequate WAN bandwidth and throughput to keep the remote replication to DR sites within the required RTO. OSNexus is also seeing increase demand for metro clusters where the storage is distributed across multiple sites to achieve zero downtime in the event of a site outage.
Umbehocker therefore adds: “That’s only possible when the latency is low enough to provide sufficient and adequate performance for the workloads. PORTrockIT solves these latency issues so that metro clusters and DR sites can be deployed across a much larger geographic area. If you have an earthquake in one zone, that larger metro cluster offers benefits. You can avoid downtime, enabling organisations to link their disparate sites together. There is much latency between New York and Tokyo, and so you need something like PORTrockIT to mitigate latency.”
With high latency and packet loss, he explains that data transfers are delayed and may need to be resent which reduces performance – the transfer rate. WANs are typically spanning portions of the public internet and/or shared dark fibre infrastructure that IT organisations don’t have much control over, and simply upping bandwidth doesn’t address the latency issues. What is required is a different approach to boosting WAN performance that is designed to specifically address the inherent latency issues and packet loss.
Before approaching Bridgeworks, OSNexus experimented with various network tuning options, including adjusting the frame sizes and queueing techniques, but these adjustments do not come anywhere close to the range of benefits offered by PORTrockIT. The three biggest benefits were the reliability of the link, the visibility of the performance, and increased performance with PORTrockIT.
Joshua Blake (JB), Regional Support Lead – EMEA at OSNexus Corporation therefore says: “It definitely increased performance, but I couldn’t tell you if there was more smoothness. It was easy to set up once you understand it. There were some things I needed to read up on, but it was otherwise easy to set up.”
The company has a disaster recovery site between Seattle and Las Vegas, and so it found it helpful to include PORTrockIT into their automated test systems. To that extent, PORTrockIT is now certified for use with QuantaStor, and this enables OSNexus customers to leverage it for disaster recovery sites and metro cluster use cases.
Performance improvements
The QuantaStor VM endpoints shown in Figure 1 use the PORTrockIT virtual appliances as gateways for replicating data from a ZFS file system. For the data payload, OSNEXUS used a randomly generated 5,124 MB test file. The ZFS data was sent and received via SSH on TCP port 22.
By using WANulator to simulate the scenarios presented in Table 1, the OSNEXUS team was able to test transfer speeds both with and without PORTrockIT data acceleration and make direct comparisons between the two data transfer strategies. The test was conducted five times for each different latency, and the average transfer time in seconds can be seen below. Packet loss equated to 0.1%, and latency ranged from 0 milliseconds to 160 milliseconds.
At 0ms the unaccelerated the unaccelerated transfer time equated to 107.0 seconds. When accelerated this amounted to 105.6 seconds, with an improvement factor of -0.01. At 20ms the unaccelerated transfer time was 333.6 seconds, while the accelerated time was 117.6 seconds – leading to an improvement factor of 2.83. At 40ms the unaccelerated transfer rate was 1,724.6 seconds, and the accelerated transfer time was 245.0 – an improvement factor of 7.03. At 80ms the unaccelerated transfer time sat at 2,945.4 seconds, while accelerated it stood at 454.6 seconds – an improvement factor of 6.47. Lastly, at 160ms the unaccelerated transfer time was 3,789.0 seconds. Yet when accelerated it stood at 871.6 – an improvement factor of 4.34.
Blake therefore comments: “Aside from the performance benefits, being able to identify as a complementary product – architecting it with storage – adds another string to our bow effectively. We have mentioned PORTrockIT as a goal. We go in to speak about it, and then they see the benefits themselves – it’s like planting a seed.”
OSNexus has clients that are implementing hybrid cloud strategies who want or need the benefits that, according to Umbehocker, need to the benefits that PORTrockIT solves. This is because PORTrockIT allow data to be moved over WANs quickly and efficiently is a core challenge in implementing hybrid cloud strategies.
He concludes: “We have already started adding more features like automatic tiering from file to object storage and these new features around replication and tiering of data are putting an increased importance efficient use of customers available WAN bandwidth. PORTrockIT enables organisations to get increased value and performance out of their monthly WAN bandwidth investment, with an increase in throughput up to a 700%.”
National Institutes of Health
The NIH was originally a PORTrockIT 400 customer. However, it found an additional need to add two of Bridgeworks’ new high end PORTrockIT 800’s last year. They are moving four protocols over the WAN at ‘breakneck speed’.
A spokesperson from BKJ Works - New York comments: “This is a non-engineering group, but they have had no problem in installing the devices (each in under 1 hour!). Don't be surprised if they come up with future needs on an even grander scale in the future. I cannot thank Bridgeworks enough for their continued support, fast turn around and meeting all and any of our requests with a willingness to say, ‘Yes we can’. This relationship will only deepen going forward.”
WAN Data Acceleration powers the National Institutes of Health’s global data transfer requirements at the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. It is also the world’s largest biomedical research agency. One Bridgeworks' healthcare customer, US-based CVS Caremark, connected two virtual tape libraries over 2,860 miles at full WAN bandwidth. This achieved a performance gain of 95 times the unaccelerated performance.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has gone from never being able to achieve fast datacentre replication over a distance between sites of 2,000 miles, to be able to attain it. The difference between doing it between two machines in the same datacentre and in two machines across two datacentres was 6 MB/s on NetApp Snap Mirror replication. So, they now lose only this amount of time.
The NIH wasn’t able to address this issue for a couple of years. NetApp and Aspera couldn’t achieve this. Bridgeworks was brought in to conduct a quick POC that took a couple of days to set it up, and then that was it. The savings come from not having anything previously to protect their data. Bridgeworks has also helped NIH to resolve network infrastructure issues. Although successful, the results aren’t yet in the public domain. Yet it is a substantial multi-million U.S. dollar contract.
Accelerating IT security
The project with the major IT security firm is also a game-changer. Between November and December 2021, a storage subject matter expert within this company came to Bridgeworks with details about a file transfer problem on a 2Gbps WAN circuit between Colorado, USA, and Bangalore in India.
Problem:
With data equating to 700TB storage estate, backups are only as good as the ability to restore the data. In order to allow an acceptable transfer time of this data requires a robust solution.
There were 2 NetApp units involved in the data migration: one in Bangalore and another in Denver. The transfer was performed using the inbuilt NetApp Snap Mirror feature. It involved migrating data in a follow the sun requirement, and critical data and security was paramount. The allocated WAN bandwidth for transfer was a 1Gb/s controlled by a SD-WAN. But the raw WAN bandwidth was 2 Gb/s. Before PORTrockIT, throughput was typically equating to 2MB/s using Incumbent technology WAN-Optimisation with only 2% unitisation of WAN, and the time to transfer the data was 8.4 days.
Bridgeworks explains: “Our PORTrockIT solution for this company mitigated the effects of Latency and Packet loss. He says the latency between Denver and Bangalore at 350ms is a lot of latency! The biggest single factor causing latency is distance - even though the speed of light is around 186,282 miles per second – this figure is actually around one third lower when going through fibre optic cables.
Although the units can be hardware, sometimes virtual images or cloud machine images are more useful. As time was of the essence and the customer had real looming deadlines, the IT security firm opted for a Virtual Machine (VM) running in VMWare ESX. This made the turnaround for the evaluation-solution really quick. The following table shows the technical specification of the virtual products which would server the customer best.
After installing and configuring the PORTrockIT virtual instances the transfer speed increased to 80MB/s – a 40-fold increase and the time taken was reduced to under 6 hours. In this case the benchmark figure we were given was that the customer was only able to move data at around 2 Mega Bytes per second.”
Results
A spokesperson from the IT security company remarks: “The rate of throughput was incredible. PORTrockIT from Bridgeworks is a game changer. I am a storage engineer with limited networking knowledge. I was able to configure and deploy PORTrockIT in less than 2 hours”. The IT security firm believes that with ‘unthrottled’ conditions and utilising their full 2 Gig WAN, they would be able to transfer data at 200 MBs per second. PORTrockIT is working over a SD-WAN, and they required no other changes to the LAN or WAN configurations.
Speaking about the project, Kevin St. Cyr, Tributary Systems inc. of Dallas, Texas says: “We have always impressed with the capabilities of PORTrockIT product, but what they have achieved with the IT security company’s installation takes it to another level. It is a showcase for the capabilities of PORTrockIT. The beauty is, it’s easy to install and it shows the performance that can be achieved over a WAN that was once thought impossible.”
WAN Accelerating F1
A Formula 1 (F1) team undertook an evaluation, a proof of concept (POC), which showed the ability of PORTrockIT to make their WAN data transfers 60 times faster than before. The trial was so successful that the team ended it early. Bridgeworks’ brief was to help them speed up data the transfer of data from the Cotswolds in the UK to New England, in the USA.
A new Partnership with Prodec Networks was formed in the process, and a spokesperson from Prodec comments: “Regarding the F1 team, from wind tunnel analysis to engineering documents, Formula 1 teams accumulate significant volumes of data. The cars’ sensors (over a hundred of them) tell their own story about the race for the duration of the race and for referral later.”
“Needless to say, up to date revisions of the cars’ specific designs need to be easily accessible. How the teams deal with the pressures of reacting quickly to the vast amount of information is often the difference between winning and losing each race. With race data exceeding 150Gb per race weekend, it’s easy to see how our F1 team needed a fast data-transfer solution.”
Bridgeworks continues to keep its customers on track by enabling them to mitigate latency and packet loss. Even organisations that are implementing SD-WANs can benefit from a WAN Acceleration, which is data agnostic, and which permits the transmission of encrypted data at speed over large distances. This is something that tools such as WAN Optimisation will never be able to achieve.
RUNNER UP
ATTO Technology, Inc.
What are your product's/solution's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
ATTO Performance Ethernet combines the ATTO 360 software with ATTO Fastframe Network Interface Cards (NICs) to deliver a comprehensive network performance solution. Its key features include 60 custom tuning profiles that automatically optimize network configurations for specific workflows and storage systems, such as Dell or NetApp. ATTO 360, integral to ATTO Performance Ethernet, monitors and analyzes thousands of network metrics in real-time and point-in-time, providing actionable insights and advice to resolve bottlenecks and minimize downtime. The unique selling proposition is that this synergy between software and hardware is exclusively designed to elevate network performance to levels not achievable with other solutions.
What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
ATTO Performance Ethernet has redefined network management for its users by drastically simplifying the tuning process, making high-performance networking accessible to all. It has led to significant time savings in network setup and troubleshooting, directly affecting operational efficiency and cost reduction in network maintenance. Customers have experienced enhanced system performance, reliability, and stability, which are critical in demanding sectors like video post-production, data centers, and large-scale scientific research.
What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
The primary differentiator of ATTO Performance Ethernet is its holistic approach, where the ATTO 360 software is engineered to work seamlessly with ATTO Fastframe NICs. This integration offers a level of performance tuning and monitoring that is unparalleled. Unlike competitors who offer either hardware or software solutions in isolation, ATTO Performance Ethernet provides an end-to-end solution at no extra cost to ATTO Ethernet customers. This exclusivity ensures that users can leverage the full potential of their networking hardware, providing a competitive edge in network optimization.
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the value of this product/solution to your customers/partners.
Case Study 1: Very large streaming service provider – Post Production facility
• Situation: Faced with a tight deadline in a competitive bakeoff for a multi-million-dollar project.
• Solution: Utilizing ATTO Performance Ethernet, the setup was completed in under an hour, with ATTO 360's tuning capabilities saving days of optimization time.
• Success: Secured the deal before the competition could fully set up, demonstrating the power and speed of ATTO Performance Ethernet.
Case Study 2: Committee for World Soccer competition
• Situation: Experiencing ongoing network issues that were crippling their ability to use high-cost equipment effectively.
• Solution: By deploying ATTO Performance Ethernet, they quickly resolved a critical networking issue using custom tuning profiles.
• Success: Resulted in customer satisfaction, further orders, and plans for expanding network infrastructure with ATTO solutions.
Case Study 3: A Municipal Water Authority
• Situation: Struggling with a mixed storage environment not performing up to spec due to inadequate network solutions.
• Solution: Transitioned to ATTO Performance Ethernet for immediate performance enhancement.
• Success: Achieved their performance goals, ensuring project completion and stable operations, leading to a satisfied customer.
These case studies highlight the transformative impact of ATTO Performance Ethernet in real-world scenarios, showcasing its ability to deliver superior network performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.
ATTO Performance Ethernet combines the ATTO 360 software with ATTO Fastframe Network Interface Cards (NICs) to deliver a comprehensive network performance solution. Its key features include 60 custom tuning profiles that automatically optimize network configurations for specific workflows and storage systems, such as Dell or NetApp. ATTO 360, integral to ATTO Performance Ethernet, monitors and analyzes thousands of network metrics in real-time and point-in-time, providing actionable insights and advice to resolve bottlenecks and minimize downtime. The unique selling proposition is that this synergy between software and hardware is exclusively designed to elevate network performance to levels not achievable with other solutions.
What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
ATTO Performance Ethernet has redefined network management for its users by drastically simplifying the tuning process, making high-performance networking accessible to all. It has led to significant time savings in network setup and troubleshooting, directly affecting operational efficiency and cost reduction in network maintenance. Customers have experienced enhanced system performance, reliability, and stability, which are critical in demanding sectors like video post-production, data centers, and large-scale scientific research.
What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
The primary differentiator of ATTO Performance Ethernet is its holistic approach, where the ATTO 360 software is engineered to work seamlessly with ATTO Fastframe NICs. This integration offers a level of performance tuning and monitoring that is unparalleled. Unlike competitors who offer either hardware or software solutions in isolation, ATTO Performance Ethernet provides an end-to-end solution at no extra cost to ATTO Ethernet customers. This exclusivity ensures that users can leverage the full potential of their networking hardware, providing a competitive edge in network optimization.
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the value of this product/solution to your customers/partners.
Case Study 1: Very large streaming service provider – Post Production facility
• Situation: Faced with a tight deadline in a competitive bakeoff for a multi-million-dollar project.
• Solution: Utilizing ATTO Performance Ethernet, the setup was completed in under an hour, with ATTO 360's tuning capabilities saving days of optimization time.
• Success: Secured the deal before the competition could fully set up, demonstrating the power and speed of ATTO Performance Ethernet.
Case Study 2: Committee for World Soccer competition
• Situation: Experiencing ongoing network issues that were crippling their ability to use high-cost equipment effectively.
• Solution: By deploying ATTO Performance Ethernet, they quickly resolved a critical networking issue using custom tuning profiles.
• Success: Resulted in customer satisfaction, further orders, and plans for expanding network infrastructure with ATTO solutions.
Case Study 3: A Municipal Water Authority
• Situation: Struggling with a mixed storage environment not performing up to spec due to inadequate network solutions.
• Solution: Transitioned to ATTO Performance Ethernet for immediate performance enhancement.
• Success: Achieved their performance goals, ensuring project completion and stable operations, leading to a satisfied customer.
These case studies highlight the transformative impact of ATTO Performance Ethernet in real-world scenarios, showcasing its ability to deliver superior network performance, reliability, and user satisfaction.
Data Centre ICT Security Innovation of the Year
WINNER
Hornetsecurity
With Hornetsecurity’s 365 Total Backup, customers can relax and automatically protect, back up and restore Microsoft 365 user and group mailboxes, Teams Chats, Planner, OneNote, SharePoint document libraries, OneDrive business accounts.
Hornetsecurity introduced two significant updates to this solution in 2024, both as a free update available to Hornetsecurity customers on both its 365 Total Backup products and 365 Total Protection (Plans 3 and 4).
The scope behind both releases was to provide enhanced data recovery options across the essential M365 applications, by introducing backup and recovery for MS Planner and MS OneNote -- over and above the coverage already provided for Exchange Online, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams. Hornetsecurity was among the first if not the first to do so, further strengthening its comprehensive data protection suite to ensure that partners' and customers' critical business data is secure and easily accessible. Additional new functionality was also provided to provide greater security, flexibility and ease of use.
1) NEW: Backup and recovery support for MS Planner a granular restore option, and four-eye approval was added in August 2024 - https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/365-total-backup-supports-microsoft-planner/:
a) This enhancement followed the roll-out of Microsoft’s Planner function to manage tasks and projects. This broader scope of protection supports GDPR compliance, in addition with eh other M365 areas already covered.
b) The granular restore option empowers administrators to choose multiple restore points. It provides a visual representation of the plan and its evolution within selected timestamps, allowing users to restore specific tasks with ease; this mirrors that of Microsoft Planner for enhanced usability. Additionally, the full restore function allows administrators to restore all plans associated with one or more Microsoft 365 Groups to the same group, a different group, or a zip archive. If an organisation undergoes restructuring, relevant plans can be restored to new groups seamlessly. Restoring to a zip archive allows for easy offline review and long-term archiving. Crucially, disaster recovery can also be performed in the event of a complete loss of plans and boards from Microsoft Planner, minimising downtime and data loss.
c) The release also introduced a new ‘Four-Eye Approval’ feature. This tackles the risk posed by cybercriminals or rogue administrators who can delete all backup data or change important settings for M365 organizations, potentially causing significant damage to businesses. This enhancement also addresses concerns where administrators might accidentally delete backup data or alter critical settings related to data retention without proper oversight.
2) NEW: Backup and recovery support for MS OneNote self-service recovery for end users was added in December 2024 - https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/onenote-backup-self-service-press-release/:
a) Microsoft OneNote backup and recovery functionality enables Hornetsecurity partners and customers to automatically back up their MS OneNote notebooks without having to rely on manual data protection methods. This adds another layer of data protection to organizations, allowing them to easily back up and restore the valuable information stored within OneNote notebooks.
b) The new self-service functionality allows end users to independently recover their mailbox, OneDrive and OneNote data through the Hornetsecurity User Panel, rather than needing to rely on their IT Administrator to do so for them. This addition saves valuable administrator time while empowering end users. End users can now select and recover selected objects or all the data contained within their mailbox, OneDrive account and OneNote as needed. This data is searchable and easily restored, making the process simple for those without formal IT training.
3) Overall, 365 Total Backup’s main features include:
• Automatic backup of M365 data multiple times a day
• Backups are protected from ransomware attacks as well as third party disruptions, as they are stored and secured on Hornetsecurity infrastructure, independent of Microsoft.
• Easy search and recovery
• Hassle-free, unlimited storage
• Centralized management
• Data is stored in local, secured, robust and redundant Hornetsecurity data centers, granting control over data jurisdiction.
• Full control over the storage location and what data is backed up.
• Backups are immutable and cannot be deleted or altered by any external parties. Backup Data deletion can only be affected by administrative accounts within 365 Total Backup itself.
The solution provides these overall benefits:
• Prevent data loss – set your mind at rest and avoid the impact of lost, damaged or deleted M365 data
• Save time and effort – fuss-free, automatic M365 backups: set it and forget it.
• Don’t fall victim to ransom demands – retain access to your backed up data even if you’re the target of a ransomware attack
• Hassle-free, robust data storage - Unlimited storage in our own data centers – no need to set up your own; separate from the Microsoft 365 infrastructure.
• Don't let accidental deletion of M365 data become a problem – Use your backups to fix human errors
• Keep your costs low and predictable - full transparency and an all-inclusive license fee avoids unpleasant surprises.
• Ensure business continuity – keep your business running with easy backup and recovery of your M365 data.
• Be prepared for compliance and legal requirements - find and restore old data easily.
Its USPs include:
• No hidden costs: one all-inclusive fee covering the solution, support round–the- clock and storage: No need to worry what will happen to backed up data if a subscription expires.
• A managed service with our experts actively looking into backup failures and fixing them so the user won’t have to.
• 24/7 support
• Scalable: You can easily scale to tens of thousands of users
• 15 years of experience in data backup and recovery: The expert team behind the product knows exactly how to handle data protection in all aspects, including server needs.
• Control over the data's jurisdiction: There are several regions to choose from where backup data can be stored.
• Ransomware protection.
Hornetsecurity introduced two significant updates to this solution in 2024, both as a free update available to Hornetsecurity customers on both its 365 Total Backup products and 365 Total Protection (Plans 3 and 4).
The scope behind both releases was to provide enhanced data recovery options across the essential M365 applications, by introducing backup and recovery for MS Planner and MS OneNote -- over and above the coverage already provided for Exchange Online, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint Online, and Microsoft Teams. Hornetsecurity was among the first if not the first to do so, further strengthening its comprehensive data protection suite to ensure that partners' and customers' critical business data is secure and easily accessible. Additional new functionality was also provided to provide greater security, flexibility and ease of use.
1) NEW: Backup and recovery support for MS Planner a granular restore option, and four-eye approval was added in August 2024 - https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/365-total-backup-supports-microsoft-planner/:
a) This enhancement followed the roll-out of Microsoft’s Planner function to manage tasks and projects. This broader scope of protection supports GDPR compliance, in addition with eh other M365 areas already covered.
b) The granular restore option empowers administrators to choose multiple restore points. It provides a visual representation of the plan and its evolution within selected timestamps, allowing users to restore specific tasks with ease; this mirrors that of Microsoft Planner for enhanced usability. Additionally, the full restore function allows administrators to restore all plans associated with one or more Microsoft 365 Groups to the same group, a different group, or a zip archive. If an organisation undergoes restructuring, relevant plans can be restored to new groups seamlessly. Restoring to a zip archive allows for easy offline review and long-term archiving. Crucially, disaster recovery can also be performed in the event of a complete loss of plans and boards from Microsoft Planner, minimising downtime and data loss.
c) The release also introduced a new ‘Four-Eye Approval’ feature. This tackles the risk posed by cybercriminals or rogue administrators who can delete all backup data or change important settings for M365 organizations, potentially causing significant damage to businesses. This enhancement also addresses concerns where administrators might accidentally delete backup data or alter critical settings related to data retention without proper oversight.
2) NEW: Backup and recovery support for MS OneNote self-service recovery for end users was added in December 2024 - https://www.hornetsecurity.com/en/blog/onenote-backup-self-service-press-release/:
a) Microsoft OneNote backup and recovery functionality enables Hornetsecurity partners and customers to automatically back up their MS OneNote notebooks without having to rely on manual data protection methods. This adds another layer of data protection to organizations, allowing them to easily back up and restore the valuable information stored within OneNote notebooks.
b) The new self-service functionality allows end users to independently recover their mailbox, OneDrive and OneNote data through the Hornetsecurity User Panel, rather than needing to rely on their IT Administrator to do so for them. This addition saves valuable administrator time while empowering end users. End users can now select and recover selected objects or all the data contained within their mailbox, OneDrive account and OneNote as needed. This data is searchable and easily restored, making the process simple for those without formal IT training.
3) Overall, 365 Total Backup’s main features include:
• Automatic backup of M365 data multiple times a day
• Backups are protected from ransomware attacks as well as third party disruptions, as they are stored and secured on Hornetsecurity infrastructure, independent of Microsoft.
• Easy search and recovery
• Hassle-free, unlimited storage
• Centralized management
• Data is stored in local, secured, robust and redundant Hornetsecurity data centers, granting control over data jurisdiction.
• Full control over the storage location and what data is backed up.
• Backups are immutable and cannot be deleted or altered by any external parties. Backup Data deletion can only be affected by administrative accounts within 365 Total Backup itself.
The solution provides these overall benefits:
• Prevent data loss – set your mind at rest and avoid the impact of lost, damaged or deleted M365 data
• Save time and effort – fuss-free, automatic M365 backups: set it and forget it.
• Don’t fall victim to ransom demands – retain access to your backed up data even if you’re the target of a ransomware attack
• Hassle-free, robust data storage - Unlimited storage in our own data centers – no need to set up your own; separate from the Microsoft 365 infrastructure.
• Don't let accidental deletion of M365 data become a problem – Use your backups to fix human errors
• Keep your costs low and predictable - full transparency and an all-inclusive license fee avoids unpleasant surprises.
• Ensure business continuity – keep your business running with easy backup and recovery of your M365 data.
• Be prepared for compliance and legal requirements - find and restore old data easily.
Its USPs include:
• No hidden costs: one all-inclusive fee covering the solution, support round–the- clock and storage: No need to worry what will happen to backed up data if a subscription expires.
• A managed service with our experts actively looking into backup failures and fixing them so the user won’t have to.
• 24/7 support
• Scalable: You can easily scale to tens of thousands of users
• 15 years of experience in data backup and recovery: The expert team behind the product knows exactly how to handle data protection in all aspects, including server needs.
• Control over the data's jurisdiction: There are several regions to choose from where backup data can be stored.
• Ransomware protection.
RUNNER UP
SecurityWall
In an era where data security is paramount, SLASH emerges as a groundbreaking solution tailored to meet the complex challenges faced by the data centre industry. As a hybrid Penetration Testing as a Service (PTaaS) platform, SLASH revolutionizes how organizations approach cybersecurity by offering an integrated, AI-driven methodology that emphasizes comprehensive security assessments and audits. Our product not only aligns with the industry's shift towards enhanced security measures but also prioritizes sustainability and efficiency.
The data centre landscape has evolved significantly, with the rise of cyber threats prompting a stronger emphasis on security. SLASH stands out by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, including AI and OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), to automate vulnerability assessments and audits. This automation ensures that organizations can proactively identify and mitigate threats before they escalate, thereby safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining operational integrity. Our platform's ability to provide real-time threat intelligence is particularly crucial in today’s fast-paced digital environment, where delays in response can have devastating consequences.
Moreover, SLASH is designed with sustainability in mind. In alignment with global trends towards environmentally responsible practices, our platform employs energy-efficient processes that minimize resource consumption during penetration testing activities. This commitment to sustainability not only enhances the overall operational efficiency of data centres but also supports their goals of achieving carbon neutrality. By optimizing resource use, SLASH helps organizations reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring robust security measures are in place.
Customer success stories further illustrate the impact of SLASH on the data centre industry. Clients who have implemented our solution report a significant reduction in vulnerability response times, improved threat detection capabilities, and a heightened level of confidence in their security posture. By empowering organizations with the tools and insights necessary to combat cyber threats effectively, SLASH not only enhances security but also enables clients to focus on their core business objectives without the constant worry of potential breaches.
In addition to technological innovation, SLASH is built on a foundation of continuous improvement and adaptation. We understand that the cybersecurity landscape is ever-changing, and our platform evolves to meet these shifts. Our commitment to research and development ensures that SLASH remains at the forefront of the industry, incorporating the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity practices.
In conclusion, SLASH is a transformative product that addresses the pressing security needs of the data centre industry while championing sustainability and efficiency. Its unique approach to penetration testing and security auditing positions it as a leader in the field, making it an ideal candidate for the DCS Awards 2025. We believe that the recognition from these prestigious awards will validate our efforts and further inspire our mission to enhance cybersecurity practices globally.
The data centre landscape has evolved significantly, with the rise of cyber threats prompting a stronger emphasis on security. SLASH stands out by incorporating cutting-edge technologies, including AI and OSINT (Open Source Intelligence), to automate vulnerability assessments and audits. This automation ensures that organizations can proactively identify and mitigate threats before they escalate, thereby safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining operational integrity. Our platform's ability to provide real-time threat intelligence is particularly crucial in today’s fast-paced digital environment, where delays in response can have devastating consequences.
Moreover, SLASH is designed with sustainability in mind. In alignment with global trends towards environmentally responsible practices, our platform employs energy-efficient processes that minimize resource consumption during penetration testing activities. This commitment to sustainability not only enhances the overall operational efficiency of data centres but also supports their goals of achieving carbon neutrality. By optimizing resource use, SLASH helps organizations reduce their carbon footprint while ensuring robust security measures are in place.
Customer success stories further illustrate the impact of SLASH on the data centre industry. Clients who have implemented our solution report a significant reduction in vulnerability response times, improved threat detection capabilities, and a heightened level of confidence in their security posture. By empowering organizations with the tools and insights necessary to combat cyber threats effectively, SLASH not only enhances security but also enables clients to focus on their core business objectives without the constant worry of potential breaches.
In addition to technological innovation, SLASH is built on a foundation of continuous improvement and adaptation. We understand that the cybersecurity landscape is ever-changing, and our platform evolves to meet these shifts. Our commitment to research and development ensures that SLASH remains at the forefront of the industry, incorporating the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity practices.
In conclusion, SLASH is a transformative product that addresses the pressing security needs of the data centre industry while championing sustainability and efficiency. Its unique approach to penetration testing and security auditing positions it as a leader in the field, making it an ideal candidate for the DCS Awards 2025. We believe that the recognition from these prestigious awards will validate our efforts and further inspire our mission to enhance cybersecurity practices globally.
Data Centre ICT Storage Innovation of the Year
WINNER
Geyser Data
Geyser Data is revolutionizing cloud archive storage with its pioneering Tape-as-a-Service (TaaS) model, bringing cost-effective, sustainable, and highly secure storage to data centers and enterprises worldwide. Unlike traditional cloud storage solutions that rely on expensive spinning disks, Geyser Data leverages Linear Tape-Open (LTO) technology to provide low-cost, high-durability, and energy-efficient data archiving. This innovative approach drastically reduces storage costs while maintaining the integrity and accessibility of archived data.
Key Distinguishing Features and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Geyser Data’s Cloud Tape Library is the first fully managed tape-based archival storage service, offering seamless S3-compatible connectivity and integrating into existing cloud workflows without requiring changes to customers' applications. Key distinguishing features include:
Extreme Cost Efficiency: Geyser Data price is nearly 50% lower than conventional cloud archive storage options and has no egress nor data retrieval fees.
Seamless S3-Compatible Connectivity: No application changes required.
Dedicated Tapes per customer: Each Cloud Tape Library has their own dedicated Tapes, for maximum security and performance. The customer can request their Tapes at the end of the service.
Air Gap Security: A unique Air Gap feature allows customers to disconnect their Cloud Tape Library from the internet, preventing ransomware attacks and data breaches.
Significant Power and Carbon Footprint Reduction: Compared to disk-based cloud storage, tape-based archiving uses significantly less energy (nearly 87% lower power consumption), making it the most eco-friendly long-term storage solution. In particular in an era of AI where the data centers are challenged by the power hungry GPUs, Geyser Data provides a way to store data at very little power comsumption.
Tangible Market and Customer Impact
Our customers—ranging from media & entertainment, healthcare, and financial services—have benefited from 80% cost savings on long-term data storage and have enhanced cyber resilience with our Air Gap technology. We forged strategic alliances with Digital Realty, Wasabi and Spectra Logic.
A recent case study from a leading digital media company showed a 70% reduction in cloud storage expenses by transitioning archival content from AWS Glacier to Geyser Data’s Cloud Tape Library. The company’s retrieval speeds remained within SLA parameters, proving that tape storage can be both cost-effective and operationally viable for large-scale data retention.
Major Differentiators from Competitors
Lower Cost than AWS Glacier & Azure Archive: Unlike those cloud options, which charges additional fees for retrieval and egress fees, Geyser Data provides a predictable, flat-rate pricing model without hidden fees.
Better Security: Our Air Gap feature uniquely safeguards against cyber threats, unlike competitors who rely solely on encryption.
No Capex, less Opez: Unlike traditional tape solutions requiring on-premises hardware, Geyser Data is a cloud solution, pay on demand and without the customer to manage Tape Libraries.
Endorsements
Geyser Data was selected by CRN as one of the Hot Storage startups of 2024
Geyser this year came to market with its Geyser Tape-as-a-Service Archive, a multi-tenant application which gives businesses the ability to store their S3-compatible backup and archive data which would normally go to tape on the cloud using Azure or AWS. Stored data is air-gapped for ransomware protection. However, unlike leading archive technologies AWS S3 Glacier or Azure Blob, Geyser’s service has no restore or egress fees. The company’s technology was developed jointly with Spectra Logic, and is integrated with Spectra Logic's Tape Archive Platform.
Key Distinguishing Features and Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
Geyser Data’s Cloud Tape Library is the first fully managed tape-based archival storage service, offering seamless S3-compatible connectivity and integrating into existing cloud workflows without requiring changes to customers' applications. Key distinguishing features include:
Extreme Cost Efficiency: Geyser Data price is nearly 50% lower than conventional cloud archive storage options and has no egress nor data retrieval fees.
Seamless S3-Compatible Connectivity: No application changes required.
Dedicated Tapes per customer: Each Cloud Tape Library has their own dedicated Tapes, for maximum security and performance. The customer can request their Tapes at the end of the service.
Air Gap Security: A unique Air Gap feature allows customers to disconnect their Cloud Tape Library from the internet, preventing ransomware attacks and data breaches.
Significant Power and Carbon Footprint Reduction: Compared to disk-based cloud storage, tape-based archiving uses significantly less energy (nearly 87% lower power consumption), making it the most eco-friendly long-term storage solution. In particular in an era of AI where the data centers are challenged by the power hungry GPUs, Geyser Data provides a way to store data at very little power comsumption.
Tangible Market and Customer Impact
Our customers—ranging from media & entertainment, healthcare, and financial services—have benefited from 80% cost savings on long-term data storage and have enhanced cyber resilience with our Air Gap technology. We forged strategic alliances with Digital Realty, Wasabi and Spectra Logic.
A recent case study from a leading digital media company showed a 70% reduction in cloud storage expenses by transitioning archival content from AWS Glacier to Geyser Data’s Cloud Tape Library. The company’s retrieval speeds remained within SLA parameters, proving that tape storage can be both cost-effective and operationally viable for large-scale data retention.
Major Differentiators from Competitors
Lower Cost than AWS Glacier & Azure Archive: Unlike those cloud options, which charges additional fees for retrieval and egress fees, Geyser Data provides a predictable, flat-rate pricing model without hidden fees.
Better Security: Our Air Gap feature uniquely safeguards against cyber threats, unlike competitors who rely solely on encryption.
No Capex, less Opez: Unlike traditional tape solutions requiring on-premises hardware, Geyser Data is a cloud solution, pay on demand and without the customer to manage Tape Libraries.
Endorsements
Geyser Data was selected by CRN as one of the Hot Storage startups of 2024
Geyser this year came to market with its Geyser Tape-as-a-Service Archive, a multi-tenant application which gives businesses the ability to store their S3-compatible backup and archive data which would normally go to tape on the cloud using Azure or AWS. Stored data is air-gapped for ransomware protection. However, unlike leading archive technologies AWS S3 Glacier or Azure Blob, Geyser’s service has no restore or egress fees. The company’s technology was developed jointly with Spectra Logic, and is integrated with Spectra Logic's Tape Archive Platform.
RUNNER UP
PeaSoup Cloud
Liquid S3 Compatible Storage – Unparalleled Performance, Efficiency, Reliability and Sustainability for Less
The new S3 compatible storage service from liquid immersion cooled data centres delivers cost-effective cloud object storage and seamless API integration while significantly enhancing performance, efficiency, and sustainability. PeaSoup “S3” innovatively utilises spinning hard drives submerged in cooling liquid to maximise performance, reliability and sustainability. This technology efficiently dissipates heat generated by the storage hardware, eliminating the need for large, power-hungry air conditioning systems. The result is a reduction in cooling energy consumption by up to 40%, significantly lowering the overall energy costs for our customers. This cooling method mitigates hard drive failures normally associated with environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and vibrations. As a rule of thumb, for every five degrees above 40 Celsius, the failure increases by approximately 30%.
Martin Bradburn, CEO of PeaSoup, said: “One of PeaSoup’s mottos is to constantly evolve, providing better services to our client. S3 compatible object storage service reimagined with liquid immersion technology provides just that, and it’s a perfect solution to disrupt the UK cloud storage market. Our investment in environmentally friendly services allows us to reach new and existing organisations seeking a low carbon footprint, low-cost storage cloud service. Our new S3 service provides our clients with easy-to-integrate and consume, resilient and UK-based cloud storage. Green (sustainable) cloud storage is a fast-growing sector in the already fast and ever-expanding cloud market, fuelled further by the rapid growth of AI applications.”
The new S3 compatible service provides at least 30% saving of power, increases reliability and performance from a modern liquid immersion technology, and is up to 90% more cost-effective compared to US-based cloud providers like Azure and Google.
Key Distinguishing Features and Unique Selling Points (USPs)
PeaSoup’s S3-compatible storage solution represents a paradigm shift in data centre storage innovation. It is the UK’s first S3 cloud storage solution to use liquid immersion cooling technology and spinning helium-filled hard drives. This new approach ensures improved hardware performance, efficiency, environmental sustainability, and low costs, delivering significant benefits to end-users.
1. Liquid Immersion Cooling
Unlike traditional air-cooled storage systems, PeaSoup’s liquid immersion cooling reduces drive temperatures by up to 20%. Therefore, it contributes to longer hardware lifespans (up to 40% improvement) and greater reliability. Additionally, this technology eliminates the need for fans, reducing noise and maintenance costs.
2. Enhanced Durability and Security
With a 99.999999% durability, PeaSoup’s storage solution offers superior data resilience. Key features such as encryption and object lock ensure compliance with stringent regulations while protecting against data corruption, ransomware, and unauthorised modifications.
3. Sustainability Focus
Sustainability is a core component. Liquid immersion cooling not only improves the performance and longevity of electronic components but also reduces energy consumption by up to 40%, aligning with the net-zero goals of modern businesses. By adopting liquid immersion cooling, the storage solution significantly lowers its carbon footprint compared to traditional air-cooled setups.
4. Scalability and Flexibility
The S3 protocol compatibility allows seamless integration with existing workflows and software, enabling businesses to scale their storage needs efficiently and on demand, whether for small-scale one-terabyte applications or petabyte-level operations.
Tangible Market and Customer Impact
PeaSoup’s S3-compatible storage has redefined what customers can expect from cloud storage in terms of performance, reliability, and sustainability.
1. Customer Cost Savings:
• With PeaSoup, customers can benefit from 90% cheaper pricing than AWS without compromising on performance and quality. Compared to other S3 storage providers, PeaSoup billing is transparent and simple to understand.
• Reduced hardware failures have decreased replacement and maintenance costs by at least 25%.
• Clients can expect energy savings of up to 30% due to the system’s efficient cooling design.
2. Data Integrity and Security:
• The object lock feature (immutability) ensures regulatory compliance for highly secured industries such as healthcare and finance, enabling clients to meet audit requirements seamlessly. Our customer, a legal firm, highlighted the importance of this feature in safeguarding sensitive contracts and providing peace of mind against accidental or malicious alterations.
• Data is protected both in transit and at rest, ensuring that it remains safe from unauthorised access.
• Data is stored in Tier 3 aligned data centres with physical and biometric security. All transfers are secured with the TLS protocol and offer encryption at rest.
3. Enhanced Sustainability:
• By lowering cooling energy requirements, PeaSoup’s solution has directly contributed to reducing its customers’ carbon footprints. A financial company leveraging 1PB of storage achieved a reduction of 45 tons of CO₂ annually, significantly improving their ESG metrics.
Major Differentiators from Competitors
PeaSoup’s S3-compatible storage solution stands apart in a competitive market due to the following differentiators:
1. Liquid Immersion Cooling
Competitors largely rely on traditional air-cooled systems, which are less efficient and prone to higher failure rates due to thermal fluctuations. PeaSoup’s solution ensures consistent temperature regulation, improving overall system performance and longevity.
2. End-to-End UK Compliance
Many competitors store data across international boundaries, creating potential compliance risks for customers. PeaSoup’s UK-based storage ensures adherence to GDPR and avoids complexities around international data transfers.
3. Customer-Centric Design
PeaSoup’s pay-as-you-go pricing model and scalability empower businesses to manage costs effectively. This contrasts with competitors who often impose rigid pricing structures or excessive charges for egress, ingress and scaling.
4. Green Credentials
Sustainability is a key differentiator. While some competitors claim green practices, PeaSoup’s use of liquid immersion cooling - an industry-first for this application—provides measurable environmental benefits. This innovation resonates with customers seeking to align IT strategies with their sustainability goals.
Supportive Quotes and Case Studies
Case Study: Healthcare Provider A large NHS provider with over 200TB of sensitive data using new PeaSoup storage. The provider needed a solution to ensure compliance with data retention laws while minimising operational costs. By leveraging PeaSoup’s object lock feature, they achieved full WORM compliance, preventing unauthorised modifications. Additionally, energy savings of 25% contributed to significant cost reductions, allowing the firm to reinvest in other areas of its IT infrastructure.
Case Study: Financial Services A financial services provider handling petabytes of transactional data adopted PeaSoup’s S3-compatible storage to meet their scalability and security needs. The pay-as-you-go model allowed them to scale efficiently during peak periods without incurring unnecessary costs. Furthermore, the system’s reliability reduced downtime to nearly zero, enhancing customer trust.
The new S3 compatible storage service from liquid immersion cooled data centres delivers cost-effective cloud object storage and seamless API integration while significantly enhancing performance, efficiency, and sustainability. PeaSoup “S3” innovatively utilises spinning hard drives submerged in cooling liquid to maximise performance, reliability and sustainability. This technology efficiently dissipates heat generated by the storage hardware, eliminating the need for large, power-hungry air conditioning systems. The result is a reduction in cooling energy consumption by up to 40%, significantly lowering the overall energy costs for our customers. This cooling method mitigates hard drive failures normally associated with environmental factors such as temperature, humidity and vibrations. As a rule of thumb, for every five degrees above 40 Celsius, the failure increases by approximately 30%.
Martin Bradburn, CEO of PeaSoup, said: “One of PeaSoup’s mottos is to constantly evolve, providing better services to our client. S3 compatible object storage service reimagined with liquid immersion technology provides just that, and it’s a perfect solution to disrupt the UK cloud storage market. Our investment in environmentally friendly services allows us to reach new and existing organisations seeking a low carbon footprint, low-cost storage cloud service. Our new S3 service provides our clients with easy-to-integrate and consume, resilient and UK-based cloud storage. Green (sustainable) cloud storage is a fast-growing sector in the already fast and ever-expanding cloud market, fuelled further by the rapid growth of AI applications.”
The new S3 compatible service provides at least 30% saving of power, increases reliability and performance from a modern liquid immersion technology, and is up to 90% more cost-effective compared to US-based cloud providers like Azure and Google.
Key Distinguishing Features and Unique Selling Points (USPs)
PeaSoup’s S3-compatible storage solution represents a paradigm shift in data centre storage innovation. It is the UK’s first S3 cloud storage solution to use liquid immersion cooling technology and spinning helium-filled hard drives. This new approach ensures improved hardware performance, efficiency, environmental sustainability, and low costs, delivering significant benefits to end-users.
1. Liquid Immersion Cooling
Unlike traditional air-cooled storage systems, PeaSoup’s liquid immersion cooling reduces drive temperatures by up to 20%. Therefore, it contributes to longer hardware lifespans (up to 40% improvement) and greater reliability. Additionally, this technology eliminates the need for fans, reducing noise and maintenance costs.
2. Enhanced Durability and Security
With a 99.999999% durability, PeaSoup’s storage solution offers superior data resilience. Key features such as encryption and object lock ensure compliance with stringent regulations while protecting against data corruption, ransomware, and unauthorised modifications.
3. Sustainability Focus
Sustainability is a core component. Liquid immersion cooling not only improves the performance and longevity of electronic components but also reduces energy consumption by up to 40%, aligning with the net-zero goals of modern businesses. By adopting liquid immersion cooling, the storage solution significantly lowers its carbon footprint compared to traditional air-cooled setups.
4. Scalability and Flexibility
The S3 protocol compatibility allows seamless integration with existing workflows and software, enabling businesses to scale their storage needs efficiently and on demand, whether for small-scale one-terabyte applications or petabyte-level operations.
Tangible Market and Customer Impact
PeaSoup’s S3-compatible storage has redefined what customers can expect from cloud storage in terms of performance, reliability, and sustainability.
1. Customer Cost Savings:
• With PeaSoup, customers can benefit from 90% cheaper pricing than AWS without compromising on performance and quality. Compared to other S3 storage providers, PeaSoup billing is transparent and simple to understand.
• Reduced hardware failures have decreased replacement and maintenance costs by at least 25%.
• Clients can expect energy savings of up to 30% due to the system’s efficient cooling design.
2. Data Integrity and Security:
• The object lock feature (immutability) ensures regulatory compliance for highly secured industries such as healthcare and finance, enabling clients to meet audit requirements seamlessly. Our customer, a legal firm, highlighted the importance of this feature in safeguarding sensitive contracts and providing peace of mind against accidental or malicious alterations.
• Data is protected both in transit and at rest, ensuring that it remains safe from unauthorised access.
• Data is stored in Tier 3 aligned data centres with physical and biometric security. All transfers are secured with the TLS protocol and offer encryption at rest.
3. Enhanced Sustainability:
• By lowering cooling energy requirements, PeaSoup’s solution has directly contributed to reducing its customers’ carbon footprints. A financial company leveraging 1PB of storage achieved a reduction of 45 tons of CO₂ annually, significantly improving their ESG metrics.
Major Differentiators from Competitors
PeaSoup’s S3-compatible storage solution stands apart in a competitive market due to the following differentiators:
1. Liquid Immersion Cooling
Competitors largely rely on traditional air-cooled systems, which are less efficient and prone to higher failure rates due to thermal fluctuations. PeaSoup’s solution ensures consistent temperature regulation, improving overall system performance and longevity.
2. End-to-End UK Compliance
Many competitors store data across international boundaries, creating potential compliance risks for customers. PeaSoup’s UK-based storage ensures adherence to GDPR and avoids complexities around international data transfers.
3. Customer-Centric Design
PeaSoup’s pay-as-you-go pricing model and scalability empower businesses to manage costs effectively. This contrasts with competitors who often impose rigid pricing structures or excessive charges for egress, ingress and scaling.
4. Green Credentials
Sustainability is a key differentiator. While some competitors claim green practices, PeaSoup’s use of liquid immersion cooling - an industry-first for this application—provides measurable environmental benefits. This innovation resonates with customers seeking to align IT strategies with their sustainability goals.
Supportive Quotes and Case Studies
Case Study: Healthcare Provider A large NHS provider with over 200TB of sensitive data using new PeaSoup storage. The provider needed a solution to ensure compliance with data retention laws while minimising operational costs. By leveraging PeaSoup’s object lock feature, they achieved full WORM compliance, preventing unauthorised modifications. Additionally, energy savings of 25% contributed to significant cost reductions, allowing the firm to reinvest in other areas of its IT infrastructure.
Case Study: Financial Services A financial services provider handling petabytes of transactional data adopted PeaSoup’s S3-compatible storage to meet their scalability and security needs. The pay-as-you-go model allowed them to scale efficiently during peak periods without incurring unnecessary costs. Furthermore, the system’s reliability reduced downtime to nearly zero, enhancing customer trust.
Data Centre ICT Systems Vendor of the Year
WINNER
Hubnetix
Category: Data Centre ICT Systems Vendor of the Year Award Company: HUBNETIX Inroduction A highly reliable and reputed global manufacturer of Structured Cabling Systems, Network Cabinets and Racks, Active Devices, UPS Systems and Security Surveillance products. HUBNETIX is focused on delivering superior quality, maximum performance and highly reliable products and solutions. Over the years, following expansion into the markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, the company has established its reputation by continuously focusing on the key industrial sectors -; ICT, system integrators, contractors, government, healthcare, production, education, commercial enterprises, manufacturing, retail and services, public sector and transport, financial services, media, technology and energy. Our end-to-end solutions strategy gives customers the flexibility to deploy HUBNETIX products for projects of all sizes. HUBNETIX specializes in delivering superior technology products and solutions to clients using the latest innovations in the industry combined with solid technical expertise. We pay attention to our clients and their needs and deliver to them products to meet those needs. Through our professional approach, our number of partnerships and accreditations held, HUBNETIX has developed a strong reputation with clients, which encourages us to continually improve the product portfolio and solutions that we deliver to customers and thus expand our business. It is our goal at HUBNETIX to deliver clients with a single point of contact for the five major comprehensive line of products -; Structured cabling systems, Cabinets and Racks, Active devices like Switches and Routers, UPS systems, Security and Video surveillance products -; progressively interfaced with each other. Key Distinguishing Features and USP: HUBNETIX stands out in the fiercely competitive market of data centre ICT systems vendors due to its unique set of distinguishing features and USPs: Comprehensive Solutions: HUBNETIX offers end-to-end solutions covering networking, security, storage, and management, providing customers with a holistic approach to their data centre needs. Scalability and Flexibility: Our products are designed to seamlessly scale with evolving business requirements, ensuring maximum adaptability and flexibility for our customers as they grow. Cutting-edge Technology: At HUBNETIX, we prioritize innovation and invest significantly in research and development, resulting in state-of-the-art technologies that empower our customers to stay ahead in the competitive landscape. Sustainability Focus: We are deeply committed to sustainability, evident in our eco-friendly product design and manufacturing processes, aligning with our customers' environmental goals. Tangible Impact on Market and Customers: HUBNETIX has made a tangible impact on the market and our customers through: •;; Increased Efficiency: Our solutions have optimized data centre operations for customers, leading to significant cost savings and operational efficiency improvements. •;; Enhanced Security: Customers rely on our advanced security offerings to protect their critical data and infrastructure against evolving cyber threats. •;; Improved Performance: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies, customers have experienced enhanced performance and reliability in their data center environments. •;; Seamless Integration: Our solutions seamlessly integrate with existing infrastructure, minimizing disruption and downtime for our customers. •;; Now we are planning to participate in Saudi';s giga projects like NEOM, The Line, Red sea global etc as a part of Saudi government';s Vision 2030. Major Differentiators from Competitors: HUBNETIX differentiates itself from competitors through: •;; Innovation: Our relentless focus on innovation enables us to offer cutting-edge solutions that outperform traditional offerings in the market. •;; Customer-Centric Approach: We prioritize the needs and goals of our customers, building long-lasting partnerships based on trust and mutual success. •;; Comprehensive Solutions: Unlike competitors offering fragmented solutions, HUBNETIX provides end-to-end offerings covering the entire spectrum of data center ICT systems. •;; Sustainability: Our commitment to sustainability not only sets us apart from competitors but also resonates with customers who prioritize environmental responsibility. In conclusion, HUBNETIX's relentless commitment to innovation,and sustainability make us a deserving candidate for the Data Centre ICT Systems Vendor of the Year Award. Our track record of delivering tangible results and driving positive change in the market solidifies our position as a leader in the industry.
RUNNER UP
METCLOUD
METCLOUD is a multi-award-winning provider of Private and Hybrid Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Managed Support Services. Our platform harnesses sophisticated cyber defence, surveillance, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Machine Learning (ML) technologies to deliver unparalleled service and protection.
In today's modern economy, data drives competitive advantage. Businesses need to move with speed and agility to build new capabilities and bring products and services to market faster. To succeed, they require advanced cloud computing technology, AI/ML, and data analytics to derive the insights that power innovation and revenue growth. METCLOUD is designed to meet these needs, offering a comprehensive suite of services that ensure your business can thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Our cloud solutions provide the flexibility and scalability necessary for businesses to adapt and grow. Whether you need a private cloud, a hybrid setup, or a bespoke solution tailored to your unique requirements, METCLOUD has you covered. Our expertise in cloud computing ensures that your data is always accessible, secure, and optimised for performance.
Cybersecurity is at the heart of what we do. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, it's crucial to have a robust defence in place. METCLOUD employs state-of-the-art cyber defence mechanisms and continuous surveillance to protect your data and systems. Our AI and ML technologies enhance these capabilities by identifying and responding to threats in real time, ensuring that your business is always one step ahead of potential risks.
In addition to our cloud and cybersecurity services, METCLOUD offers comprehensive managed support to keep your operations running smoothly. Our team of experts is available around the clock to provide assistance, ensuring that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. This proactive approach minimises downtime and maximises productivity, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
Digital operational resilience is imperative to ensure uninterrupted services. METCLOUD has been architected to provide not only high performance but also business continuity, disaster recovery, and comprehensive cybersecurity. Our solutions are designed to withstand disruptions and keep your business running, no matter what challenges you face.
Furthermore, METCLOUD's platform integrates seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure, enabling smooth transitions and minimal disruption. Our scalable solutions grow with your business, adapting to changing needs and ensuring that you always have the resources you need to succeed.
In today's modern economy, data drives competitive advantage. Businesses need to move with speed and agility to build new capabilities and bring products and services to market faster. To succeed, they require advanced cloud computing technology, AI/ML, and data analytics to derive the insights that power innovation and revenue growth. METCLOUD is designed to meet these needs, offering a comprehensive suite of services that ensure your business can thrive in a rapidly changing environment.
Our cloud solutions provide the flexibility and scalability necessary for businesses to adapt and grow. Whether you need a private cloud, a hybrid setup, or a bespoke solution tailored to your unique requirements, METCLOUD has you covered. Our expertise in cloud computing ensures that your data is always accessible, secure, and optimised for performance.
Cybersecurity is at the heart of what we do. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, it's crucial to have a robust defence in place. METCLOUD employs state-of-the-art cyber defence mechanisms and continuous surveillance to protect your data and systems. Our AI and ML technologies enhance these capabilities by identifying and responding to threats in real time, ensuring that your business is always one step ahead of potential risks.
In addition to our cloud and cybersecurity services, METCLOUD offers comprehensive managed support to keep your operations running smoothly. Our team of experts is available around the clock to provide assistance, ensuring that any issues are resolved quickly and efficiently. This proactive approach minimises downtime and maximises productivity, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.
Digital operational resilience is imperative to ensure uninterrupted services. METCLOUD has been architected to provide not only high performance but also business continuity, disaster recovery, and comprehensive cybersecurity. Our solutions are designed to withstand disruptions and keep your business running, no matter what challenges you face.
Furthermore, METCLOUD's platform integrates seamlessly with your existing IT infrastructure, enabling smooth transitions and minimal disruption. Our scalable solutions grow with your business, adapting to changing needs and ensuring that you always have the resources you need to succeed.
Data Centre Industry Contribution of the Year
WINNER
Andy Hirst
Andy Hirst began his Sudlows career as an Electrical Manager and has since progressed through the business. In 2018 Andy was promoted to his current role of Managing Director of Critical Infrastructures, a role that involves overseeing the division in its entirety. Having over 40 years’ worth of experience in the electrical industry, Andy has been instrumental in transforming Sudlows from a £2m data cabling company to a multi-award winning £60m Data Centre infrastructure design and build company and continues to work closely with his fellow Directors to define the growth strategy and commercial direction of the business.
Andy has achieved several industry and business accolades including being named among the top most influential people in the technology, media & telecoms sector by ‘Insider’ magazine, and has also been awarded the ‘Inspiration Award’ at the Networking Computing Awards in 2019, 2022 and 2024, was awarded ‘Business Person of the Year’ at the Oldham Business Awards in 2019 and 2023, awarded the DCS Award for ‘Data Centre Industry Contribution of the Year’ in 2020, 2021, and again in 2022. Andy was also privileged to win the ‘Outstanding Contributor to the Industry’ award at the Electrical Review and Data Centre Review Excellence Awards in 2023.
Andy has played a critical role in the championing of energy efficiency and sustainability in the Data Centre industry, which attracted attention from a number of key trade event organisers across Singapore and Dubai, resulting in Sudlows being awarded, and successfully delivering Data Centre projects in multiple regions such as Dubai, Turkey, Saudi, Mumbai, and Africa to name just a few, leading Andy to open Sudlows’ first international office in Dubai in 2014, followed by an Indian office which was opened in 2020 with Singapore and Africa following.
Playing a crucial role as a mentor for Sudlows’ Design and Engineering Teams, Andy has helped Sudlows’ employees achieve some of the industry’s highest accolades including an IET Technician of the Year and a Young Mission Critical Engineer of the Year and most recently a Data Centre Solutions award for ‘Data Centre Engineer of the Year’. He has also trained, registered, and has been an IET mentor for eight years, taking an active part in mentoring young Engineers across the industry for the IET to work with them to receive incorporated status.
Andy is a committed and active participant in the Data Centre community, for example, Andy was Chairman for the ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) for over eight years and has sat on multiple steering committees in the UK focusing on energy efficiency and ‘green’ Data Centres. Andy has also worked with the ECA to look at and promote gender diversity, upskilling and certifications along with quality standards within the mission critical sector.
Andy is also committed to continuous professional development within the industry and is an ambassador for raising technical standards within the industry and as a result has achieved numerous professional qualifications and accreditations including his Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer status, CDCDP (Certified Data Centre Design Professional), TIA942 designers course, HNC Building Services Engineering, HNC Electrical Engineering and has been an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) for a number of years. He is also a fellow of the IET (FIET). Andy has recently become one of the first people to achieve a Masters Degree in Data Centre Leadership and Management.
Andy’s critical contribution has ensured that strategic growth is planned and controlled with significant investment in sourcing a high standard of Engineers and Designers in all disciplines around the Data Centre environment.
This long-term investment and managed growth has produced a Data Centre Team that consisted of just one person 20 years ago, into an award winning division of 40 dedicated Designers, Planners and Specialists who manage over 150 Site Engineers.
Andy has also been key in developing opportunities not only for Sudlows, but also on behalf of the UK Data Centre industry as a whole, in international markets. Although the UK data centre market has seen significant growth over recent years, the global market opportunities have potential to grow exponentially.
Andy has been profiled in several industry publications over the last year including being named by the “Insider” magazine as one of the top 33 most influential people in the technology, media & telecoms sector alongside well-known industry figures such as Richard Tang, owner of Zen Internet and Stephen Wild, Managing Director of Media City. Andy also makes regular contributions to industry publications and is regularly invited to share his leadership thoughts and opinions on the latest data centre industry trends, most notably in the publication Inside_Networks.
On an academic level, Andy researches new green technologies especially focused on the field of carbon reduction. His ambition is to constantly improve efficiencies and resilience around critical data centre products.
Due to the concerns regarding the need to improve global carbon omissions, Andy has introduced a Sustainability Department at Sudlows to investigate and incorporate sustainable technologies. Along with this, Andy decided he wished to better understand how he can support this global issue. This led to Andy enrolling in a Masters degree in Sustainable Development at the University of Sussex, which he has just completed.
Andy has also recently been working with universities and colleges to promote Data Centre engineering in the curriculum to help support the future of the Data Centre industry.
It would be a great honour for Andy to win this award and to have his achievements and commitments to the Data Centre industry recognised at an awards dedicated to what he is so passionate about.
Andy has achieved several industry and business accolades including being named among the top most influential people in the technology, media & telecoms sector by ‘Insider’ magazine, and has also been awarded the ‘Inspiration Award’ at the Networking Computing Awards in 2019, 2022 and 2024, was awarded ‘Business Person of the Year’ at the Oldham Business Awards in 2019 and 2023, awarded the DCS Award for ‘Data Centre Industry Contribution of the Year’ in 2020, 2021, and again in 2022. Andy was also privileged to win the ‘Outstanding Contributor to the Industry’ award at the Electrical Review and Data Centre Review Excellence Awards in 2023.
Andy has played a critical role in the championing of energy efficiency and sustainability in the Data Centre industry, which attracted attention from a number of key trade event organisers across Singapore and Dubai, resulting in Sudlows being awarded, and successfully delivering Data Centre projects in multiple regions such as Dubai, Turkey, Saudi, Mumbai, and Africa to name just a few, leading Andy to open Sudlows’ first international office in Dubai in 2014, followed by an Indian office which was opened in 2020 with Singapore and Africa following.
Playing a crucial role as a mentor for Sudlows’ Design and Engineering Teams, Andy has helped Sudlows’ employees achieve some of the industry’s highest accolades including an IET Technician of the Year and a Young Mission Critical Engineer of the Year and most recently a Data Centre Solutions award for ‘Data Centre Engineer of the Year’. He has also trained, registered, and has been an IET mentor for eight years, taking an active part in mentoring young Engineers across the industry for the IET to work with them to receive incorporated status.
Andy is a committed and active participant in the Data Centre community, for example, Andy was Chairman for the ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) for over eight years and has sat on multiple steering committees in the UK focusing on energy efficiency and ‘green’ Data Centres. Andy has also worked with the ECA to look at and promote gender diversity, upskilling and certifications along with quality standards within the mission critical sector.
Andy is also committed to continuous professional development within the industry and is an ambassador for raising technical standards within the industry and as a result has achieved numerous professional qualifications and accreditations including his Uptime Institute Accredited Tier Designer status, CDCDP (Certified Data Centre Design Professional), TIA942 designers course, HNC Building Services Engineering, HNC Electrical Engineering and has been an Incorporated Engineer (IEng) for a number of years. He is also a fellow of the IET (FIET). Andy has recently become one of the first people to achieve a Masters Degree in Data Centre Leadership and Management.
Andy’s critical contribution has ensured that strategic growth is planned and controlled with significant investment in sourcing a high standard of Engineers and Designers in all disciplines around the Data Centre environment.
This long-term investment and managed growth has produced a Data Centre Team that consisted of just one person 20 years ago, into an award winning division of 40 dedicated Designers, Planners and Specialists who manage over 150 Site Engineers.
Andy has also been key in developing opportunities not only for Sudlows, but also on behalf of the UK Data Centre industry as a whole, in international markets. Although the UK data centre market has seen significant growth over recent years, the global market opportunities have potential to grow exponentially.
Andy has been profiled in several industry publications over the last year including being named by the “Insider” magazine as one of the top 33 most influential people in the technology, media & telecoms sector alongside well-known industry figures such as Richard Tang, owner of Zen Internet and Stephen Wild, Managing Director of Media City. Andy also makes regular contributions to industry publications and is regularly invited to share his leadership thoughts and opinions on the latest data centre industry trends, most notably in the publication Inside_Networks.
On an academic level, Andy researches new green technologies especially focused on the field of carbon reduction. His ambition is to constantly improve efficiencies and resilience around critical data centre products.
Due to the concerns regarding the need to improve global carbon omissions, Andy has introduced a Sustainability Department at Sudlows to investigate and incorporate sustainable technologies. Along with this, Andy decided he wished to better understand how he can support this global issue. This led to Andy enrolling in a Masters degree in Sustainable Development at the University of Sussex, which he has just completed.
Andy has also recently been working with universities and colleges to promote Data Centre engineering in the curriculum to help support the future of the Data Centre industry.
It would be a great honour for Andy to win this award and to have his achievements and commitments to the Data Centre industry recognised at an awards dedicated to what he is so passionate about.
RUNNER UP
Barbara Sacha
Barbara Sacha, a Partner at Cundall in the critical systems team, has made significant contributions to the data centre industry through her engineering projects and ongoing advocacy for diversity and inclusion. With an academic background in Mechanical Building Services Engineering (MEng) and Environmental Technology Engineering (MSc), Barbara has developed a holistic approach to project management, consistently demonstrating leadership and initiative.
Barbara’s technical expertise and project management skills have helped her to successfully lead and deliver numerous hyperscale data centre projects across Europe in the UK, Sweden, Spain, Poland, and most recently as a Partner on a 1GW scale campus. Her ability to organise and coordinate complex projects, manage large teams, and work collaboratively with external stakeholders has been key to her success. At Cundall, she established and leads the design management team dedicated to data centres, driving innovation and sustainability throughout project delivery. Her efforts have furthered the efficient delivery of data centre projects and enhanced Cundall’s presence in the European market as a trusted advisor to its clients.
One of Barbara’s notable achievements this year is establishing FWD (Forum for Women in Data Centres). This community promotes gender diversity in the data centre sector. Frustrated by the gender imbalance in the industry, Barbara took action to create this inclusive space, reaching out and collaborating with peers across the industry. FWD provides a comfortable networking environment for women at all levels, fostering meaningful connections to support gender diversity. These networking events have been well-received, and the group’s size continues growing with the linkedIn group reaching over 500 members. Barbara’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion has made her a role model in the industry, and her continued mentorship is helping to bridge the gender gap that remains in this sector.
Barbara’s leadership style focuses on client and mentee care, characterised by effective communication and a design to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients. Her approach empowers her team to promote competence, diligence, and project quality while ensuring speed in delivery. Her technical skills and project management experience have earned her clients’ trust, facilitated in-depth discussions and achieved high standards in data centre delivery across Europe. Barbara aims to ensure that all projects achieve a path to net zero carbon status by 2030, reflecting her commitment to sustainability.
In recognition of her significant contributions to improving diversity and inclusion in the sector, Barbara was named one of the Women in Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering and shortlisted in the 2024 DCD award for ‘Data Centre Woman of the Year’. Her establishment of FWD and her design management leadership have made a meaningful impact on the future of the data centre industry, making her a deserving candidate for the award.
Barbara’s technical expertise and project management skills have helped her to successfully lead and deliver numerous hyperscale data centre projects across Europe in the UK, Sweden, Spain, Poland, and most recently as a Partner on a 1GW scale campus. Her ability to organise and coordinate complex projects, manage large teams, and work collaboratively with external stakeholders has been key to her success. At Cundall, she established and leads the design management team dedicated to data centres, driving innovation and sustainability throughout project delivery. Her efforts have furthered the efficient delivery of data centre projects and enhanced Cundall’s presence in the European market as a trusted advisor to its clients.
One of Barbara’s notable achievements this year is establishing FWD (Forum for Women in Data Centres). This community promotes gender diversity in the data centre sector. Frustrated by the gender imbalance in the industry, Barbara took action to create this inclusive space, reaching out and collaborating with peers across the industry. FWD provides a comfortable networking environment for women at all levels, fostering meaningful connections to support gender diversity. These networking events have been well-received, and the group’s size continues growing with the linkedIn group reaching over 500 members. Barbara’s advocacy for diversity and inclusion has made her a role model in the industry, and her continued mentorship is helping to bridge the gender gap that remains in this sector.
Barbara’s leadership style focuses on client and mentee care, characterised by effective communication and a design to build strong relationships with colleagues and clients. Her approach empowers her team to promote competence, diligence, and project quality while ensuring speed in delivery. Her technical skills and project management experience have earned her clients’ trust, facilitated in-depth discussions and achieved high standards in data centre delivery across Europe. Barbara aims to ensure that all projects achieve a path to net zero carbon status by 2030, reflecting her commitment to sustainability.
In recognition of her significant contributions to improving diversity and inclusion in the sector, Barbara was named one of the Women in Engineering Society’s Top 50 Women in Engineering and shortlisted in the 2024 DCD award for ‘Data Centre Woman of the Year’. Her establishment of FWD and her design management leadership have made a meaningful impact on the future of the data centre industry, making her a deserving candidate for the award.
Data Centre Intelligent Automation/Management Innovation of the Year
WINNER
RiT Tech
1. What are your product's/solution's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
The XpedITe provisioning AI module leverages AI automate complex provisioning, optimize resource management, ensure compliance, and enhance predictive maintenance. This comprehensive Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tool effectively addresses the intricate challenges modern data centers face, courtesy of the following core features:
Automated IMAC planning: AI Provisioning automation leverages operational or business criteria to manage IMACs (Installations-Moves-Adds-Changes) with consideration to the environment, power, space, network and other factors.
Planning resource reduction: Applying AI to the provisioning functionality reduces the resources required for IMAC planning by up to 95%, making the process far more efficient and cost-effective.
Sophisticated algorithms: Advanced algorithms go beyond individual server deployments, enabling intelligent planning and management of entire infrastructure solutions. By analyzing power redundancy, network services and policies, organizational procedures, and industry regulations, the platform determines the optimal configuration for full-solution installations. It ensures seamless end-to-end connectivity across network topologies, balancing multiple criteria to deliver a resilient, compliant, and efficient infrastructure.
Integration with external systems: The provisioning AI module considers environmental, facility, and IT data from physical equipment and external systems such as CMDB (Configuration Management Database), BMS (Building Management System), Servers and Network Management, and other systems to analyze capacity and optimize provisioning and resource utilization.
Automatic work order creation: Once planning is complete, XpedITe generates a detailed work order with full installation instructions, including detailed patching and a list of necessary materials.
Customizable workflow: The provisioning workflows can then be customized to align with each organization's specific business process and requirements.
Compliance and error prevention: Automation ensures all actions comply with corporate policies and prevents human errors through automated management.
2. What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
Our XpedITe Provisioning AI Module has delivered immense value to customers by driving tangible improvements across core aspects of their operations:
Operational efficiency: The AI engine streamlines and automates manual tasks within the provisioning process. Data center managers report an average reduction of 90% in planning time.
Before XpedITe, planning a complex change would involve days of spreadsheets and whiteboards. Now, the AI does the heavy lifting in minutes, notes the Head of Data Center Engineering.
Cost reduction: Optimized resource allocation, accurate power utilization tracking, and reduced error rates significantly lower operational costs. One customer has described notably lower power-related expenses after implementing XpedITe than their planning based on prior experience estimations.
Time-to-service: Automated workflow management keeps critical processes moving, allowing clients to deliver new services to market faster. A customer now provisions new server infrastructure in hours rather than days, leading to enhanced agility.
User satisfaction: As another client noted, The user experience of XpedITe Provisioning AI is unparalleled – it's like having an expert guide every step of the way, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. Compliments like this underscore not only the technical prowess of our solution but also its practical, user-friendly interface that aligns with the diverse needs of data center personnel.
3. What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
In summary, the XpedITe Provisioning AI Module enhances operational efficiency, drives cost reduction, and improves performance while mitigating risks and earning high user satisfaction ratings.
RiT Tech's XpedITe Provisioning AI Module distinctly sets a new benchmark in the DCIM Solution landscape, eclipsing conventional offerings with its integration of AI driven automation and comprehensive system insights.
Automation: Unlike competitors that offer manual provisioning processes, XpedITe leverages AI to fully automate IMAC planning and execution. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in resource allocation, drastically reducing the planning resources required by up to 95%.
Holistic resource utilization: Competing solutions limit their focus to a singular resource type at a time. In contrast, XpedITe employs sophisticated algorithms to analyze all relevant data center resources – power, space, cooling, and connectivity – in unison, ensuring optimal equipment provisioning with careful consideration of actual and theoretical data points.
Seamless integration and compliance: XpedITe Provisioning AI stands out by seamlessly considering data from an extensive range of external systems (BMS, EMS, RFID, CMDB, ITSM, CRM, etc.) for universal analysis, fostering an ecosystem with universal and intelligent process management. This streamlines operations and enforces adherence to organizational policies and regulatory standards, mitigating compliance risks and human error.
Customizable and intelligent workflows: Where competitors offer a one-size-fits-all approach, XpedITe Provisioning AI provides customizable workflow automation that respects unique organizational needs and policies. This adaptability ensures that each data center can tailor the system to their specific operational models and policy requirements, offering a level of sophistication and flexibility unmatched by others.
The XpedITe provisioning AI module leverages AI automate complex provisioning, optimize resource management, ensure compliance, and enhance predictive maintenance. This comprehensive Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tool effectively addresses the intricate challenges modern data centers face, courtesy of the following core features:
Automated IMAC planning: AI Provisioning automation leverages operational or business criteria to manage IMACs (Installations-Moves-Adds-Changes) with consideration to the environment, power, space, network and other factors.
Planning resource reduction: Applying AI to the provisioning functionality reduces the resources required for IMAC planning by up to 95%, making the process far more efficient and cost-effective.
Sophisticated algorithms: Advanced algorithms go beyond individual server deployments, enabling intelligent planning and management of entire infrastructure solutions. By analyzing power redundancy, network services and policies, organizational procedures, and industry regulations, the platform determines the optimal configuration for full-solution installations. It ensures seamless end-to-end connectivity across network topologies, balancing multiple criteria to deliver a resilient, compliant, and efficient infrastructure.
Integration with external systems: The provisioning AI module considers environmental, facility, and IT data from physical equipment and external systems such as CMDB (Configuration Management Database), BMS (Building Management System), Servers and Network Management, and other systems to analyze capacity and optimize provisioning and resource utilization.
Automatic work order creation: Once planning is complete, XpedITe generates a detailed work order with full installation instructions, including detailed patching and a list of necessary materials.
Customizable workflow: The provisioning workflows can then be customized to align with each organization's specific business process and requirements.
Compliance and error prevention: Automation ensures all actions comply with corporate policies and prevents human errors through automated management.
2. What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
Our XpedITe Provisioning AI Module has delivered immense value to customers by driving tangible improvements across core aspects of their operations:
Operational efficiency: The AI engine streamlines and automates manual tasks within the provisioning process. Data center managers report an average reduction of 90% in planning time.
Before XpedITe, planning a complex change would involve days of spreadsheets and whiteboards. Now, the AI does the heavy lifting in minutes, notes the Head of Data Center Engineering.
Cost reduction: Optimized resource allocation, accurate power utilization tracking, and reduced error rates significantly lower operational costs. One customer has described notably lower power-related expenses after implementing XpedITe than their planning based on prior experience estimations.
Time-to-service: Automated workflow management keeps critical processes moving, allowing clients to deliver new services to market faster. A customer now provisions new server infrastructure in hours rather than days, leading to enhanced agility.
User satisfaction: As another client noted, The user experience of XpedITe Provisioning AI is unparalleled – it's like having an expert guide every step of the way, ensuring that nothing is overlooked. Compliments like this underscore not only the technical prowess of our solution but also its practical, user-friendly interface that aligns with the diverse needs of data center personnel.
3. What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
In summary, the XpedITe Provisioning AI Module enhances operational efficiency, drives cost reduction, and improves performance while mitigating risks and earning high user satisfaction ratings.
RiT Tech's XpedITe Provisioning AI Module distinctly sets a new benchmark in the DCIM Solution landscape, eclipsing conventional offerings with its integration of AI driven automation and comprehensive system insights.
Automation: Unlike competitors that offer manual provisioning processes, XpedITe leverages AI to fully automate IMAC planning and execution. This eliminates the need for manual intervention in resource allocation, drastically reducing the planning resources required by up to 95%.
Holistic resource utilization: Competing solutions limit their focus to a singular resource type at a time. In contrast, XpedITe employs sophisticated algorithms to analyze all relevant data center resources – power, space, cooling, and connectivity – in unison, ensuring optimal equipment provisioning with careful consideration of actual and theoretical data points.
Seamless integration and compliance: XpedITe Provisioning AI stands out by seamlessly considering data from an extensive range of external systems (BMS, EMS, RFID, CMDB, ITSM, CRM, etc.) for universal analysis, fostering an ecosystem with universal and intelligent process management. This streamlines operations and enforces adherence to organizational policies and regulatory standards, mitigating compliance risks and human error.
Customizable and intelligent workflows: Where competitors offer a one-size-fits-all approach, XpedITe Provisioning AI provides customizable workflow automation that respects unique organizational needs and policies. This adaptability ensures that each data center can tailor the system to their specific operational models and policy requirements, offering a level of sophistication and flexibility unmatched by others.
RUNNER UP
Evercam
Evercam's Reality Capture Platform integrates various image sources like drones, 360° cameras, and fixed-position cameras to create a comprehensive, multi-dimensional view of construction sites. This integration allows for a live and detailed perspective of the job site, including both current and recorded footage. Users can effectively compare the real-time physical progress on-site against the planned Building Information Modeling (BIM) models.
The platform uses smart technologies such as artificial intelligence and neural networks. These technologies are pivotal in tracking construction progress, identifying deviations from the schedule, and generating detailed reports enriched with visual evidence. This feature not only enhances project management but also adds a layer of accountability with its evidence-based reporting.
This platform is user-centric. It offers a web-based interactive dashboard and compatibility with handheld devices, providing a user-friendly virtual reality experience of the site. This feature ensures that all team members, regardless of their location, have access to real-time data and visualizations, facilitating communication and better decision-making.
The platform uses smart technologies such as artificial intelligence and neural networks. These technologies are pivotal in tracking construction progress, identifying deviations from the schedule, and generating detailed reports enriched with visual evidence. This feature not only enhances project management but also adds a layer of accountability with its evidence-based reporting.
This platform is user-centric. It offers a web-based interactive dashboard and compatibility with handheld devices, providing a user-friendly virtual reality experience of the site. This feature ensures that all team members, regardless of their location, have access to real-time data and visualizations, facilitating communication and better decision-making.
Data Centre Managed Services Vendor of the Year
WINNER
OryxAlign
1. What are your company's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
OryxAlign is a leading data centre-focused Technology Services Provider with a distinctive approach to employee experience, client engagement and excellence in technical service delivery. We deliver a comprehensive portfolio of in-demand services, ensuring our clients’ data centre facilities remain technologically advanced, cyber-secure and resilient, and operationally efficient:
• 24x7x365 critical infrastructure support via dedicated onsite and NOC teams
• Advanced monitoring and network automation
• Strategic consultancy and network infrastructure design
• Design and build of scalable enterprise networks
• Managed IT procurement
• Comprehensive project and programme management
The resilient IT infrastructure we design, implement, support, and manage forms the backbone of every facility—essential for enabling critical operations such as Building Management Systems (BMS), Power Management Systems (PMS), CCTV, security, and access control.
Continuity and service resilience is imperative in data centre operations, so we prioritise technology solutions that meet the highest demands of these mission-critical environments.
Our 24x7 managed IT services deliver seamless operations, assuming responsibility for data centre networks while providing proactive, user-centric support. This ensures that onsite teams—including facilities management, staff, and service partners—experience uninterrupted access to the technology they need.
Notable components of our user-focused managed IT support services include:
• Desk-side and remote support
• Cybersecurity awareness training
• Technology workshops
• Productivity-enhancing e-learning platforms
• Application development and integration
• IT procurement services
For over a decade, we’ve actively collaborated with clients, tailoring solutions to their unique challenges and consistently achieving transformative results. Our distinctive blend of enterprise-level project delivery and close client partnerships has fostered long-term relationships.
We believe in empowering ambitious organisations with exceptional technology to streamline operations, mitigate risks, and drive growth.
2. What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
With over 10 years of expertise in the construction and data centre sector, we have participated in 16 new data centre design and build projects and currently oversee the critical IT infrastructure for data centres with a combined capacity nearing 300MW. Our collaboration extends across seven DC operators throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Among them is VIRTUS Data Centres (VIRTUS), the UK’s largest operator, with whom we’ve maintained a strategic partnership for over a decade. During this time, we’ve supported their expansion from one to 11 facilities, cementing their position as a market leader.
Our contributions include extensive project work and impactful organisational change for VIRTUS. Key initiatives include IT design and implementation for multiple data centres, a comprehensive lifecycle replacement programme, a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) security platform implementation, and Security Operations Centre (SOC) services. These projects have been seamlessly transitioned to ongoing management and support by OryxAlign's Managed Services team.
“OryxAlign’s holistic approach has played an important role in enabling us to scale our data centre operations effectively. From critical infrastructure upgrades to daily support and solution design, the team has consistently delivered exceptional results. What truly sets them apart is their people—their expertise, dedication, and genuine care shine through in everything they do. With a personal touch and a real commitment to understanding our needs, working with OryxAlign is not just efficient but a pleasure.” Tier 1 Global DC Operator.
3. What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors?
Our service excellence is reflected in our December 2024 KPIs for our data centre clients:
• Critical Response SLA: 100%
• Critical Resolution SLA: 100%
• Overall Infrastructure Availability SLA: 100%
• Overall Response SLA: 96%
• Overall Resolution SLA: 95%
• Overall Client Sentiment: 95%
We deliver differentiated managed IT services to our data centre clients through innovations such as automated infrastructure monitoring for rapid issue resolution, proactive Digital Employee Experience (DEX) management, and seamless integrations that allow ticket submissions directly from clients’ internal systems.
The supported user community gain access to an extensive library of e-learning resources (200 courses), monthly educational workshops, and cyber awareness training, as well as expert support for achieving and maintaining compliance certifications like Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO standards.
“Whether it’s critical infrastructure upgrades, everyday support, or providing solution design and implementation services, working with the OryxAlign team is a pleasure. Having worked closely with them over the past 10 years, we were happy to recently extend the strategic partnership for a further 3 years,” VIRTUS Data Centres
4. What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
At OryxAlign, our achievements are built not only on technical excellence but also on the strength of our people and organisational structure. Our people-first philosophy, guided by core values—caring, striving, supporting, trusting, and enjoying—fosters enduring relationships with both our team and clients.
Highlights of our people-centric approach include:
1. Empowered teams: Frontline IT service and client-facing teams are equipped to resolve issues promptly, enhancing satisfaction.
2. Continuous development: Regular upskilling ensures our team remain ahead in technologies and best practices.
3. Flat structure: Open communication from Service Desk to CEO enables agile, efficient service delivery.
4. Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork delivers integrated IT solutions tailored to client needs.
We are also committed to responsible business practices and ESG excellence. We dedicate time, effort and talent to ensure we’re doing all we can to positively impact the environment, our workers, our community and beyond:
• ESG strategy: Focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and accountable decision-making. Submitted B Impact application in January 2025, to be recognised as a B Corp. Awaiting next steps (verification and audit). Scored 89.5, well above the threshold score of 80 needed to apply This will make OryxAlign the only data centre focused technology service provider that will be B Corp certified.
• Recognition: Winner of a supply chain award (2022) and finalist at the CRN Sustainability in Tech Awards (2024 & 2025).
• Corporate culture: Winner of Corporate Culture of the Year 2023 at the IT Europa Channel Awards. Recognised for initiatives in mental health, employee support, workplace engagement, and benefits including private healthcare and pension contributions increasing with length of service.
• Investment in people: Regular training and development of highly-skilled professionals focused on client needs.
• Best Companies accreditation: Earned a 2-star accreditation from Best Companies for being an outstanding workplace in 2022, having also been accredited in 2021.
• Diversity: Female leadership at 50% in senior roles; 25% internal promotions; all managers trained in mental health support and performance management.
• Governance: Certified in ISO9001, ISO27001, and Cyber Essentials Plus for six years.
“CBRE have worked with OryxAlign for several years now and in that time, OryxAlign has been a big part of CBRE DCS Active Whitespace growth by providing top quality technology support services to work alongside myself to enable CBRE to provide our customers with solutions to their technology requirements.
OryxAlign have always gone above and beyond when providing support and they are also aware of the importance of CBRE’s end customers receiving the highest levels of support possible.
CBRE DCS Active Whitespace & OryxAlign have formed a fantastic partnership which has now enabled us to expand our technology support offering to our customers via continuous improvement and ensuring that we collectively keep up with the latest technology trends and with our continued support approach and working with OryxAlign is what makes us stand above our competitors.” CBRE (GWS & DCS)
OryxAlign is a leading data centre-focused Technology Services Provider with a distinctive approach to employee experience, client engagement and excellence in technical service delivery. We deliver a comprehensive portfolio of in-demand services, ensuring our clients’ data centre facilities remain technologically advanced, cyber-secure and resilient, and operationally efficient:
• 24x7x365 critical infrastructure support via dedicated onsite and NOC teams
• Advanced monitoring and network automation
• Strategic consultancy and network infrastructure design
• Design and build of scalable enterprise networks
• Managed IT procurement
• Comprehensive project and programme management
The resilient IT infrastructure we design, implement, support, and manage forms the backbone of every facility—essential for enabling critical operations such as Building Management Systems (BMS), Power Management Systems (PMS), CCTV, security, and access control.
Continuity and service resilience is imperative in data centre operations, so we prioritise technology solutions that meet the highest demands of these mission-critical environments.
Our 24x7 managed IT services deliver seamless operations, assuming responsibility for data centre networks while providing proactive, user-centric support. This ensures that onsite teams—including facilities management, staff, and service partners—experience uninterrupted access to the technology they need.
Notable components of our user-focused managed IT support services include:
• Desk-side and remote support
• Cybersecurity awareness training
• Technology workshops
• Productivity-enhancing e-learning platforms
• Application development and integration
• IT procurement services
For over a decade, we’ve actively collaborated with clients, tailoring solutions to their unique challenges and consistently achieving transformative results. Our distinctive blend of enterprise-level project delivery and close client partnerships has fostered long-term relationships.
We believe in empowering ambitious organisations with exceptional technology to streamline operations, mitigate risks, and drive growth.
2. What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
With over 10 years of expertise in the construction and data centre sector, we have participated in 16 new data centre design and build projects and currently oversee the critical IT infrastructure for data centres with a combined capacity nearing 300MW. Our collaboration extends across seven DC operators throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Among them is VIRTUS Data Centres (VIRTUS), the UK’s largest operator, with whom we’ve maintained a strategic partnership for over a decade. During this time, we’ve supported their expansion from one to 11 facilities, cementing their position as a market leader.
Our contributions include extensive project work and impactful organisational change for VIRTUS. Key initiatives include IT design and implementation for multiple data centres, a comprehensive lifecycle replacement programme, a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) security platform implementation, and Security Operations Centre (SOC) services. These projects have been seamlessly transitioned to ongoing management and support by OryxAlign's Managed Services team.
“OryxAlign’s holistic approach has played an important role in enabling us to scale our data centre operations effectively. From critical infrastructure upgrades to daily support and solution design, the team has consistently delivered exceptional results. What truly sets them apart is their people—their expertise, dedication, and genuine care shine through in everything they do. With a personal touch and a real commitment to understanding our needs, working with OryxAlign is not just efficient but a pleasure.” Tier 1 Global DC Operator.
3. What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors?
Our service excellence is reflected in our December 2024 KPIs for our data centre clients:
• Critical Response SLA: 100%
• Critical Resolution SLA: 100%
• Overall Infrastructure Availability SLA: 100%
• Overall Response SLA: 96%
• Overall Resolution SLA: 95%
• Overall Client Sentiment: 95%
We deliver differentiated managed IT services to our data centre clients through innovations such as automated infrastructure monitoring for rapid issue resolution, proactive Digital Employee Experience (DEX) management, and seamless integrations that allow ticket submissions directly from clients’ internal systems.
The supported user community gain access to an extensive library of e-learning resources (200 courses), monthly educational workshops, and cyber awareness training, as well as expert support for achieving and maintaining compliance certifications like Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO standards.
“Whether it’s critical infrastructure upgrades, everyday support, or providing solution design and implementation services, working with the OryxAlign team is a pleasure. Having worked closely with them over the past 10 years, we were happy to recently extend the strategic partnership for a further 3 years,” VIRTUS Data Centres
4. What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
At OryxAlign, our achievements are built not only on technical excellence but also on the strength of our people and organisational structure. Our people-first philosophy, guided by core values—caring, striving, supporting, trusting, and enjoying—fosters enduring relationships with both our team and clients.
Highlights of our people-centric approach include:
1. Empowered teams: Frontline IT service and client-facing teams are equipped to resolve issues promptly, enhancing satisfaction.
2. Continuous development: Regular upskilling ensures our team remain ahead in technologies and best practices.
3. Flat structure: Open communication from Service Desk to CEO enables agile, efficient service delivery.
4. Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork delivers integrated IT solutions tailored to client needs.
We are also committed to responsible business practices and ESG excellence. We dedicate time, effort and talent to ensure we’re doing all we can to positively impact the environment, our workers, our community and beyond:
• ESG strategy: Focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and accountable decision-making. Submitted B Impact application in January 2025, to be recognised as a B Corp. Awaiting next steps (verification and audit). Scored 89.5, well above the threshold score of 80 needed to apply This will make OryxAlign the only data centre focused technology service provider that will be B Corp certified.
• Recognition: Winner of a supply chain award (2022) and finalist at the CRN Sustainability in Tech Awards (2024 & 2025).
• Corporate culture: Winner of Corporate Culture of the Year 2023 at the IT Europa Channel Awards. Recognised for initiatives in mental health, employee support, workplace engagement, and benefits including private healthcare and pension contributions increasing with length of service.
• Investment in people: Regular training and development of highly-skilled professionals focused on client needs.
• Best Companies accreditation: Earned a 2-star accreditation from Best Companies for being an outstanding workplace in 2022, having also been accredited in 2021.
• Diversity: Female leadership at 50% in senior roles; 25% internal promotions; all managers trained in mental health support and performance management.
• Governance: Certified in ISO9001, ISO27001, and Cyber Essentials Plus for six years.
“CBRE have worked with OryxAlign for several years now and in that time, OryxAlign has been a big part of CBRE DCS Active Whitespace growth by providing top quality technology support services to work alongside myself to enable CBRE to provide our customers with solutions to their technology requirements.
OryxAlign have always gone above and beyond when providing support and they are also aware of the importance of CBRE’s end customers receiving the highest levels of support possible.
CBRE DCS Active Whitespace & OryxAlign have formed a fantastic partnership which has now enabled us to expand our technology support offering to our customers via continuous improvement and ensuring that we collectively keep up with the latest technology trends and with our continued support approach and working with OryxAlign is what makes us stand above our competitors.” CBRE (GWS & DCS)
RUNNER UP
Datalec Precision Installations
DPI Delivers Exceptional Managed Services
At Datalec Precision Installations, we specialise in providing world-class, global data centre solutions within critical environments, specialising in end-to-end technical design and fit-outs comprising of Mechanical & Electrical, construction, connectivity, electronic security and bespoke manufacturing services. Supported by unmatched specialised expertise we offer consultancy, technical cleaning, and managed services to address every data centre need. Our comprehensive solutions are tailored to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Over the past three years, Datalec Precision Installations (“DPI”) has demonstrated skillful strategic execution to meet the evolving demand of the data centre market by expanding its comprehensive range of design, supply, and installation solutions, including a robust managed services division. During this timeframe, the company acquired and retained several key clients.
One notable enhancement to its service capabilities was the acquisition of specialised technical cleaning company Technivo, which resulted in a world-class technical and critical cleaning solution for DPI clients. The company also partnered with Emrill, a leading facilities management company in the UAE, to broaden its managed services capabilities, particularly from an environmental standpoint.
DPI offers a comprehensive array of solutions that support the design, construction, and operations of data centres, which encompasses project delivery and the facilitation of daily operational requirements for its clients and their end user(s).
DPI is committed to delivering consistent quality and service. The company seeks to establish close, collaborative relationships with its clients, enabling them to provide tailored solutions while always keeping apprised of their evolving needs.
What sets DPI apart from its peer group is that DPI clients have easy access to multiple in-house services including installation, build, connectivity, design, consultancy services, electronic security, and the various solutions offered through DPI’s Managed Services. This differentiates them from comparable company offerings that heavily rely on partnership arrangements.
DPI operates a flexible managed services model, leveraging its extensive capabilities across the project team to remain agile and cost-effective. Within the ‘banner’ of Managed Services, they offer the following solutions:
- Intelligent Hands (typically known as remote hands within the industry)
- Migration and Technical Services, including network and server expertise
- Data Destruction
- Technical and Critical Cleaning
DPI is committed to providing cost-effective solutions for their clients that generate high levels of efficiency and adhere to high service quality standards. For example, DPI has effectively minimised on-site costs for its UK clients by providing 24/7 call-out services, leading to decreased operational expenditure (OPEX) costs. Clients also benefit from using DPI’s technical support team, who are familiar with their buildings, layouts, and infrastructure. This familiarity significantly reduces issue resolution times. DPI’s approach optimises client workloads, simplifying tasks such as procurement by consolidating all needs under one vendor for comprehensive solutions and services.
DPI provides comprehensive client support and managed services underpinned by the expertise of their team of highly qualified technicians. DPI’s troubleshooting capabilities adhere to exact standards, guaranteeing business continuity for its clients. DPI’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are designed in accordance with the requirements of their clients at an individual level. This approach to more customised SLAs is consistent with their view that service levels should be client-driven instead of vendor-driven. SLAs are customised to varying response times, ranging from 30 minutes for residential engineers to 48 hours for situations with limited business impact. In all instances, DPI coordinates with and supports our clients to ensure case resolution.
Additionally, DPI provides more comprehensive client support and managed services than other companies in their peer group. In addition to Remote Hands support, clients can access migration services, network and server expertise, technical cleaning services, and data destruction solutions.
Another driver of DPI’s differentiated client support capability is its ability to provide a customised intelligent customer portal. This portal capability provides several key benefits to clients, including:
- A customised product view set by the client that helps them standardise installations
- Reducing the client design time
- Providing quick and consistent pricing
- Visibility into technical specifications that are pre-product accessible
- Ability to monitor service tickets for DPI’s Intelligent Hands service
The advanced functionality of DPI’s customer portal also allows clients to complete the following tasks:
● Submit a new opportunity to raise a pricing request
● View and track an existing opportunity
● Attach documentation to an opportunity
● Track progress, view, and comment on existing opportunities
● Access the suite of DPI’s resources and user guides
● Access to individual reporting dashboard
● Standardise individual product sets and delivery/installation times
The customer portal enables clients and their end users an instant ROM cost based on a predetermined standardised product set, as defined by DPI clients as part of their standardised colo environments.
At Datalec Precision Installations, we specialise in providing world-class, global data centre solutions within critical environments, specialising in end-to-end technical design and fit-outs comprising of Mechanical & Electrical, construction, connectivity, electronic security and bespoke manufacturing services. Supported by unmatched specialised expertise we offer consultancy, technical cleaning, and managed services to address every data centre need. Our comprehensive solutions are tailored to meet the needs of today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Over the past three years, Datalec Precision Installations (“DPI”) has demonstrated skillful strategic execution to meet the evolving demand of the data centre market by expanding its comprehensive range of design, supply, and installation solutions, including a robust managed services division. During this timeframe, the company acquired and retained several key clients.
One notable enhancement to its service capabilities was the acquisition of specialised technical cleaning company Technivo, which resulted in a world-class technical and critical cleaning solution for DPI clients. The company also partnered with Emrill, a leading facilities management company in the UAE, to broaden its managed services capabilities, particularly from an environmental standpoint.
DPI offers a comprehensive array of solutions that support the design, construction, and operations of data centres, which encompasses project delivery and the facilitation of daily operational requirements for its clients and their end user(s).
DPI is committed to delivering consistent quality and service. The company seeks to establish close, collaborative relationships with its clients, enabling them to provide tailored solutions while always keeping apprised of their evolving needs.
What sets DPI apart from its peer group is that DPI clients have easy access to multiple in-house services including installation, build, connectivity, design, consultancy services, electronic security, and the various solutions offered through DPI’s Managed Services. This differentiates them from comparable company offerings that heavily rely on partnership arrangements.
DPI operates a flexible managed services model, leveraging its extensive capabilities across the project team to remain agile and cost-effective. Within the ‘banner’ of Managed Services, they offer the following solutions:
- Intelligent Hands (typically known as remote hands within the industry)
- Migration and Technical Services, including network and server expertise
- Data Destruction
- Technical and Critical Cleaning
DPI is committed to providing cost-effective solutions for their clients that generate high levels of efficiency and adhere to high service quality standards. For example, DPI has effectively minimised on-site costs for its UK clients by providing 24/7 call-out services, leading to decreased operational expenditure (OPEX) costs. Clients also benefit from using DPI’s technical support team, who are familiar with their buildings, layouts, and infrastructure. This familiarity significantly reduces issue resolution times. DPI’s approach optimises client workloads, simplifying tasks such as procurement by consolidating all needs under one vendor for comprehensive solutions and services.
DPI provides comprehensive client support and managed services underpinned by the expertise of their team of highly qualified technicians. DPI’s troubleshooting capabilities adhere to exact standards, guaranteeing business continuity for its clients. DPI’s Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are designed in accordance with the requirements of their clients at an individual level. This approach to more customised SLAs is consistent with their view that service levels should be client-driven instead of vendor-driven. SLAs are customised to varying response times, ranging from 30 minutes for residential engineers to 48 hours for situations with limited business impact. In all instances, DPI coordinates with and supports our clients to ensure case resolution.
Additionally, DPI provides more comprehensive client support and managed services than other companies in their peer group. In addition to Remote Hands support, clients can access migration services, network and server expertise, technical cleaning services, and data destruction solutions.
Another driver of DPI’s differentiated client support capability is its ability to provide a customised intelligent customer portal. This portal capability provides several key benefits to clients, including:
- A customised product view set by the client that helps them standardise installations
- Reducing the client design time
- Providing quick and consistent pricing
- Visibility into technical specifications that are pre-product accessible
- Ability to monitor service tickets for DPI’s Intelligent Hands service
The advanced functionality of DPI’s customer portal also allows clients to complete the following tasks:
● Submit a new opportunity to raise a pricing request
● View and track an existing opportunity
● Attach documentation to an opportunity
● Track progress, view, and comment on existing opportunities
● Access the suite of DPI’s resources and user guides
● Access to individual reporting dashboard
● Standardise individual product sets and delivery/installation times
The customer portal enables clients and their end users an instant ROM cost based on a predetermined standardised product set, as defined by DPI clients as part of their standardised colo environments.
Data Centre Power Distribution Unit of the Year
WINNER
Panduit
Panduit G6 PDU offers high performance and cyber security
What are the products’ key distinguishing features or USP?
Panduit, a global leader in innovative electrical and network infrastructure solutions, developed the G6 PDU (Power Distribution Unit) Series to provide the best-in-class, low-profile form factor with enhanced onboard intelligence in one essential data cabinet power distribution device, with the following distinguishing features:
• Quality and Reliability – Panduit designs in high standard components to provide customer assurance with, 3-Year standard and 6-Year extended warranty
• High Power Density – Innovative outlet design for high outlet density, so connectivity is available in high density environments.
• 1G Redundant Network Access – Reduces deployment time and labour cost as PDU auto-negotiates to 1GB network switches.
• Hot Swappable and Upgradable – Hot-Swappable Controller with large OLED display allows upgrades to be made with Power Share.
• Real Time Monitoring – Monitoring of power, environmental and cabinet security, with connectivity to cabinet sensors.
• Multi-Device WebGUI – Enhanced user experience is guaranteed via a self-adjusting WebGUI, that senses the device the users are on.
• Hardened Security – Every access port is a potential problem, the Panduit G6 PDU provides enhanced security with certificate-based advanced asymmetric encryption, validated and hardened with multiple security scanning tools.
• High Temperature Operation – Designed and built with premium components to operate at up to 140oF (60oC) at full load.
What tangible impact has your product had on the market and your customers?
The Panduit G6 PDU, is designed to be discrete in the cabinet, its low profile design saves rack space and allows greater airflow. In environments constantly driving towards faster performance and additional power, environmental and security functions and cybersecurity improvements, the Panduit G6 offers Best-in-Class outlet density to provide the power platform to match the increased density of rack IT equipment. Its extensive daisy chain capabilities allows connectivity up to 32 PDUs and 32 sensors on a single IP address and network switch. The provision of premium hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers ensure stable trip characteristics at extreme temperatures at full load.
The G6 PDU provides real-time monitoring of power, environmental and physical access security, through a user selectable range of environmental and rack access digital sensors, that continuously scan for anomalies. In line with current sustainability requirements, the G6 PDU provides high-accuracy, billing-grade metering capabilities, together with a range of PDU level power metering, and user customisable alarm thresholds and notifications. The user experience is enhanced whether on or off-site via the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) WebGUI which detects the type of access device and auto adjusts the screen for optimal experience.
What are the major differentiators between your product and competitors?
Intelligent PDUs such as the G6 provide customers with comprehensive, accurate, energy measurement data to efficiently use power resources, improve uptime, measure power usage effectiveness and drive green data centre initiatives, together with the opportunity to save energy and money.
What are the products’ key distinguishing features or USP?
Panduit, a global leader in innovative electrical and network infrastructure solutions, developed the G6 PDU (Power Distribution Unit) Series to provide the best-in-class, low-profile form factor with enhanced onboard intelligence in one essential data cabinet power distribution device, with the following distinguishing features:
• Quality and Reliability – Panduit designs in high standard components to provide customer assurance with, 3-Year standard and 6-Year extended warranty
• High Power Density – Innovative outlet design for high outlet density, so connectivity is available in high density environments.
• 1G Redundant Network Access – Reduces deployment time and labour cost as PDU auto-negotiates to 1GB network switches.
• Hot Swappable and Upgradable – Hot-Swappable Controller with large OLED display allows upgrades to be made with Power Share.
• Real Time Monitoring – Monitoring of power, environmental and cabinet security, with connectivity to cabinet sensors.
• Multi-Device WebGUI – Enhanced user experience is guaranteed via a self-adjusting WebGUI, that senses the device the users are on.
• Hardened Security – Every access port is a potential problem, the Panduit G6 PDU provides enhanced security with certificate-based advanced asymmetric encryption, validated and hardened with multiple security scanning tools.
• High Temperature Operation – Designed and built with premium components to operate at up to 140oF (60oC) at full load.
What tangible impact has your product had on the market and your customers?
The Panduit G6 PDU, is designed to be discrete in the cabinet, its low profile design saves rack space and allows greater airflow. In environments constantly driving towards faster performance and additional power, environmental and security functions and cybersecurity improvements, the Panduit G6 offers Best-in-Class outlet density to provide the power platform to match the increased density of rack IT equipment. Its extensive daisy chain capabilities allows connectivity up to 32 PDUs and 32 sensors on a single IP address and network switch. The provision of premium hydraulic-magnetic circuit breakers ensure stable trip characteristics at extreme temperatures at full load.
The G6 PDU provides real-time monitoring of power, environmental and physical access security, through a user selectable range of environmental and rack access digital sensors, that continuously scan for anomalies. In line with current sustainability requirements, the G6 PDU provides high-accuracy, billing-grade metering capabilities, together with a range of PDU level power metering, and user customisable alarm thresholds and notifications. The user experience is enhanced whether on or off-site via the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) WebGUI which detects the type of access device and auto adjusts the screen for optimal experience.
What are the major differentiators between your product and competitors?
Intelligent PDUs such as the G6 provide customers with comprehensive, accurate, energy measurement data to efficiently use power resources, improve uptime, measure power usage effectiveness and drive green data centre initiatives, together with the opportunity to save energy and money.
RUNNER UP
nVent
nVent Enlogic PDUs are at the forefront of power management solutions, designed to meet the evolving demands of modern data centers and high-performance computing environments. Our PDUs offer a diverse range of installation options, including single-phase, three-phase wye and delta configurations, terminal block, and plugless options, all equipped with high-density power outlets.
One of the standout features of our PDUs is their ability to support high power amperage, which is crucial for the next generation of AI servers. This capability not only ensures that our customers can power their most demanding applications but also minimizes the space required in racks, allowing for more efficient use of valuable data center real estate.
Tangible Impact on the Market and Customers:
The impact of nVent Enlogic PDUs on the market has been profound. Our products have enabled data centers to operate more efficiently and reliably, significantly reducing downtime and operational costs. For instance, our locking outlets ensure that servers remain powered during movement, human error, or natural disasters, providing peace of mind to our customers.
In a recent case study, a leading colocation provider reported a 30% reduction in power-related incidents after implementing nVent Enlogic PDUs. This not only improved their service reliability but also enhanced customer satisfaction, leading to increased client retention and new business opportunities.
Major Differentiators from Competitors:
What sets nVent Enlogic PDUs apart from our primary competitors is our commitment to innovation and reliability. Our products feature intelligent remote monitoring capabilities, allowing users to track power usage and environmental conditions in real-time. The integration of temperature and humidity sensors helps prevent potential failures in high-density server environments, ensuring optimal performance.
Moreover, our PDUs are UL 2900-1 certified, making them the only certified cyber-secure PDUs on the market. This certification provides an additional layer of security, which is increasingly important in today’s digital landscape. Our high amp Smart iPDU options, which include locking and combination outlet configurations, further minimize the risk of accidental data loss due to human error.
The flexibility of our form factors—0U, 3U, and 5U—allows for customizable solutions tailored to unique rack configurations, including those required for liquid cooling in AI applications. Additionally, our dual-rated 400/415 wye input supports high power demands, with capabilities of up to 69.0kVA in EMEA regions.
One of the standout features of our PDUs is their ability to support high power amperage, which is crucial for the next generation of AI servers. This capability not only ensures that our customers can power their most demanding applications but also minimizes the space required in racks, allowing for more efficient use of valuable data center real estate.
Tangible Impact on the Market and Customers:
The impact of nVent Enlogic PDUs on the market has been profound. Our products have enabled data centers to operate more efficiently and reliably, significantly reducing downtime and operational costs. For instance, our locking outlets ensure that servers remain powered during movement, human error, or natural disasters, providing peace of mind to our customers.
In a recent case study, a leading colocation provider reported a 30% reduction in power-related incidents after implementing nVent Enlogic PDUs. This not only improved their service reliability but also enhanced customer satisfaction, leading to increased client retention and new business opportunities.
Major Differentiators from Competitors:
What sets nVent Enlogic PDUs apart from our primary competitors is our commitment to innovation and reliability. Our products feature intelligent remote monitoring capabilities, allowing users to track power usage and environmental conditions in real-time. The integration of temperature and humidity sensors helps prevent potential failures in high-density server environments, ensuring optimal performance.
Moreover, our PDUs are UL 2900-1 certified, making them the only certified cyber-secure PDUs on the market. This certification provides an additional layer of security, which is increasingly important in today’s digital landscape. Our high amp Smart iPDU options, which include locking and combination outlet configurations, further minimize the risk of accidental data loss due to human error.
The flexibility of our form factors—0U, 3U, and 5U—allows for customizable solutions tailored to unique rack configurations, including those required for liquid cooling in AI applications. Additionally, our dual-rated 400/415 wye input supports high power demands, with capabilities of up to 69.0kVA in EMEA regions.
Data Centre Power Innovation of the Year
WINNER
Huawei Digital Power Technologies Co., Ltd.
• What are your product's/solution's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
The Huawei PowerPOD FusionPower9000 is a prefabricated, all-in-one power supply and distribution solution for hyperscale data centers. It integrates UPSs, lithium batteries, air conditioners, and fire extinguishing systems into an ultra-high protection 40-foot container. One single container supports a maximum power capacity of 2.4 MVA. This solution adopts an isolated architecture and can be quickly deployed outdoors without occupying equipment room space. By using prefabrication design and factory pre-integration and pre-commissioning, it achieves rapid deployment, reducing the TTM from 28 weeks to 18 weeks. It also supports on-demand capacity expansion and phased construction. These features make it the preferred flexible power supply and distribution system for hyperscale data centers.
• What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
Compared to traditional power supply and distribution solutions, the Huawei PowerPOD FusionPower9000 solution adopts a parallel approach of onsite construction and factory prefabrication to achieve rapid and one-stop deployment. This shortens time-to-market (TTM) by 35%, enabling customers to roll out services promptly. And the lithium battery in the PowerPOD is far away from the data hall in the building, making it much more reliable. Furthermore, by optimizing key nodes, the link efficiency of the Huawei PowerPOD FusionPower9000 solution increases to 98.4%. For a 12MW data center, this can save nearly US$300,000 in electricity costs each year.
• What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
The Huawei PowerPOD FusionPower9000 solution integrates UPSs, lithium batteries, and LV panels into a single container, supporting a maximum capacity of 2.4MVA. This is the most compact containerized solution in the industry, reducing the power system footprint by approximately 30%. The solution offers four unique features: higher reliability, rapid deployment, flexible capacity expansion, and efficient O&M.
Higher reliability: With automatically test platform developed by Huawei, it could detect incorrect cable connections and prevent the fault from entering to the site. With factory pre-integration and pre-commissioning, simple onsite installation reduces construction risks and ensures higher reliability.
Rapid deployment: Product prefabrication ensures one-stop deployment and onsite plug-and-play. Compared to traditional solutions, the TTM is shortened by over 35%.
Flexible capacity expansion: The solution comes with a fully decoupled architecture that supports one power system per container and on-demand capacity expansion.
Efficient O&M: The iPower intelligent feature enables full-link visualization and provides functions such as AI temperature prediction and circuit breaker health evaluation, achieving predictive O&M.
• Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the value of this product/solution to your customers/partners.
In Malaysia, a 60 MW data center uses Huawei's PowerPOD FusionPower9000 solution. The power supply and distribution solution is prefabricated in the factory and supports rapid and one-stop deployment, helping the data center go live within 9 months, reducing TTM by 50%, and setting a benchmark for prefabricated modular data centers in the Asia-Pacific region.
The Huawei PowerPOD FusionPower9000 is a prefabricated, all-in-one power supply and distribution solution for hyperscale data centers. It integrates UPSs, lithium batteries, air conditioners, and fire extinguishing systems into an ultra-high protection 40-foot container. One single container supports a maximum power capacity of 2.4 MVA. This solution adopts an isolated architecture and can be quickly deployed outdoors without occupying equipment room space. By using prefabrication design and factory pre-integration and pre-commissioning, it achieves rapid deployment, reducing the TTM from 28 weeks to 18 weeks. It also supports on-demand capacity expansion and phased construction. These features make it the preferred flexible power supply and distribution system for hyperscale data centers.
• What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
Compared to traditional power supply and distribution solutions, the Huawei PowerPOD FusionPower9000 solution adopts a parallel approach of onsite construction and factory prefabrication to achieve rapid and one-stop deployment. This shortens time-to-market (TTM) by 35%, enabling customers to roll out services promptly. And the lithium battery in the PowerPOD is far away from the data hall in the building, making it much more reliable. Furthermore, by optimizing key nodes, the link efficiency of the Huawei PowerPOD FusionPower9000 solution increases to 98.4%. For a 12MW data center, this can save nearly US$300,000 in electricity costs each year.
• What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
The Huawei PowerPOD FusionPower9000 solution integrates UPSs, lithium batteries, and LV panels into a single container, supporting a maximum capacity of 2.4MVA. This is the most compact containerized solution in the industry, reducing the power system footprint by approximately 30%. The solution offers four unique features: higher reliability, rapid deployment, flexible capacity expansion, and efficient O&M.
Higher reliability: With automatically test platform developed by Huawei, it could detect incorrect cable connections and prevent the fault from entering to the site. With factory pre-integration and pre-commissioning, simple onsite installation reduces construction risks and ensures higher reliability.
Rapid deployment: Product prefabrication ensures one-stop deployment and onsite plug-and-play. Compared to traditional solutions, the TTM is shortened by over 35%.
Flexible capacity expansion: The solution comes with a fully decoupled architecture that supports one power system per container and on-demand capacity expansion.
Efficient O&M: The iPower intelligent feature enables full-link visualization and provides functions such as AI temperature prediction and circuit breaker health evaluation, achieving predictive O&M.
• Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the value of this product/solution to your customers/partners.
In Malaysia, a 60 MW data center uses Huawei's PowerPOD FusionPower9000 solution. The power supply and distribution solution is prefabricated in the factory and supports rapid and one-stop deployment, helping the data center go live within 9 months, reducing TTM by 50%, and setting a benchmark for prefabricated modular data centers in the Asia-Pacific region.
RUNNER UP
Starline, a brand of Legrand
WHAT ARE YOUR PRODUCT’S/SOLUTION’S KEY DISTINGUISHING FEATURES AND/OR USP?
The Starline M70 Critical Power Monitor (CPM) is a fourth-generation power monitoring solution designed to enhance energy efficiency in mission-critical data centres. It delivers advanced energy metering, ensuring that electrical infrastructure operates at peak performance while providing the granular insights needed for informed, strategic decision-making.
In today’s data centres, revenue-grade power monitoring is essential for maximizing uptime, balancing loads, and improving energy efficiency. The M70 CPM sets itself apart with unmatched precision, real-time data, and seamless integration with industry-standard platforms.
With the most comprehensive feature set on the market, its key distinguishing features include:
* Unmatched Granularity – Provides revenue-grade power monitoring at the power feed, branch-circuit level, or stand-alone enclosure, enabling detailed energy tracking.
* Advanced Communication Capabilities – Offers the most extensive communication protocol suite on the market, including SNMP, Modbus, BACnet, and optional Wi-Fi for seamless integration with BMS and DCIM platforms.
* Real-Time Monitoring & Alarms – Features audible alarms and redesigned LED/LCD displays for instant power insights to balance loads, detect load anomalies, and immediately identify overloads in the busway or at the rack level.
* Innovative Temperature Monitoring – The first-of-its-kind lug temperature monitoring detects hot spots before failures occur, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.
* Enhanced Security & Performance – Features include firmware encryption, a faster processor, monthly vulnerability and penetration scans for Cybersecurity, IPv6 compatibility, and expanded memory to support future upgrades and features.
* Flexible Configuration & User-Friendly Display – Adaptable to single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase power outlets, with multi-circuit monitoring and a pivoting display for easy access.
WHAT TANGIBLE IMPACT HAS YOUR PRODUCT/SOLUTION HAD ON THE MARKET AND YOUR CUSTOMERS?
The M70 CPM has significantly improved power management and operational efficiency for data centres worldwide. Its tangible impact includes:
* Improved Energy Efficiency – Enables real-time power monitoring to identify inefficiencies, balance loads, and reduce energy waste, helping data centres optimize power usage.
* Reduced Downtime & Maintenance Costs – The integrated temperature monitoring feature helps prevent failures by detecting potential overheating in power terminations, allowing for proactive maintenance.
* Faster Deployment & Integration – The M70’s plug-and-play compatibility with existing BMS and DCIM systems allows for quick deployment and seamless system integration.
* Scalability & Adaptability – The M70’s single platform supports multi-circuit and multi-phase monitoring, and a large range of amperages (0 to 1200A), allowing data centres to future-proof their infrastructure. The ability to adapt to different circuits allows colocation providers to monitor racks with different power requirements and enables enterprise data centres to monitor busway power consumption.
* Operational Resilience – By providing granular real-time power data, the M70 CPM helps operators detect anomalies early, ensuring uninterrupted operations for mission-critical applications.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR DIFFERENTIATORS BETWEEN YOUR PRODUCT/SOLUTION AND THOSE OF YOUR PRIMARY COMPETITORS?
The M70 CPM empowers data centres to monitor energy consumption easily, reliably, and in real-time. The Starline M70 CPM stands out from competitors due to:
* Unrivalled Data Granularity – Delivers high-resolution power usage insights at multiple levels (power feed, branch circuit, or standalone enclosure).
* Industry-Leading Communication Protocols – Supports simultaneous use of multiple protocols (SNMP, Modbus, BACnet, and optional Wi-Fi), ensuring superior system compatibility.
* Innovative Temperature Monitoring – The M70 offers first-of-its-kind temperature monitoring, which allows for real-time sensing of lug terminations and enclosure temperature to identify hot spots before they occur, reducing the risk of unexpected power failures.
* Single Platform for Multiple Monitoring Needs – Eliminates the need for multiple monitoring devices, integrating power, energy, and temperature data into a single streamlined system.
* High Security & Reliability – Features include firmware encryption, advanced troubleshooting tools, monthly vulnerability and penetration scans for Cybersecurity, and IPv6 support for future-ready security and performance.
* Optimized Design for Speed & Efficiency – Faster processor and expanded memory allow for real-time processing, faster data retrieval, and future firmware updates.
The Starline M70 Critical Power Monitor (CPM) is a fourth-generation power monitoring solution designed to enhance energy efficiency in mission-critical data centres. It delivers advanced energy metering, ensuring that electrical infrastructure operates at peak performance while providing the granular insights needed for informed, strategic decision-making.
In today’s data centres, revenue-grade power monitoring is essential for maximizing uptime, balancing loads, and improving energy efficiency. The M70 CPM sets itself apart with unmatched precision, real-time data, and seamless integration with industry-standard platforms.
With the most comprehensive feature set on the market, its key distinguishing features include:
* Unmatched Granularity – Provides revenue-grade power monitoring at the power feed, branch-circuit level, or stand-alone enclosure, enabling detailed energy tracking.
* Advanced Communication Capabilities – Offers the most extensive communication protocol suite on the market, including SNMP, Modbus, BACnet, and optional Wi-Fi for seamless integration with BMS and DCIM platforms.
* Real-Time Monitoring & Alarms – Features audible alarms and redesigned LED/LCD displays for instant power insights to balance loads, detect load anomalies, and immediately identify overloads in the busway or at the rack level.
* Innovative Temperature Monitoring – The first-of-its-kind lug temperature monitoring detects hot spots before failures occur, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.
* Enhanced Security & Performance – Features include firmware encryption, a faster processor, monthly vulnerability and penetration scans for Cybersecurity, IPv6 compatibility, and expanded memory to support future upgrades and features.
* Flexible Configuration & User-Friendly Display – Adaptable to single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase power outlets, with multi-circuit monitoring and a pivoting display for easy access.
WHAT TANGIBLE IMPACT HAS YOUR PRODUCT/SOLUTION HAD ON THE MARKET AND YOUR CUSTOMERS?
The M70 CPM has significantly improved power management and operational efficiency for data centres worldwide. Its tangible impact includes:
* Improved Energy Efficiency – Enables real-time power monitoring to identify inefficiencies, balance loads, and reduce energy waste, helping data centres optimize power usage.
* Reduced Downtime & Maintenance Costs – The integrated temperature monitoring feature helps prevent failures by detecting potential overheating in power terminations, allowing for proactive maintenance.
* Faster Deployment & Integration – The M70’s plug-and-play compatibility with existing BMS and DCIM systems allows for quick deployment and seamless system integration.
* Scalability & Adaptability – The M70’s single platform supports multi-circuit and multi-phase monitoring, and a large range of amperages (0 to 1200A), allowing data centres to future-proof their infrastructure. The ability to adapt to different circuits allows colocation providers to monitor racks with different power requirements and enables enterprise data centres to monitor busway power consumption.
* Operational Resilience – By providing granular real-time power data, the M70 CPM helps operators detect anomalies early, ensuring uninterrupted operations for mission-critical applications.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR DIFFERENTIATORS BETWEEN YOUR PRODUCT/SOLUTION AND THOSE OF YOUR PRIMARY COMPETITORS?
The M70 CPM empowers data centres to monitor energy consumption easily, reliably, and in real-time. The Starline M70 CPM stands out from competitors due to:
* Unrivalled Data Granularity – Delivers high-resolution power usage insights at multiple levels (power feed, branch circuit, or standalone enclosure).
* Industry-Leading Communication Protocols – Supports simultaneous use of multiple protocols (SNMP, Modbus, BACnet, and optional Wi-Fi), ensuring superior system compatibility.
* Innovative Temperature Monitoring – The M70 offers first-of-its-kind temperature monitoring, which allows for real-time sensing of lug terminations and enclosure temperature to identify hot spots before they occur, reducing the risk of unexpected power failures.
* Single Platform for Multiple Monitoring Needs – Eliminates the need for multiple monitoring devices, integrating power, energy, and temperature data into a single streamlined system.
* High Security & Reliability – Features include firmware encryption, advanced troubleshooting tools, monthly vulnerability and penetration scans for Cybersecurity, and IPv6 support for future-ready security and performance.
* Optimized Design for Speed & Efficiency – Faster processor and expanded memory allow for real-time processing, faster data retrieval, and future firmware updates.
Data Centre Safety & Security Innovation of the Year
WINNER
Pure Data Centres Group
The Challenge
As part of our cyber security approach, there is no remote access to critical Operational Technology (OT) environments.
The OT networks are fully isolated & air-gapped from external networks & the internet.
Without remote connectivity, all maintenance & troubleshooting tasks must be completed on-site.
Incident response to critical events in the OT environment can be delayed by due to lack of remote visibility.
The Proposal
To develop a new secure connectivity approach using a Secure Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) device alongside our existing security infrastructure.
Retains the physical network isolation, ensuring no operational data transfer is possible through the new solution.
Ensures the system is fully auditable across both IT & Security platforms to ensure compliance to cyber security standards.
The Solution
The remote user device is secured by our corporate endpoint security software & uses encrypted VPN protocols to reach the site’s perimeter firewall.
This VPN connectivity is permitted for authorised users only, using centralised authentication, logging & auditing.
Individual user authentication credentials are used for the IP-KVM device, with full audit trail & event logging to network monitoring systems.
Video is always available through a HDMI feed. Interactivity is provided by the USB keyboard & mouse, managed through a local access control reader.
The access control reader must be enabled by site security personnel using a fob . This event is logged within the security monitoring systems & timestamped CCTV footage records the activity.
Access requests are managed by our 24/7 service desk following strict authorisation procedures before use is permitted.
The Outcomes
The Secure KVM connectivity empowers our operational teams with a more flexible & responsive approach to maintaining our critical environments, without compromising on compliance with our cyber security standards.
This innovative combination of technological, physical & procedural security controls allow the users to securely view & interact with remote OT systems from their location while remaining protected against potential cyber threats.
Our response to critical incidents in the OT environment has been vastly improved, while ensuring that there is no risk of exposure to external threats, data exfiltration or direct network access.
Our operational incident management teams can support each other globally across all our sites in a far more effective manner, promoting enhanced internal collaboration in the resolution of critical issues.
In the same way that software is developed using the DevOps model, we adopt a similar model for our build and run strategy for our Datacentres for ICT and Security, the relationship and synergy between development and ops teams is crucial to the lifecycle of our builds.
As part of our cyber security approach, there is no remote access to critical Operational Technology (OT) environments.
The OT networks are fully isolated & air-gapped from external networks & the internet.
Without remote connectivity, all maintenance & troubleshooting tasks must be completed on-site.
Incident response to critical events in the OT environment can be delayed by due to lack of remote visibility.
The Proposal
To develop a new secure connectivity approach using a Secure Keyboard Video Mouse (KVM) device alongside our existing security infrastructure.
Retains the physical network isolation, ensuring no operational data transfer is possible through the new solution.
Ensures the system is fully auditable across both IT & Security platforms to ensure compliance to cyber security standards.
The Solution
The remote user device is secured by our corporate endpoint security software & uses encrypted VPN protocols to reach the site’s perimeter firewall.
This VPN connectivity is permitted for authorised users only, using centralised authentication, logging & auditing.
Individual user authentication credentials are used for the IP-KVM device, with full audit trail & event logging to network monitoring systems.
Video is always available through a HDMI feed. Interactivity is provided by the USB keyboard & mouse, managed through a local access control reader.
The access control reader must be enabled by site security personnel using a fob . This event is logged within the security monitoring systems & timestamped CCTV footage records the activity.
Access requests are managed by our 24/7 service desk following strict authorisation procedures before use is permitted.
The Outcomes
The Secure KVM connectivity empowers our operational teams with a more flexible & responsive approach to maintaining our critical environments, without compromising on compliance with our cyber security standards.
This innovative combination of technological, physical & procedural security controls allow the users to securely view & interact with remote OT systems from their location while remaining protected against potential cyber threats.
Our response to critical incidents in the OT environment has been vastly improved, while ensuring that there is no risk of exposure to external threats, data exfiltration or direct network access.
Our operational incident management teams can support each other globally across all our sites in a far more effective manner, promoting enhanced internal collaboration in the resolution of critical issues.
In the same way that software is developed using the DevOps model, we adopt a similar model for our build and run strategy for our Datacentres for ICT and Security, the relationship and synergy between development and ops teams is crucial to the lifecycle of our builds.
RUNNER UP
DAXTEN / MOVEXX
Data centre professionals often face the problem that newly delivered racks first have to be transported long distances in the data centre and then positioned in the aisles with millimetre precision. Or fully loaded racks have to be moved from one aisle or room to another. In the past, this often meant that an entire team had to take care of this type of work. And it was often necessary to remove equipment from a rack to reduce the weight so that the rack could be transported using makeshift transport aid. And there were further complications: every time a rack was moved or transported, as well as every time it was removed and rebuilt, it naturally entailed risks for the equipment – and of course also for the data centre professionals carrying out the work, because this type of work often leads to physical strain, user fatigue, back pain or other injuries.
The solution is simple: The Movexx TT1500-M-SR represents the clever alternative to this heavy and risky manual work and to makeshift transport aids. It is designed to create a safer and more sustainable working environment by improving the productivity. This server rack tug is used for the safe, ergonomic and efficient movement of racks within data centres. With a capacity of up to 1500 kg, this rack mover is highly suitable for daily operations in the data centre, even within small spaces. Only one operator is required for the safe and secure transportation of server racks over both short and long distances. Physical strain, the high risk of accidents, long term sickness, and high damage cost can be reduced significantly, which is music to the ears of anyone operating a data centre.
All Highlights of the Movexx Rack Mover TT1500-M-SR at a Glance:
Innovation
The solution is simple: The Movexx TT1500-M-SR represents the clever alternative to this heavy and risky manual work and to makeshift transport aids. It is designed to create a safer and more sustainable working environment by improving the productivity. This server rack tug is used for the safe, ergonomic and efficient movement of racks within data centres. With a capacity of up to 1500 kg, this rack mover is highly suitable for daily operations in the data centre, even within small spaces. Only one operator is required for the safe and secure transportation of server racks over both short and long distances. Physical strain, the high risk of accidents, long term sickness, and high damage cost can be reduced significantly, which is music to the ears of anyone operating a data centre.
All Highlights of the Movexx Rack Mover TT1500-M-SR at a Glance:
Innovation
- Rugged, reinforced superstructure provides safe handling of rack loads up to 1500 kg.
- Available for heavy duty rack moving tasks in the data centre at any time.
- Average 8-hours drive time on single charge.
- Charging via the external charger at any convenient power point for optimum uptime.
- 700w DC drive motor.
- Adjustable parameters: travel speed up to 4,5 km/h & acceleration.
- Robust metal cover protects drive system and components.
- LiFePo4 battery technology with integrated battery management system.
- Less than 4-hours charging.
- Body protection switch on tiller head stops truck when actuated.
- Truck slows before coming to a stop, remaining under total control at all times.
- Effective parking brake to hold the tug safely on ramps or uneven grounds.
- Maximum rack handling performance by minimising the operator's physical input.
- Physical strain, the high risk of accidents, long term sickness, and high damage cost can be reduced significantly.
- Robust design for years of trouble-free service.
- Exchangeable battery system ensures an optimal running time.
- The DC drive motor optimises uptime between routine service periods and reduces service costs.
- The reliable, energy efficient controller delivers smooth handling performance.
- It lets data centre professionals enjoy all kind of rack movement, transportation and relocation work in the data centre
- The user experience when handling a 1500 kg shelf load alone is above all amazing and most importantly safe
Data Centre Sustainability Innovation of the Year
WINNER
Clean Energy Capital
In 2025, the data centre sector faces an unprecedented array of challenges. Not only must operators find a way to meet the generational shift in demand brought on by the AI revolution, but at the same time they must contend with increasingly stringent regulatory frameworks, energy market volatility, and looming net zero deadlines. In short, the data centre industry must find new ways to meet demand without compromising on its green commitments.
The science of data centre design has done the near-unthinkable over the past two decades, cutting emissions, increasing efficiency, and making more progress towards lofty climate goals than virtually any other industrial sector. The International Energy Agency estimates that, between 2015 and 2022 the number of internet users increased by 78%, global internet traffic by 600% and data-centre workloads by 340%. However, the amount of energy consumed by those data centres only rose by 20-70% over the same period. From free air cooling to intelligent power management platforms, data centre operators who take sustainability seriously are squeezing virtually every drop of efficiency possible out of their facilities, curtailing not only energy consumption but its attendant costs.
Renewable energy is at the heart of the data centre industry’s efforts to contain costs and decarbonise, with solar, wind and other renewables becoming cheaper and more readily available in many markets. The UK is already making commendable headway with its green energy transition. In 2025, over 40% of the country’s electricity will be sourced from renewables.
However, when it comes to sourcing renewable energy, very few operators have progressed beyond brokering multi-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which rely on grid-connected renewable projects and volatile energy markets. There has to be a better way.
That’s where Clean Energy Capital’s private wire solar solutions come in. We saw the increasing power demands of data centres, the need for cost certainty, and the growing emphasis on sustainability within the sector, and we responded. Utilising near-site and on-site renewables generation that bypasses the grid, our solutions help data centre operators work towards emission reduction goals efficiently and cost-effectively, while insulating them from unforeseen disruptions in the energy market.
Given the constraints of traditional renewable procurement—like PPAs, which are subject to market fluctuations and grid limitations—private wire solar offers a secure, long-term, and cost-effective alternative. By establishing dedicated solar generation near or on-site, data centres gain direct access to clean energy while avoiding non-commodity costs associated with grid electricity.
With Clean Energy Capital’s private wire renewables solution, we can provide our client with anywhere between 10 MW and 200 MW of green, traceable power generated at a solar farm within 10 km of their facility — up and running in less than two years. Our pricing ensures zero client CapEx, only OpEx, and the energy we provide works out 30% cheaper on average than what data centre operators can currently secure via PPAs. A client implementing a Clean Energy Capital near-site private wire solar solution can secure a 25-year fixed-price energy contract and reduce their site’s annual carbon emissions by 30,000 tonnes annually.
We can spin up and scale sites quickly to suit our clients’ needs. Activating private wire solar immediately reduces a site’s carbon impact, cutting, for example, an 80 MW facility’s emissions by 14,237 tonnes in the first year, and reducing lifetime CO2 output by over a half a million (528,800) tonnes, equivalent to planting over 25 million trees.
Private wire renewables companies do already exist in the UK (as well as in other markets), but we’re among the first to offer a product focused on the data centre industry. This means we’re better equipped to meet the sector’s high-energy, mission-critical infrastructure needs, compared to broad energy suppliers. Our team of industry experts spans land, commercial, project management, and technical disciplines, with an executive team boasting over 75 years of combined expertise in renewables, power, and electricity grid networks. Our track record in scaling solar and wind projects is backed by leadership experience at industry-leading companies such as Statkraft, Blue Energy, Falck Renewables, Ernst & Young, SunEdison, and Eden Infrastructure.
Private wire renewables are emerging as a critical pressure valve for markets where data centres threaten to overload the grid. In Ireland, industry experts (including Garry Connolly, founder of Host in Ireland) have praised legislation allowing data centre operators to more easily build private wire infrastructure. In the UK, our ageing electrical grid and the government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2035 are going to make private wire an essential piece of the net zero puzzle over the coming decade. At Clean Energy Capital, we’re helping the industry reduce pressure on national grid infrastructure by generating power closer to the point of consumption.
The data centre sector faces a challenging future. Fulfilling a role as a driving force behind the green transition while also supporting the AI revolution and ongoing digitalisation is a difficult line to walk — especially while maintaining cost certainty and mitigating risk. Clean Energy Capital aims to support data centre operators, both in achieving near-term carbon reduction targets by complementing existing energy procurement strategies as an alternative or complementary solution to traditional PPAs and grid procurement, and encouraging sector-wide change. It is our goal to showcase a viable model for other high-energy industries looking to transition towards private renewable generation in order to contain costs, facilitate grid decentralisation, and decarbonise.
The science of data centre design has done the near-unthinkable over the past two decades, cutting emissions, increasing efficiency, and making more progress towards lofty climate goals than virtually any other industrial sector. The International Energy Agency estimates that, between 2015 and 2022 the number of internet users increased by 78%, global internet traffic by 600% and data-centre workloads by 340%. However, the amount of energy consumed by those data centres only rose by 20-70% over the same period. From free air cooling to intelligent power management platforms, data centre operators who take sustainability seriously are squeezing virtually every drop of efficiency possible out of their facilities, curtailing not only energy consumption but its attendant costs.
Renewable energy is at the heart of the data centre industry’s efforts to contain costs and decarbonise, with solar, wind and other renewables becoming cheaper and more readily available in many markets. The UK is already making commendable headway with its green energy transition. In 2025, over 40% of the country’s electricity will be sourced from renewables.
However, when it comes to sourcing renewable energy, very few operators have progressed beyond brokering multi-year Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which rely on grid-connected renewable projects and volatile energy markets. There has to be a better way.
That’s where Clean Energy Capital’s private wire solar solutions come in. We saw the increasing power demands of data centres, the need for cost certainty, and the growing emphasis on sustainability within the sector, and we responded. Utilising near-site and on-site renewables generation that bypasses the grid, our solutions help data centre operators work towards emission reduction goals efficiently and cost-effectively, while insulating them from unforeseen disruptions in the energy market.
Given the constraints of traditional renewable procurement—like PPAs, which are subject to market fluctuations and grid limitations—private wire solar offers a secure, long-term, and cost-effective alternative. By establishing dedicated solar generation near or on-site, data centres gain direct access to clean energy while avoiding non-commodity costs associated with grid electricity.
With Clean Energy Capital’s private wire renewables solution, we can provide our client with anywhere between 10 MW and 200 MW of green, traceable power generated at a solar farm within 10 km of their facility — up and running in less than two years. Our pricing ensures zero client CapEx, only OpEx, and the energy we provide works out 30% cheaper on average than what data centre operators can currently secure via PPAs. A client implementing a Clean Energy Capital near-site private wire solar solution can secure a 25-year fixed-price energy contract and reduce their site’s annual carbon emissions by 30,000 tonnes annually.
We can spin up and scale sites quickly to suit our clients’ needs. Activating private wire solar immediately reduces a site’s carbon impact, cutting, for example, an 80 MW facility’s emissions by 14,237 tonnes in the first year, and reducing lifetime CO2 output by over a half a million (528,800) tonnes, equivalent to planting over 25 million trees.
Private wire renewables companies do already exist in the UK (as well as in other markets), but we’re among the first to offer a product focused on the data centre industry. This means we’re better equipped to meet the sector’s high-energy, mission-critical infrastructure needs, compared to broad energy suppliers. Our team of industry experts spans land, commercial, project management, and technical disciplines, with an executive team boasting over 75 years of combined expertise in renewables, power, and electricity grid networks. Our track record in scaling solar and wind projects is backed by leadership experience at industry-leading companies such as Statkraft, Blue Energy, Falck Renewables, Ernst & Young, SunEdison, and Eden Infrastructure.
Private wire renewables are emerging as a critical pressure valve for markets where data centres threaten to overload the grid. In Ireland, industry experts (including Garry Connolly, founder of Host in Ireland) have praised legislation allowing data centre operators to more easily build private wire infrastructure. In the UK, our ageing electrical grid and the government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2035 are going to make private wire an essential piece of the net zero puzzle over the coming decade. At Clean Energy Capital, we’re helping the industry reduce pressure on national grid infrastructure by generating power closer to the point of consumption.
The data centre sector faces a challenging future. Fulfilling a role as a driving force behind the green transition while also supporting the AI revolution and ongoing digitalisation is a difficult line to walk — especially while maintaining cost certainty and mitigating risk. Clean Energy Capital aims to support data centre operators, both in achieving near-term carbon reduction targets by complementing existing energy procurement strategies as an alternative or complementary solution to traditional PPAs and grid procurement, and encouraging sector-wide change. It is our goal to showcase a viable model for other high-energy industries looking to transition towards private renewable generation in order to contain costs, facilitate grid decentralisation, and decarbonise.
RUNNER UP
Ezditek
Responding to the international Organizations’ Callings for integrating the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, OCED & The United Nations within our framework by partnering with an internationally recognized entity, adhering and compiling to the local governmental legislation bodies , Ezditek has established its framework in sustainability to position itself as a leader in sustainability in data center industry incorporating the smart technologies in an integrated framework that is conceptualized to include fundamental Sustainability measures, Smart tools, and the 17 SDGs to be a Smart and Sustainable framework for a resilient data center. Unlike other sustainability frameworks Ezditek included 4 measures in its framework. As the data center market in Saudi Arabia forms 5.71% of the total GDP, Ezditek is taking the lead in, Minimizing & Eliminating the Environmental Impact achieving net zero by equalizing GHGE production with best environmental practices that are smart and sustainable to achieve the facility resiliency from the planning phase, until the operation, through Maximizing the standards for operational optimization/ Space / Technologies …etc, Using Intelligent power management. Fundamental Sustainable Measures Smart Tools = Resilient DataCenter
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Saudi Vision 2023, and it stands as a top priority at our company.
We are dedicated to integrating sustainable practices across all operations, Adhering to sustainability framework, committed to developing a state-of-the-art smart, and sustainable data center.
Our efforts are focused on achieving key sustainability goals, ensuring that our operations not only meet but exceed environmental standards integrating smart technologies in our framework and contributing positively to the broader vision of a sustainable future.
1. What are your product's/solution's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
Ezditek’s Smart & Sustainable Data Center framework is a pioneering approach that integrates smart technologies, fundamental sustainability measures, and the 17 SDGs to create a resilient and future-proof data center. Unlike traditional sustainability models, our framework incorporates four unique sustainability measures:
Minimizing & Eliminating Environmental Impact – Aiming for Net Zero by balancing greenhouse gas emissions with best environmental practices.
Maximizing Operational Optimization – Enhancing efficiency across space, power, and technology to improve resilience.
Intelligent Power Management – Leveraging AI-driven energy optimization to reduce consumption and carbon footprint.
Compliance & Leadership – Aligning with local governmental regulations, OECD, United Nations SDGs, and partnering with internationally recognized sustainability entities.
This holistic approach positions Ezditek as a sustainability leader in the data center industry, setting a new benchmark for smart, eco-conscious, and highly efficient data centers.
2. What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
Ezditek’s framework is making a significant impact on the Saudi data center market, which contributes 5.71% of the country’s GDP. By adopting our solution, customers are experiencing:
Energy Efficiency Gains – A reduction in operational energy costs through smart power management and optimization techniques.
Sustainability Compliance – Seamless adherence to Saudi Vision 2030 and global sustainability benchmarks, ensuring future-proof operations.
Increased Resilience & Performance – A data center infrastructure that is more resilient to climate challenges and operational demands, improving uptime and longevity.
Market Differentiation & ESG Leadership – Customers integrating our framework gain a competitive edge in sustainability rankings and attract environmentally conscious stakeholders and investors.
3. What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
Unlike conventional sustainability frameworks, Ezditek’s solution uniquely combines:
A fully integrated Smart & Sustainable Model – Merging sustainability best practices with cutting-edge AI, automation, and intelligent resource management.
A holistic lifecycle approach – Addressing sustainability from design to operation, not just during a single phase.
Strategic Compliance & Partnerships – Aligning with global standards and callings (SDGs, OECD, UN guidelines) while ensuring adherence to local government regulations.
Smart Technology-Driven Metrics – Using real-time data analytics, predictive maintenance, and AI-powered energy efficiency strategies for continuous optimization.
These differentiators position Ezditek as the leader in creating the next generation of resilient, future-ready data centers, as we do not consider sustainability as a destination but as mindset and a driver.
4. Supportive Quotes & Case Studies Case Study: Transforming Data Centers with Smart Sustainability
A recent deployment of Ezditek’s Smart & Sustainable framework in a major Saudi data center resulted in:
reduction in energy consumption through AI-driven power optimization.
increase in space utilization efficiency, reducing physical footprint without sacrificing performance.
Improved regulatory compliance, exceeding Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability targets and setting a benchmark in the industry.
Quote from an Industry Expert: Ezditek’s integrated approach to sustainability is setting a new gold standard in the data center industry. Their ability to merge smart technologies with sustainability measures not only improves efficiency but also ensures compliance with global and local environmental regulations.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of the Saudi Vision 2023, and it stands as a top priority at our company.
We are dedicated to integrating sustainable practices across all operations, Adhering to sustainability framework, committed to developing a state-of-the-art smart, and sustainable data center.
Our efforts are focused on achieving key sustainability goals, ensuring that our operations not only meet but exceed environmental standards integrating smart technologies in our framework and contributing positively to the broader vision of a sustainable future.
1. What are your product's/solution's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
Ezditek’s Smart & Sustainable Data Center framework is a pioneering approach that integrates smart technologies, fundamental sustainability measures, and the 17 SDGs to create a resilient and future-proof data center. Unlike traditional sustainability models, our framework incorporates four unique sustainability measures:
Minimizing & Eliminating Environmental Impact – Aiming for Net Zero by balancing greenhouse gas emissions with best environmental practices.
Maximizing Operational Optimization – Enhancing efficiency across space, power, and technology to improve resilience.
Intelligent Power Management – Leveraging AI-driven energy optimization to reduce consumption and carbon footprint.
Compliance & Leadership – Aligning with local governmental regulations, OECD, United Nations SDGs, and partnering with internationally recognized sustainability entities.
This holistic approach positions Ezditek as a sustainability leader in the data center industry, setting a new benchmark for smart, eco-conscious, and highly efficient data centers.
2. What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
Ezditek’s framework is making a significant impact on the Saudi data center market, which contributes 5.71% of the country’s GDP. By adopting our solution, customers are experiencing:
Energy Efficiency Gains – A reduction in operational energy costs through smart power management and optimization techniques.
Sustainability Compliance – Seamless adherence to Saudi Vision 2030 and global sustainability benchmarks, ensuring future-proof operations.
Increased Resilience & Performance – A data center infrastructure that is more resilient to climate challenges and operational demands, improving uptime and longevity.
Market Differentiation & ESG Leadership – Customers integrating our framework gain a competitive edge in sustainability rankings and attract environmentally conscious stakeholders and investors.
3. What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
Unlike conventional sustainability frameworks, Ezditek’s solution uniquely combines:
A fully integrated Smart & Sustainable Model – Merging sustainability best practices with cutting-edge AI, automation, and intelligent resource management.
A holistic lifecycle approach – Addressing sustainability from design to operation, not just during a single phase.
Strategic Compliance & Partnerships – Aligning with global standards and callings (SDGs, OECD, UN guidelines) while ensuring adherence to local government regulations.
Smart Technology-Driven Metrics – Using real-time data analytics, predictive maintenance, and AI-powered energy efficiency strategies for continuous optimization.
These differentiators position Ezditek as the leader in creating the next generation of resilient, future-ready data centers, as we do not consider sustainability as a destination but as mindset and a driver.
4. Supportive Quotes & Case Studies Case Study: Transforming Data Centers with Smart Sustainability
A recent deployment of Ezditek’s Smart & Sustainable framework in a major Saudi data center resulted in:
reduction in energy consumption through AI-driven power optimization.
increase in space utilization efficiency, reducing physical footprint without sacrificing performance.
Improved regulatory compliance, exceeding Saudi Vision 2030 sustainability targets and setting a benchmark in the industry.
Quote from an Industry Expert: Ezditek’s integrated approach to sustainability is setting a new gold standard in the data center industry. Their ability to merge smart technologies with sustainability measures not only improves efficiency but also ensures compliance with global and local environmental regulations.
Data Centre Sustainability Project of the Year
Sponsored by 
WINNER
EkkoSense and CBRE
Data centres of all sizes have never been under greater pressure. Already tasked with supporting escalating digital transformation demands, today’s operations teams are also now transitioning to GPU-intensive AI workloads with their associated liquid cooling requirements. As workloads extend way beyond traditional 10 kW per rack levels, infrastructures are inevitably getting stretched.
Yet at the same time, the same teams are targeted with cutting energy and carbon consumption as part of their corporate ESG initiatives. Stricter ESG and sustainability compliance regimes now dictate that, in addition to saving energy and cutting carbon usage, teams also have to conduct potentially complex and time-consuming ESG compliance reporting.
CBRE and EkkoSense work together to help clients resolve these often conflicting challenges. CBRE brings over 25 years’ experience operating specialist teams that provide integrated data centre services, including consulting, advisory and transaction, project management, and operations. EkkoSense adds its distinctive AI-driven software optimisation approach that helps data centre operations teams to manage their thermal, power and capacity performance in real-time, while at the same time automating ESG reporting requirements.
However, it’s difficult to unlock the kind of performance improvements that are needed to handle greater data centre workloads and secure energy savings unless you know exactly what’s happening across your facilities in real-time. Working together, CBRE and EkkoSense enable absolute real-time visibility of what’s happening across their data centre estates, giving clients the re-assurance that the assumptions they’re making on cooling, power and capacity actually do stand up.
Already the results of this partnership are impressive. CBRE and EkkoSense work with a broad range of customers across the US, EMEA and APAC regions, and to date have already helped to secure annual power savings of over 1,600 kW, an annual CO2 emissions reduction of almost 5,000 tonnes CO2 eq., as well as significant energy cost savings.
EkkoSense enables these kind of performance improvements by bringing together an exclusive mix of technology and capabilities – including an innovative SaaS platform, low-cost Internet of Things sensors, machine learning sensing, gaming-class 3D visualisation and Digital Twin capabilities, AI analytics and embedded advisory support. When combined, these capabilities ensure that EkkoSense and CBRE customers set the international standard when it comes to software-driven data center optimisation.
What makes this collaboration special for CBRE and EkkoSense is the sheer volume of data that the software collects, and how it enables CBRE customers to make smarter decisions in the day-to-day operation of their data centre facilities. Temperature, humidity and capacity data are all captured at a much more granular level. This is monitored and analysed within the EkkoSense data lake, enabling a level of core machine learning data that opens up entirely new levels of optimisation insight.
Yet at the same time, the same teams are targeted with cutting energy and carbon consumption as part of their corporate ESG initiatives. Stricter ESG and sustainability compliance regimes now dictate that, in addition to saving energy and cutting carbon usage, teams also have to conduct potentially complex and time-consuming ESG compliance reporting.
CBRE and EkkoSense work together to help clients resolve these often conflicting challenges. CBRE brings over 25 years’ experience operating specialist teams that provide integrated data centre services, including consulting, advisory and transaction, project management, and operations. EkkoSense adds its distinctive AI-driven software optimisation approach that helps data centre operations teams to manage their thermal, power and capacity performance in real-time, while at the same time automating ESG reporting requirements.
However, it’s difficult to unlock the kind of performance improvements that are needed to handle greater data centre workloads and secure energy savings unless you know exactly what’s happening across your facilities in real-time. Working together, CBRE and EkkoSense enable absolute real-time visibility of what’s happening across their data centre estates, giving clients the re-assurance that the assumptions they’re making on cooling, power and capacity actually do stand up.
Already the results of this partnership are impressive. CBRE and EkkoSense work with a broad range of customers across the US, EMEA and APAC regions, and to date have already helped to secure annual power savings of over 1,600 kW, an annual CO2 emissions reduction of almost 5,000 tonnes CO2 eq., as well as significant energy cost savings.
EkkoSense enables these kind of performance improvements by bringing together an exclusive mix of technology and capabilities – including an innovative SaaS platform, low-cost Internet of Things sensors, machine learning sensing, gaming-class 3D visualisation and Digital Twin capabilities, AI analytics and embedded advisory support. When combined, these capabilities ensure that EkkoSense and CBRE customers set the international standard when it comes to software-driven data center optimisation.
What makes this collaboration special for CBRE and EkkoSense is the sheer volume of data that the software collects, and how it enables CBRE customers to make smarter decisions in the day-to-day operation of their data centre facilities. Temperature, humidity and capacity data are all captured at a much more granular level. This is monitored and analysed within the EkkoSense data lake, enabling a level of core machine learning data that opens up entirely new levels of optimisation insight.
RUNNER UP
Vantage Data Centers
In May 2024, Vantage successfully delivered ZHR2, its second data centre campus in Zurich, comprising a 21,000 sq m building. This was delivered on time and within budget, after breaking ground in April 2022. With an annual PUE of 1.25, it meets the immediate (8MW) and future (up to 24MW) IT workload requirements of the hyperscale customer. At the same time, the new Zurich campus has reinforced our position as a leading provider in this increasingly strategic data centre market.
Key objectives:
- Designing and building a new fit-for-purpose 24MW, 21,000 square meters data centre in Switzerland to meet a major hyperscale customer’s exacting location and connectivity requirement.
- Providing a sustainable, renewably powered data centre solution with optimal energy, water and environmental efficiencies.
- Ensuring robust Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) protocols to manage the inherent risks associated with large-scale construction activities, preventing workplace incidents, minimizing environmental impact and fostering a culture of safety and health among all staff and onsite sub-contractors during construction.
- Designing and constructing a large data centre in an area of exceptional natural beauty, dedicated to relaxation and leisure in proximity to a residential area: addressing the stringent requirements of the local planning and environmental authorities, as well as the concerns of local residents and fostering a harmonious relationship between the building and its environment, ensuring a thoughtful and cohesive integration.
Project milestones:
June 2021 – April 2022
Vantage identifies a suitable location in the Zurich area, located 30 kilometers north of Zurich’s city centre in Glattfelden and perfectly suited to the customer's needs.
Planning applications commence: ongoing discussion with planning authorities and meetings with local residents and environmental agencies; agreement reached to minimize general and noise disruption.
Discussions about the building's facade began early in the planning process to ensure harmonization with the surrounding environment. Various ideas were explored in collaboration with officials, ultimately leading to a solution that balanced community desires with necessary safety considerations.
Planning permission granted in April 2022 – the transparency and ongoing dialogue with the planning authorities and local community, including regular site visits, ensured a smooth passage through a difficult planning process.
April 2022 – August 2023
The development was carried out by a Swiss general contractor and a series of Swiss sub-contractors. At peak times up to 400 workers were on site.
Construction phase: Land clearance, groundworks, construction of buildings fabric/shell.
Sept 2023
Power to site enabled - the project team worked closely with the local building’s authority and grid suppliers, ensuring the power and electrical work fully aligned with Vantage’s and our hyperscale customer’s exacting standards, including our Environmental Health & Safety aspects which exceeded the local regulatory requirements.
Parallel commissioning: Vantage decided to commission the data center M&E equipment and customer data modules construction/fit-out in parallel. While usually the latter would be completed prior to building and fitting out of data modules, this approach saved time to ensure agreed delivery deadlines could be met.
May 2024
Occupation: This was signed off by the building’s inspectors a month ahead of the official inspection date - no final physical on-site inspection was necessary.
Innovation:
Aesthetic design: During preplanning phase, a wooden façade was the preferred choice, but due to fire safety concerns from a nearby hiking trail, this was ruled out. The final solution was a powder-coated aluminum facade in six block colours, carefully arranged to mimic the look of wood and blend with the surrounding environment. The colours shift with changing daylight, creating a dynamic visual effect.
The landscaping has also been designed so that the data center blends into the landscape: stones from a local quarry have been used to raise the site level, local plants, trees, and bushes have been thoughtfully chosen and positioned on the campus in collaboration with safety teams.
Wellness-friendly: Ensuring a low rise, low noise building, designed to be as unobtrusive as possible and which blended with the surrounding landscape environment – this was key to achieving planning consent. The chillers have been enclosed in acoustic packages to minimize noise
The facade also promotes a clean, streamlined aesthetic by reducing visual clutter.
Given the nature and construction of the façade, we were able to maximize windows offering natural light while maintaining privacy, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Sustainability/energy efficiency: ZRH2 offers diverse and renewable sourced power aligned with Vantage’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions globally by 2030. Additionally, air source and water source heat pumps were installed for enabling carbon free heat extraction/reuse from the server cooling systems. This further reduces energy consumption and emissions while also allowing for heating an adjacent hotel and conference centre via the installation of a district heating network.
Environmental features included a green roof, rainwater infiltration and permeable landscaping to protect precious resources and further minimize environmental impact.
Workforce safety and productivity: A stringent onsite workforce management regime ensured personnel environmental health & safety (EHS) and motivation. The ZRH2 project had over 700,000 hours worked with a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.29.
Project Outcome/Benefits:
Vantage’s hyperscale customer required a resilient, scalable facility in central Europe with the capacity and critical infrastructure for meeting exponential demand for compute and storage capacity. This was due to accelerating market requirements for cloud-based high performance computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. To meet these requirements Vantage ensured:
- The regional area was thoroughly researched to ascertain the right potential location with suitable land, without flood risk, and an abundant renewable power source.
- Close liaison and cooperation with the local authorities from start to finish.
- A stringent Environmental Health & Safety regime of comprehensive safety training, environmental management planning, strict work protocols, increased audits, observations and inspections - all of which fostered a culture of accountability for safety, emergency response and preparedness.
- Adherence to the same proven building design and build approach used by Vantage globally, while also applying our learnings from building our first hyperscale campus (ZHR1) in Zurich three years previously. This included establishing and educating a local supply chain to confidentially meet our requirements and expectations. These steps mitigated supply snags, technical glitches and unforeseen costs, therefore ensuring data centre delivery within the agreed timescales.
Wider impact:
Vantage ZHR2 further positions Zurich and Switzerland as an emerging data centre hub. While meeting the IT requirements of our customer, making a positive contribution to the local area was of equal importance:
- Vantage employed more than 400 individuals during peak construction and has created approximately 25 jobs to operate the campus.
- The outer building facade, while highly durable to withstand the local environment's harsh seasons, is designed to align with the look and feel of the local landscape.
- A bus layby/turning area was constructed on the outer perimeter of the data centre campus for the added convenience of local residents.
- Waste heat reuse will be deployed at the adjacent hotel and conference centre. Vantage has already installed the necessary heat exchanger and insulated pipework for connection at the site boundary.
- A green roof and other environmental initiatives protect and minimize environmental impacts.
Key objectives:
- Designing and building a new fit-for-purpose 24MW, 21,000 square meters data centre in Switzerland to meet a major hyperscale customer’s exacting location and connectivity requirement.
- Providing a sustainable, renewably powered data centre solution with optimal energy, water and environmental efficiencies.
- Ensuring robust Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) protocols to manage the inherent risks associated with large-scale construction activities, preventing workplace incidents, minimizing environmental impact and fostering a culture of safety and health among all staff and onsite sub-contractors during construction.
- Designing and constructing a large data centre in an area of exceptional natural beauty, dedicated to relaxation and leisure in proximity to a residential area: addressing the stringent requirements of the local planning and environmental authorities, as well as the concerns of local residents and fostering a harmonious relationship between the building and its environment, ensuring a thoughtful and cohesive integration.
Project milestones:
June 2021 – April 2022
Vantage identifies a suitable location in the Zurich area, located 30 kilometers north of Zurich’s city centre in Glattfelden and perfectly suited to the customer's needs.
Planning applications commence: ongoing discussion with planning authorities and meetings with local residents and environmental agencies; agreement reached to minimize general and noise disruption.
Discussions about the building's facade began early in the planning process to ensure harmonization with the surrounding environment. Various ideas were explored in collaboration with officials, ultimately leading to a solution that balanced community desires with necessary safety considerations.
Planning permission granted in April 2022 – the transparency and ongoing dialogue with the planning authorities and local community, including regular site visits, ensured a smooth passage through a difficult planning process.
April 2022 – August 2023
The development was carried out by a Swiss general contractor and a series of Swiss sub-contractors. At peak times up to 400 workers were on site.
Construction phase: Land clearance, groundworks, construction of buildings fabric/shell.
Sept 2023
Power to site enabled - the project team worked closely with the local building’s authority and grid suppliers, ensuring the power and electrical work fully aligned with Vantage’s and our hyperscale customer’s exacting standards, including our Environmental Health & Safety aspects which exceeded the local regulatory requirements.
Parallel commissioning: Vantage decided to commission the data center M&E equipment and customer data modules construction/fit-out in parallel. While usually the latter would be completed prior to building and fitting out of data modules, this approach saved time to ensure agreed delivery deadlines could be met.
May 2024
Occupation: This was signed off by the building’s inspectors a month ahead of the official inspection date - no final physical on-site inspection was necessary.
Innovation:
Aesthetic design: During preplanning phase, a wooden façade was the preferred choice, but due to fire safety concerns from a nearby hiking trail, this was ruled out. The final solution was a powder-coated aluminum facade in six block colours, carefully arranged to mimic the look of wood and blend with the surrounding environment. The colours shift with changing daylight, creating a dynamic visual effect.
The landscaping has also been designed so that the data center blends into the landscape: stones from a local quarry have been used to raise the site level, local plants, trees, and bushes have been thoughtfully chosen and positioned on the campus in collaboration with safety teams.
Wellness-friendly: Ensuring a low rise, low noise building, designed to be as unobtrusive as possible and which blended with the surrounding landscape environment – this was key to achieving planning consent. The chillers have been enclosed in acoustic packages to minimize noise
The facade also promotes a clean, streamlined aesthetic by reducing visual clutter.
Given the nature and construction of the façade, we were able to maximize windows offering natural light while maintaining privacy, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Sustainability/energy efficiency: ZRH2 offers diverse and renewable sourced power aligned with Vantage’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions globally by 2030. Additionally, air source and water source heat pumps were installed for enabling carbon free heat extraction/reuse from the server cooling systems. This further reduces energy consumption and emissions while also allowing for heating an adjacent hotel and conference centre via the installation of a district heating network.
Environmental features included a green roof, rainwater infiltration and permeable landscaping to protect precious resources and further minimize environmental impact.
Workforce safety and productivity: A stringent onsite workforce management regime ensured personnel environmental health & safety (EHS) and motivation. The ZRH2 project had over 700,000 hours worked with a Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of 0.29.
Project Outcome/Benefits:
Vantage’s hyperscale customer required a resilient, scalable facility in central Europe with the capacity and critical infrastructure for meeting exponential demand for compute and storage capacity. This was due to accelerating market requirements for cloud-based high performance computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. To meet these requirements Vantage ensured:
- The regional area was thoroughly researched to ascertain the right potential location with suitable land, without flood risk, and an abundant renewable power source.
- Close liaison and cooperation with the local authorities from start to finish.
- A stringent Environmental Health & Safety regime of comprehensive safety training, environmental management planning, strict work protocols, increased audits, observations and inspections - all of which fostered a culture of accountability for safety, emergency response and preparedness.
- Adherence to the same proven building design and build approach used by Vantage globally, while also applying our learnings from building our first hyperscale campus (ZHR1) in Zurich three years previously. This included establishing and educating a local supply chain to confidentially meet our requirements and expectations. These steps mitigated supply snags, technical glitches and unforeseen costs, therefore ensuring data centre delivery within the agreed timescales.
Wider impact:
Vantage ZHR2 further positions Zurich and Switzerland as an emerging data centre hub. While meeting the IT requirements of our customer, making a positive contribution to the local area was of equal importance:
- Vantage employed more than 400 individuals during peak construction and has created approximately 25 jobs to operate the campus.
- The outer building facade, while highly durable to withstand the local environment's harsh seasons, is designed to align with the look and feel of the local landscape.
- A bus layby/turning area was constructed on the outer perimeter of the data centre campus for the added convenience of local residents.
- Waste heat reuse will be deployed at the adjacent hotel and conference centre. Vantage has already installed the necessary heat exchanger and insulated pipework for connection at the site boundary.
- A green roof and other environmental initiatives protect and minimize environmental impacts.
DCIM/DC Management Innovation of the Year
WINNER
RiT Tech
1. What are your product's/solution's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
The data center industry has long relied on Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) solutions to monitor and control physical infrastructure. However, as data centers have become more complex, efficiency-focused, and geographically distributed, legacy DCIM solutions increasingly fail to deliver.
Lack or limited integration with BMS, PMS, EMS, and ITSM / CMDB systems leads to fragmented visibility, siloed management, poor use of available data, and operational and energy inefficiencies. To address these challenges, RiT Tech developed Universal Intelligent Infrastructure Management (UIIM) - a next-generation evolution of DCIM that offers machine learning, automation, and seamless cross-discipline integration.
XpedITe is a platform that fully integrates IT, Facilities, and Network infrastructure into a single federated system. Unlike legacy DCIM solutions that focus on monitoring, XpedITe delivers true management, automation, and actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency and resilience.
Key Differentiators & USPs:
Universal & Vendor-Agnostic - XpedITe ties together IT, Facilities, and Business systems (BMS, ITSM, CMDB, CRM, PMS, EMS) to form a single source of truth.
Beyond Monitoring - Automates provisioning, asset management, capacity planning, and power optimization, bridging IT and Facilities silos.
Federated Platform with AI & Predictive Analytics – Aggregates data across multiple data center disciplines and sites, enabling intelligent capacity planning, resource management, maximum use of assets and capital deployed.
Seamless Legacy System Integration – Unlike traditional DCIM tools that require rip-and-replace, XpedITe works alongside existing infrastructure, reducing cost and deployment risks.
Customer Portal & Self-Service Capabilities – Unique in colocation environments, enabling clients to manage their assets, track capacity, and submit service requests seamlessly.
Modular, Scalable & Open API-Driven – Customers can deploy only the features they need, ensuring a flexible, future-proof solution without unnecessary overhead.
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency – First DCIM that tracks real-time data in a comprehensive dashboard with reference to the ISO/IEC 30134 KPI’s, helping operators meet carbon footprint reduction targets.
2. What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
XpedITe has transformed data center operations for global enterprises, colocation providers, and financial institutions by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing visibility across infrastructure layers.
Real-World Impact & ROI:
Global Banking Customer (56 Data Centers, 600 Offices, 15,000 Cabinets)
- 10,000% improvement in project planning and deployment time – provisioning reduced from weeks to minutes.
- Automated provisioning engine ensures corporate compliance across 8 global rules, eliminating manual errors.
- Seamless integration with in-house CMDB and asset management tools reduced reliance on spreadsheets.
UK Financial Markets Data Center (20 Sites, Expanding to 10,000 Cabinets)
- Replacing legacy DCIM tools with XpedITe for real-time asset and power monitoring.
- ServiceNow integration streamlining ITSM processes and incident response.
- Using XpedITe’s customer portal to improve power usage tracking and capacity planning.
3. What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
The data center industry has seen many legacy DCIM tools struggle to keep pace with evolving customer needs. Major players like Vertiv have discontinued platforms like Trellis and Aperture due to the high costs and complexity of transitioning away from traditional architectures. Many organizations have also faced significant challenges with low flexibility, poor usability, and costly integration efforts, which have led to high DCIM failure rates.
XpedITe stands apart by offering a truly universal and intelligent infrastructure management approach. Unlike most DCIM tools, which operate in silos, XpedITe provides deep, real-time integration across IT, Facilities, and Business operations, ensuring that every stakeholder—from data center managers to IT teams and even colocation customers—has access to a single, unified source of truth.
Rather than forcing organizations to replace their existing systems, XpedITe works alongside legacy and third-party tools, leveraging open APIs and a powerful integration framework to bring all infrastructure components into a cohesive, manageable environment. This approach reduces deployment risks, accelerates time-to-value, and significantly lowers operational overhead.
One of XpedITe’s most unique features is its customer portal and CRM integration, which is particularly valuable for colocation and multi-tenant data center providers. Unlike traditional DCIM solutions that focus solely on internal infrastructure, XpedITe extends its functionality to customer engagement and revenue optimization, enabling colocation clients to manage assets, track capacity, and interact with service providers in real-time.
A distinctive feature of XpedITe is the Warehouse module, which is seamlessly integrated with operations, provisioning, and ITSM tools, enhancing operational control - particularly in remote management. Additionally, XpedITe is designed with modular scalability, allowing organizations to adopt only the features they need while ensuring seamless expansion as their requirements grow. By incorporating AI-driven analytics, automated provisioning, and a robust energy management framework, XpedITe goes beyond basic infrastructure oversight, delivering actionable intelligence that actively drives operational improvements.
4. Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the value of this product/solution to your customers/partners.
Global Banking Customer: XpedITe has completely transformed our infrastructure management. We used to spend weeks planning deployments, now we do it in minutes. The efficiency gains have been staggering.
Financial Markets Data Center Operator: By switching to XpedITe, we replaced outdated tools that weren’t giving us the real-time visibility we needed. Now, with full integration across our ITSM, BMS, and capacity management tools, we have far better control over our infrastructure.
Colocation Provider: XpedITe didn’t just improve our internal operations - it changed how we interact with our customers. The CRM integration alone recovered millions in revenue, and the customer portal has been a game-changer for transparency and service delivery.
• 10,000% improvement in deployment time for a global banking customer
• $2 million in recovered revenue for a colocation provider
• 30% reduction in work order costs through automation
• Seamless integration with legacy systems, avoiding costly migrations
The data center industry has long relied on Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) solutions to monitor and control physical infrastructure. However, as data centers have become more complex, efficiency-focused, and geographically distributed, legacy DCIM solutions increasingly fail to deliver.
Lack or limited integration with BMS, PMS, EMS, and ITSM / CMDB systems leads to fragmented visibility, siloed management, poor use of available data, and operational and energy inefficiencies. To address these challenges, RiT Tech developed Universal Intelligent Infrastructure Management (UIIM) - a next-generation evolution of DCIM that offers machine learning, automation, and seamless cross-discipline integration.
XpedITe is a platform that fully integrates IT, Facilities, and Network infrastructure into a single federated system. Unlike legacy DCIM solutions that focus on monitoring, XpedITe delivers true management, automation, and actionable insights to enhance operational efficiency and resilience.
Key Differentiators & USPs:
Universal & Vendor-Agnostic - XpedITe ties together IT, Facilities, and Business systems (BMS, ITSM, CMDB, CRM, PMS, EMS) to form a single source of truth.
Beyond Monitoring - Automates provisioning, asset management, capacity planning, and power optimization, bridging IT and Facilities silos.
Federated Platform with AI & Predictive Analytics – Aggregates data across multiple data center disciplines and sites, enabling intelligent capacity planning, resource management, maximum use of assets and capital deployed.
Seamless Legacy System Integration – Unlike traditional DCIM tools that require rip-and-replace, XpedITe works alongside existing infrastructure, reducing cost and deployment risks.
Customer Portal & Self-Service Capabilities – Unique in colocation environments, enabling clients to manage their assets, track capacity, and submit service requests seamlessly.
Modular, Scalable & Open API-Driven – Customers can deploy only the features they need, ensuring a flexible, future-proof solution without unnecessary overhead.
Sustainability & Energy Efficiency – First DCIM that tracks real-time data in a comprehensive dashboard with reference to the ISO/IEC 30134 KPI’s, helping operators meet carbon footprint reduction targets.
2. What tangible impact has your product/solution had on the market and your customers?
XpedITe has transformed data center operations for global enterprises, colocation providers, and financial institutions by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing visibility across infrastructure layers.
Real-World Impact & ROI:
Global Banking Customer (56 Data Centers, 600 Offices, 15,000 Cabinets)
- 10,000% improvement in project planning and deployment time – provisioning reduced from weeks to minutes.
- Automated provisioning engine ensures corporate compliance across 8 global rules, eliminating manual errors.
- Seamless integration with in-house CMDB and asset management tools reduced reliance on spreadsheets.
UK Financial Markets Data Center (20 Sites, Expanding to 10,000 Cabinets)
- Replacing legacy DCIM tools with XpedITe for real-time asset and power monitoring.
- ServiceNow integration streamlining ITSM processes and incident response.
- Using XpedITe’s customer portal to improve power usage tracking and capacity planning.
3. What are the major differentiators between your product/solution and those of your primary competitors?
The data center industry has seen many legacy DCIM tools struggle to keep pace with evolving customer needs. Major players like Vertiv have discontinued platforms like Trellis and Aperture due to the high costs and complexity of transitioning away from traditional architectures. Many organizations have also faced significant challenges with low flexibility, poor usability, and costly integration efforts, which have led to high DCIM failure rates.
XpedITe stands apart by offering a truly universal and intelligent infrastructure management approach. Unlike most DCIM tools, which operate in silos, XpedITe provides deep, real-time integration across IT, Facilities, and Business operations, ensuring that every stakeholder—from data center managers to IT teams and even colocation customers—has access to a single, unified source of truth.
Rather than forcing organizations to replace their existing systems, XpedITe works alongside legacy and third-party tools, leveraging open APIs and a powerful integration framework to bring all infrastructure components into a cohesive, manageable environment. This approach reduces deployment risks, accelerates time-to-value, and significantly lowers operational overhead.
One of XpedITe’s most unique features is its customer portal and CRM integration, which is particularly valuable for colocation and multi-tenant data center providers. Unlike traditional DCIM solutions that focus solely on internal infrastructure, XpedITe extends its functionality to customer engagement and revenue optimization, enabling colocation clients to manage assets, track capacity, and interact with service providers in real-time.
A distinctive feature of XpedITe is the Warehouse module, which is seamlessly integrated with operations, provisioning, and ITSM tools, enhancing operational control - particularly in remote management. Additionally, XpedITe is designed with modular scalability, allowing organizations to adopt only the features they need while ensuring seamless expansion as their requirements grow. By incorporating AI-driven analytics, automated provisioning, and a robust energy management framework, XpedITe goes beyond basic infrastructure oversight, delivering actionable intelligence that actively drives operational improvements.
4. Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the value of this product/solution to your customers/partners.
Global Banking Customer: XpedITe has completely transformed our infrastructure management. We used to spend weeks planning deployments, now we do it in minutes. The efficiency gains have been staggering.
Financial Markets Data Center Operator: By switching to XpedITe, we replaced outdated tools that weren’t giving us the real-time visibility we needed. Now, with full integration across our ITSM, BMS, and capacity management tools, we have far better control over our infrastructure.
Colocation Provider: XpedITe didn’t just improve our internal operations - it changed how we interact with our customers. The CRM integration alone recovered millions in revenue, and the customer portal has been a game-changer for transparency and service delivery.
• 10,000% improvement in deployment time for a global banking customer
• $2 million in recovered revenue for a colocation provider
• 30% reduction in work order costs through automation
• Seamless integration with legacy systems, avoiding costly migrations
RUNNER UP
R&M (Reichle & De-Massari AG)
With Release 5, inteliPhy net is turning into a digital architect for data centers. Computer rooms can be flexibly designed according to the demand, application, size, and category of the data center. Planners can position the infrastructure modules intuitively on an arbitrary floor plan using drag-and-drop. inteliPhy net enables detailed 2D and 3D visualizations that are also suitable for project presentations.
With inteliPhy net, it is possible to insert, structure and move racks, rack rows and enclosures with just a few clicks. Patch panels, PDUs, cable ducts and pre-terminated trunk cables can be added, adapted and connected virtually just as quickly. The software finds optimal routes for the trunk cables and calculates the cable lengths. inteliPhy net contains an extensive library of templates for the entire infrastructure, such as racks, patch panels, cables and power supply. Models for active devices with data on weight, size, ports, slots, feed connections, performance and consumption are also included. Users can configure metamodels and save them for future planning.
Finished inventory list and digital twin
During planning, inteliPhy net generates an inventory list that can be used directly for cost calculations and orders. The planning process results in a database with a digital twin of the computer room. It serves as the basis for the entire Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), which is the main function of inteliPhy net.
R&M now also offers ready-made KPI reports with zero-touch configuration for inteliPhy net. Users can link the reports with environmental, monitoring, infrastructure, and operating data to monitor the efficiency of the data center. Customizable dashboards and automated KPI analyses help them to regulate power consumption and temperatures more precisely, and to utilize resources.
Another new feature is the interaction of inteliPhy net with a focus on the savings in packaging service from R&M. Customers can, for example, configure Netscale 48 patch panels individually with inteliPhy net. R&M assembles the patch panels completely ready for installation and delivers them in single packaging. The concept saves a considerable amount of individual packaging for small parts. This reduces raw material consumption, waste and the time required for installation.
With inteliPhy net, it is possible to insert, structure and move racks, rack rows and enclosures with just a few clicks. Patch panels, PDUs, cable ducts and pre-terminated trunk cables can be added, adapted and connected virtually just as quickly. The software finds optimal routes for the trunk cables and calculates the cable lengths. inteliPhy net contains an extensive library of templates for the entire infrastructure, such as racks, patch panels, cables and power supply. Models for active devices with data on weight, size, ports, slots, feed connections, performance and consumption are also included. Users can configure metamodels and save them for future planning.
Finished inventory list and digital twin
During planning, inteliPhy net generates an inventory list that can be used directly for cost calculations and orders. The planning process results in a database with a digital twin of the computer room. It serves as the basis for the entire Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), which is the main function of inteliPhy net.
R&M now also offers ready-made KPI reports with zero-touch configuration for inteliPhy net. Users can link the reports with environmental, monitoring, infrastructure, and operating data to monitor the efficiency of the data center. Customizable dashboards and automated KPI analyses help them to regulate power consumption and temperatures more precisely, and to utilize resources.
Another new feature is the interaction of inteliPhy net with a focus on the savings in packaging service from R&M. Customers can, for example, configure Netscale 48 patch panels individually with inteliPhy net. R&M assembles the patch panels completely ready for installation and delivers them in single packaging. The concept saves a considerable amount of individual packaging for small parts. This reduces raw material consumption, waste and the time required for installation.
Edge Innovation of the Year
Sponsored by 
WINNER
StorMagic
StorMagic SvHCI™ combines a hypervisor and virtual networking with the provider’s proven virtual storage technology used by thousands of customers around the world. This full-stack HCI (hyperconverged infrastructure) solution is purpose-built for edge and small to medium-sized business (SMB) environments and includes StorMagic’s in-house 24x7x365 customer support. StorMagic SvHCI saves customers up to 62% over VMware.
RUNNER UP
EdgeNebula
EdgeNebula redefines edge data centre innovation by transforming underutilised real estate and stranded power into AI-ready data centre constellations. Our modular, scalable nodes start at 500KW and can expand seamlessly into multi-MW configurations, addressing the growing demand for AI workloads with unparalleled sustainability and speed.
Key Distinguishing Features and USPs:
1) Speed to Deployment: EdgeNebula delivers fully operational datacenter nodes within 8 weeks, substantially faster than traditional builds that can take 2yrs or longer, enabling customers to accelerate their AI strategies.
2) Sustainability: Utilising stranded power and repurposing urban real estate, EdgeNebula minimises environmental impact, reduces carbon emissions, and supports district heating networks by reusing heat from datacenter operations. We partner with many real estate and energy companies to achieve this goal.
3) Advanced Cooling and Energy Efficiency: With liquid cooling systems and optimized energy use, EdgeNebula ensures high-density compute capacity with near zero embedded carbon and heat reuse.
4) Scalability: Our interconnected clusters enable infinite scalability, from edge nodes to hyperscale facilities, with low-latency GPU2GPU hyperband connectivity among other connectivity options.
5) Cost-Effectiveness: By avoiding new construction and leveraging existing infrastructure, we deliver solutions at 50% lower costs compared to traditional datacenter models.
Tangible Market Impact:
EdgeNebula has made a significant impact on the AI and edge computing markets by addressing critical challenges such as capacity shortages, sustainability concerns, and lengthy deployment timelines. Our solutions enable clients to achieve faster time-to-market, reduced costs, and compliance with stringent sustainability standards.
Major Differentiators:
Unlike traditional datacenter providers, EdgeNebula eliminates the need for costly construction, offering unmatched deployment speed and modular scalability. By leveraging stranded power and repurposing urban spaces, we create value from underutilized resources while enhancing energy efficiency. Our partnerships with leading providers like Stelia enable us to interconnect our nodes into highly scalable constellations, ensuring seamless GPU-to-GPU communication, failover, and orchestration for AI workloads—delivering exceptional value to our clients.
Supportive quotes:
• The Tech Capital - https://thetechcapital.com/from-empty-offices-to-ai-factories-new-tech-startup-vows-to-converts-urban-buildings-into-eco-friendly-data-centres/
• Data Center Dynamics - https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/new-data-center-provider-edgenebula-launches-targets-empty-city-offices/
Strong Demand:
The demand for EdgeNebula’s solutions reflects the growing urgency for sustainable and scalable infrastructure. Organizations across AI, telecom, and distributed cloud sectors recognize our ability to deliver tailored, rapid, and cost-effective solutions that align with their goals.
Team Experience:
EdgeNebula's leadership team includes seasoned industry veterans with a combined 100 years of experience in datacenters, technology, and infrastructure. Their proven track records in successful IPOs, M&A activity, and scaling innovative technologies have been instrumental in our success. Recently, the appointment of Paul Saville-King, CBRE’s Chief Product Officer for Global Workplace Solutions, as Non-Executive Chair, further strengthens our governance and strategic growth initiatives
EdgeNebula sets a new standard for AI datacenter innovation, combining sustainability, speed, and scalability to empower businesses in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Key Distinguishing Features and USPs:
1) Speed to Deployment: EdgeNebula delivers fully operational datacenter nodes within 8 weeks, substantially faster than traditional builds that can take 2yrs or longer, enabling customers to accelerate their AI strategies.
2) Sustainability: Utilising stranded power and repurposing urban real estate, EdgeNebula minimises environmental impact, reduces carbon emissions, and supports district heating networks by reusing heat from datacenter operations. We partner with many real estate and energy companies to achieve this goal.
3) Advanced Cooling and Energy Efficiency: With liquid cooling systems and optimized energy use, EdgeNebula ensures high-density compute capacity with near zero embedded carbon and heat reuse.
4) Scalability: Our interconnected clusters enable infinite scalability, from edge nodes to hyperscale facilities, with low-latency GPU2GPU hyperband connectivity among other connectivity options.
5) Cost-Effectiveness: By avoiding new construction and leveraging existing infrastructure, we deliver solutions at 50% lower costs compared to traditional datacenter models.
Tangible Market Impact:
EdgeNebula has made a significant impact on the AI and edge computing markets by addressing critical challenges such as capacity shortages, sustainability concerns, and lengthy deployment timelines. Our solutions enable clients to achieve faster time-to-market, reduced costs, and compliance with stringent sustainability standards.
Major Differentiators:
Unlike traditional datacenter providers, EdgeNebula eliminates the need for costly construction, offering unmatched deployment speed and modular scalability. By leveraging stranded power and repurposing urban spaces, we create value from underutilized resources while enhancing energy efficiency. Our partnerships with leading providers like Stelia enable us to interconnect our nodes into highly scalable constellations, ensuring seamless GPU-to-GPU communication, failover, and orchestration for AI workloads—delivering exceptional value to our clients.
Supportive quotes:
• The Tech Capital - https://thetechcapital.com/from-empty-offices-to-ai-factories-new-tech-startup-vows-to-converts-urban-buildings-into-eco-friendly-data-centres/
• Data Center Dynamics - https://www.datacenterdynamics.com/en/news/new-data-center-provider-edgenebula-launches-targets-empty-city-offices/
Strong Demand:
The demand for EdgeNebula’s solutions reflects the growing urgency for sustainable and scalable infrastructure. Organizations across AI, telecom, and distributed cloud sectors recognize our ability to deliver tailored, rapid, and cost-effective solutions that align with their goals.
Team Experience:
EdgeNebula's leadership team includes seasoned industry veterans with a combined 100 years of experience in datacenters, technology, and infrastructure. Their proven track records in successful IPOs, M&A activity, and scaling innovative technologies have been instrumental in our success. Recently, the appointment of Paul Saville-King, CBRE’s Chief Product Officer for Global Workplace Solutions, as Non-Executive Chair, further strengthens our governance and strategic growth initiatives
EdgeNebula sets a new standard for AI datacenter innovation, combining sustainability, speed, and scalability to empower businesses in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Emerging Talent Award
WINNER
Dena Rahman
Dena works for Pure Data Centres. She joined as a Graduate and has progressed to the role of Mechanical Engineer in a short space of time. At the age of 26 she is still young in her career (only 3 years in) and has grown really quickly through her impressive approach to research, innovation and development.
In Dena's first year at Pure, she got heavily involved in researching and helping develop the corporate sustainability strategy, playing a part in something she is passionate about. This included understanding how sustainability went hand in hand with engineering design, construction, and operation.
By January 2023 she became a Mechanical Engineer and was asked to be the Project Manager of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Platform. This allowed her to implement several solutions to assist with the carbon accounting of the energy and fuel consumption at our Data Centres.
Over the last couple of years her responsibilities have grown and she’s trusted to take lead on multiple aspects of developing standardisation documents for Data Centre design. She helps review future designs by assisting her team to ensure Pure is implementing carbon saving measures such as reducing the amount of Fluorinated Gas used and ensuring the design aligns with the various sustainability frameworks Pure reports to when in operation. Dena is actively involved in commissioning and developing progress reports on Power BI. She attends Factory Acceptance Tests with the Mechanical Design Manager, where her natural curiosity helped the manufacturer through their root cause analysis of their chiller, leading to a resolution of an ongoing issue.
Her style is to think outside the box and she has developed a coaching leadership style. She dedicates her time to knowledge share with both junior and non-technical team members. An example of this, as she was developing the ESG Platform strategy and standardisation for data collection from the PME (Power Monitoring Expert) and BMS (Building Management) systems she took the initiative to self-teach herself how to utilise the full capabilities of the PME on one of Pure’s sites and then shared her knowledge with other Graduate Engineers and Site Engineers. She took the lead on developing the energy metering hierarchy to satisfy different levels of energy consumption reporting from Pure’s Data Centres in an efficient way, which satisfied multiple teams’ requirements.
The data is now used for sustainability reporting, equipment performance and optimisation, problem solving, and customer billing across the Pure portfolio around the world. The methodology is now being rolled out on all current facilities, being implemented on new sites as the standard energy reporting approach for Pure.
This has also led her to help develop the standard metering approach for all future sites for energy, water, and fuel consumption.
Dena also sees the importance of bringing new talent into the industry, especially as a female engineer. Pure aims to be a good neighbour and gets involved in educational outreach to help school aged students to understand what career options might be available in the world of Data Centres. As part of this work, Dena has been involved in hosting two STEM workshops in local schools close to the London data centre where she presented to the students alongside Pure’s Chief Architect. She has also represented Pure at two STEM Women Careers fairs in London and Dublin helping graduates to understand the world of data centres and the careers available.
In Dena's first year at Pure, she got heavily involved in researching and helping develop the corporate sustainability strategy, playing a part in something she is passionate about. This included understanding how sustainability went hand in hand with engineering design, construction, and operation.
By January 2023 she became a Mechanical Engineer and was asked to be the Project Manager of the Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) Platform. This allowed her to implement several solutions to assist with the carbon accounting of the energy and fuel consumption at our Data Centres.
Over the last couple of years her responsibilities have grown and she’s trusted to take lead on multiple aspects of developing standardisation documents for Data Centre design. She helps review future designs by assisting her team to ensure Pure is implementing carbon saving measures such as reducing the amount of Fluorinated Gas used and ensuring the design aligns with the various sustainability frameworks Pure reports to when in operation. Dena is actively involved in commissioning and developing progress reports on Power BI. She attends Factory Acceptance Tests with the Mechanical Design Manager, where her natural curiosity helped the manufacturer through their root cause analysis of their chiller, leading to a resolution of an ongoing issue.
Her style is to think outside the box and she has developed a coaching leadership style. She dedicates her time to knowledge share with both junior and non-technical team members. An example of this, as she was developing the ESG Platform strategy and standardisation for data collection from the PME (Power Monitoring Expert) and BMS (Building Management) systems she took the initiative to self-teach herself how to utilise the full capabilities of the PME on one of Pure’s sites and then shared her knowledge with other Graduate Engineers and Site Engineers. She took the lead on developing the energy metering hierarchy to satisfy different levels of energy consumption reporting from Pure’s Data Centres in an efficient way, which satisfied multiple teams’ requirements.
The data is now used for sustainability reporting, equipment performance and optimisation, problem solving, and customer billing across the Pure portfolio around the world. The methodology is now being rolled out on all current facilities, being implemented on new sites as the standard energy reporting approach for Pure.
This has also led her to help develop the standard metering approach for all future sites for energy, water, and fuel consumption.
Dena also sees the importance of bringing new talent into the industry, especially as a female engineer. Pure aims to be a good neighbour and gets involved in educational outreach to help school aged students to understand what career options might be available in the world of Data Centres. As part of this work, Dena has been involved in hosting two STEM workshops in local schools close to the London data centre where she presented to the students alongside Pure’s Chief Architect. She has also represented Pure at two STEM Women Careers fairs in London and Dublin helping graduates to understand the world of data centres and the careers available.
Excellence in Data Centre Services Award
WINNER
Critical Facilities Solutions
CFS’s main objectives are to continue to be the market leader and subject matter experts in our fields of service and a trusted delivery partner for our customers either directly or through our established partnerships with the world’s leading Facilities Management Companies.
CFS is equally comfortable delivering through our end customers preferred outsource partner or engaging directly as a preferred supplier. CFS wishes to have a long-lasting direct impact on the market for both service providers and end customers. We believe education, standardisation and communication are key to achieving that goal and therefore we have dedicated an enormous amount of time and resources to industry bodies such as the Data Centre Alliance (DCA). Our managing director is the Chair of the Data Centre Anti-Contamination specialist interest group of the DCA and has dedicated countless hours rallying our industry competitors and customers together to contribute to a guide he has produced, and edited year on year, under the DCA banner, which is now freely available to all. In addition, CFS and the DCA SIG worked together with one of the world’s leading insurance companies to create a bespoke insurance package that recognised and rewarded Data Centres that demonstrated best practice with a specific focus on contamination control in the white space. The SIG visited and assessed four data centres in the UK which varied in size, design, and location. In all cases the broker and underwriters provided cost savings varying from tens to hundreds of thousand pounds. In each case the savings were more than adequate to cover the costs of the audits, accreditations, and all other requirements to quality for the reduction in premiums. The proposition had market-leading cleaning standards, provided by specialist companies, built into it. The insurance underwriting had been customised to take this into account, as one of the key differentiators, thus raising the profile and ultimately the importance of cleanliness in data centre environment. In 2019, CFS and the SIG introduced a ‘risk register’ into the Anti-Contamination Guide. This new section of the report listed out in detail all the high-risk contamination elements that could impact operational activities within the data centre, and a weighted percentage score was introduced as a representation of what could happen if contamination is not managed correctly. The risk register is under constant review and updated yearly by the group. Our most recent piece of work saw the DCA group run a poll across 60 Data Centre owners and operators in 2023 to obtain vital information about what cleaning and maintenance practises are currently adopted in the UK. Some of the highlights captured from the survey are that only 22% of the operators questioned carried out deep cleaning in their facility more than once per annum, and only 2% of the operators questioned monitor their facility for contaminants such as Chloride/Salt. This information will be readily available from March 2024. Additional and valuable information can be found from visiting the below link.
The DCA - Anti Contamination, Filtration & Cleaning SIG : DCA Global (Data Centre Alliance) (dca global.org)
CFS offer a host of niche solutions and services including full turnkey projects.
Fit-Out - We specify, supply, and install IT racks, hot & cold aisle containment, and
security caging.
Flooring - We specify, supply, install, modify, and replace raised access flooring with a
specific focus on the Bergvik Iso floor system.
Passive Fire Protection – We specify, install, and certify passive fire stopping and
service penetration seals.
Cleaning - We deep / clinical clean mission critical environments across their full
lifecycle from greenfield to full operational facility.
Testing - We undertake Zinc Whiskers, air quality, noise, ATP and environmental.
CFS delivers all our UK solutions and services from our depots in Chesterfield, Luton and Witham via directly employed, multiskilled, security cleared technicians who have all undergone extensive task specific training and are qualified in their respective field/s, delivery in Europe is widespread and is driven from our Netherlands BV hub.
The delivery team is underpinned by a senior management team who each have over 25 years of Data Centre specific first-hand, and hands on, experience. All our solutions are bespoke, and we take a consultative approach to backward engineering solutions as an ‘output’ specification with the aim being to give you what you need, not what we want to sell you. In a recent contract award, we re-specified the customer’s cleaning regime and approach and saved them approximately 50% on their annual operating expenditure while guaranteeing the same, if not better, quality and the required ISO levels of cleanliness as per OEM guidance.
Our service offering is further strengthened by our operational delivery, quality of workmanship, communication, stakeholder management and in-depth reporting and recommendations. All our contracted customers also benefit from our complementary services including assessments and reporting on their flooring, firestopping, airflow or cleanliness when delivering one of our other services. CFS delivers 300 separate projects and cleans 900,000 sqm of data centre space each year. Working with CFS you are guaranteed multi-skilled NVQ/Diploma certified, fulltime employed cleared staff from an international data centre/mission critical specialist with decades of first hand experience. The experience and depth of knowledge within our entire team converts to an unparalleled ‘customer first’ philosophy with a 100% satisfaction rate in 2021 & 2022, the business scoring 97% in 2023, and 100% in 2024.
Our Quality / Health & Safety objectives are a vital part of our success, with our current overall rating on Survey Monkey from business inception is 4.9 out of 5, with CFS also securing recognition awards on Data Centre projects in Berlin, Copenhagen last year.
Testimonials on the attached supporting document.
CFS is equally comfortable delivering through our end customers preferred outsource partner or engaging directly as a preferred supplier. CFS wishes to have a long-lasting direct impact on the market for both service providers and end customers. We believe education, standardisation and communication are key to achieving that goal and therefore we have dedicated an enormous amount of time and resources to industry bodies such as the Data Centre Alliance (DCA). Our managing director is the Chair of the Data Centre Anti-Contamination specialist interest group of the DCA and has dedicated countless hours rallying our industry competitors and customers together to contribute to a guide he has produced, and edited year on year, under the DCA banner, which is now freely available to all. In addition, CFS and the DCA SIG worked together with one of the world’s leading insurance companies to create a bespoke insurance package that recognised and rewarded Data Centres that demonstrated best practice with a specific focus on contamination control in the white space. The SIG visited and assessed four data centres in the UK which varied in size, design, and location. In all cases the broker and underwriters provided cost savings varying from tens to hundreds of thousand pounds. In each case the savings were more than adequate to cover the costs of the audits, accreditations, and all other requirements to quality for the reduction in premiums. The proposition had market-leading cleaning standards, provided by specialist companies, built into it. The insurance underwriting had been customised to take this into account, as one of the key differentiators, thus raising the profile and ultimately the importance of cleanliness in data centre environment. In 2019, CFS and the SIG introduced a ‘risk register’ into the Anti-Contamination Guide. This new section of the report listed out in detail all the high-risk contamination elements that could impact operational activities within the data centre, and a weighted percentage score was introduced as a representation of what could happen if contamination is not managed correctly. The risk register is under constant review and updated yearly by the group. Our most recent piece of work saw the DCA group run a poll across 60 Data Centre owners and operators in 2023 to obtain vital information about what cleaning and maintenance practises are currently adopted in the UK. Some of the highlights captured from the survey are that only 22% of the operators questioned carried out deep cleaning in their facility more than once per annum, and only 2% of the operators questioned monitor their facility for contaminants such as Chloride/Salt. This information will be readily available from March 2024. Additional and valuable information can be found from visiting the below link.
The DCA - Anti Contamination, Filtration & Cleaning SIG : DCA Global (Data Centre Alliance) (dca global.org)
CFS offer a host of niche solutions and services including full turnkey projects.
Fit-Out - We specify, supply, and install IT racks, hot & cold aisle containment, and
security caging.
Flooring - We specify, supply, install, modify, and replace raised access flooring with a
specific focus on the Bergvik Iso floor system.
Passive Fire Protection – We specify, install, and certify passive fire stopping and
service penetration seals.
Cleaning - We deep / clinical clean mission critical environments across their full
lifecycle from greenfield to full operational facility.
Testing - We undertake Zinc Whiskers, air quality, noise, ATP and environmental.
CFS delivers all our UK solutions and services from our depots in Chesterfield, Luton and Witham via directly employed, multiskilled, security cleared technicians who have all undergone extensive task specific training and are qualified in their respective field/s, delivery in Europe is widespread and is driven from our Netherlands BV hub.
The delivery team is underpinned by a senior management team who each have over 25 years of Data Centre specific first-hand, and hands on, experience. All our solutions are bespoke, and we take a consultative approach to backward engineering solutions as an ‘output’ specification with the aim being to give you what you need, not what we want to sell you. In a recent contract award, we re-specified the customer’s cleaning regime and approach and saved them approximately 50% on their annual operating expenditure while guaranteeing the same, if not better, quality and the required ISO levels of cleanliness as per OEM guidance.
Our service offering is further strengthened by our operational delivery, quality of workmanship, communication, stakeholder management and in-depth reporting and recommendations. All our contracted customers also benefit from our complementary services including assessments and reporting on their flooring, firestopping, airflow or cleanliness when delivering one of our other services. CFS delivers 300 separate projects and cleans 900,000 sqm of data centre space each year. Working with CFS you are guaranteed multi-skilled NVQ/Diploma certified, fulltime employed cleared staff from an international data centre/mission critical specialist with decades of first hand experience. The experience and depth of knowledge within our entire team converts to an unparalleled ‘customer first’ philosophy with a 100% satisfaction rate in 2021 & 2022, the business scoring 97% in 2023, and 100% in 2024.
Our Quality / Health & Safety objectives are a vital part of our success, with our current overall rating on Survey Monkey from business inception is 4.9 out of 5, with CFS also securing recognition awards on Data Centre projects in Berlin, Copenhagen last year.
Testimonials on the attached supporting document.
RUNNER UP
OryxAlign
1. What are your company's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
OryxAlign is a leading data centre-focused Technology Services Provider with a distinctive approach to employee experience, client engagement and excellence in technical service delivery. We deliver a comprehensive portfolio of in-demand services, ensuring our clients’ data centre facilities remain technologically advanced, cyber-secure and resilient, and operationally efficient:
• 24x7x365 critical infrastructure support via dedicated onsite and NOC teams
• Advanced monitoring and network automation
• Strategic consultancy and network infrastructure design
• Design and build of scalable enterprise networks
• Managed IT procurement
• Comprehensive project and programme management
The resilient IT infrastructure we design, implement, support, and manage forms the backbone of every facility—essential for enabling critical operations such as Building Management Systems (BMS), Power Management Systems (PMS), CCTV, security, and access control.
Continuity and service resilience is imperative in data centre operations, so we prioritise technology solutions that meet the highest demands of these mission-critical environments.
Our 24x7 managed IT services deliver seamless operations, assuming responsibility for data centre networks while providing proactive, user-centric support. This ensures that onsite teams—including facilities management, staff, and service partners—experience uninterrupted access to the technology they need.
Notable components of our user-focused managed IT support services include:
• Desk-side and remote support
• Cybersecurity awareness training
• Technology workshops
• Productivity-enhancing e-learning platforms
• Application development and integration
• IT procurement services
For over a decade, we’ve actively collaborated with clients, tailoring solutions to their unique challenges and consistently achieving transformative results. Our distinctive blend of enterprise-level project delivery and close client partnerships has fostered long-term relationships.
We believe in empowering ambitious organisations with exceptional technology to streamline operations, mitigate risks, and drive growth.
2. What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
With over 10 years of expertise in the construction and data centre sector, we have participated in 16 new data centre design and build projects and currently oversee the critical IT infrastructure for data centres with a combined capacity nearing 300MW. Our collaboration extends across seven DC operators throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Among them is VIRTUS Data Centres (VIRTUS), the UK’s largest operator, with whom we’ve maintained a strategic partnership for over a decade. During this time, we’ve supported their expansion from one to 11 facilities, cementing their position as a market leader.
Our contributions include extensive project work and impactful organisational change for VIRTUS. Key initiatives include IT design and implementation for multiple data centres, a comprehensive lifecycle replacement programme, a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) security platform implementation, and Security Operations Centre (SOC) services. These projects have been seamlessly transitioned to ongoing management and support by OryxAlign's Managed Services team.
“OryxAlign’s holistic approach has played an important role in enabling us to scale our data centre operations effectively. From critical infrastructure upgrades to daily support and solution design, the team has consistently delivered exceptional results. What truly sets them apart is their people—their expertise, dedication, and genuine care shine through in everything they do. With a personal touch and a real commitment to understanding our needs, working with OryxAlign is not just efficient but a pleasure.” Tier 1 Global DC Operator.
3. What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors?
Our service excellence is reflected in our December 2024 KPIs for our data centre clients:
• Critical Response SLA: 100%
• Critical Resolution SLA: 100%
• Overall Infrastructure Availability SLA: 100%
• Overall Response SLA: 96%
• Overall Resolution SLA: 95%
• Overall Client Sentiment: 95%
We deliver differentiated managed IT services to our data centre clients through innovations such as automated infrastructure monitoring for rapid issue resolution, proactive Digital Employee Experience (DEX) management, and seamless integrations that allow ticket submissions directly from clients’ internal systems.
The supported user community gain access to an extensive library of e-learning resources (200 courses), monthly educational workshops, and cyber awareness training, as well as expert support for achieving and maintaining compliance certifications like Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO standards.
“Whether it’s critical infrastructure upgrades, everyday support, or providing solution design and implementation services, working with the OryxAlign team is a pleasure. Having worked closely with them over the past 10 years, we were happy to recently extend the strategic partnership for a further 3 years,” VIRTUS Data Centres
4. What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
At OryxAlign, our achievements are built not only on technical excellence but also on the strength of our people and organisational structure. Our people-first philosophy, guided by core values—caring, striving, supporting, trusting, and enjoying—fosters enduring relationships with both our team and clients.
Highlights of our people-centric approach include:
1. Empowered teams: Frontline IT service and client-facing teams are equipped to resolve issues promptly, enhancing satisfaction.
2. Continuous development: Regular upskilling ensures our team remain ahead in technologies and best practices.
3. Flat structure: Open communication from Service Desk to CEO enables agile, efficient service delivery.
4. Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork delivers integrated IT solutions tailored to client needs.
We are also committed to responsible business practices and ESG excellence. We dedicate time, effort and talent to ensure we’re doing all we can to positively impact the environment, our workers, our community and beyond:
• ESG strategy: Focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and accountable decision-making. Submitted B Impact application in January 2025, to be recognised as a B Corp. Awaiting next steps (verification and audit). Scored 89.5, well above the threshold score of 80 needed to apply This will make OryxAlign the only data centre focused technology service provider that will be B Corp certified.
• Recognition: Winner of a supply chain award (2022) and finalist at the CRN Sustainability in Tech Awards (2024 & 2025).
• Corporate culture: Winner of Corporate Culture of the Year 2023 at the IT Europa Channel Awards. Recognised for initiatives in mental health, employee support, workplace engagement, and benefits including private healthcare and pension contributions increasing with length of service.
• Investment in people: Regular training and development of highly-skilled professionals focused on client needs.
• Best Companies accreditation: Earned a 2-star accreditation from Best Companies for being an outstanding workplace in 2022, having also been accredited in 2021.
• Diversity: Female leadership at 50% in senior roles; 25% internal promotions; all managers trained in mental health support and performance management.
• Governance: Certified in ISO9001, ISO27001, and Cyber Essentials Plus for six years.
“CBRE have worked with OryxAlign for several years now and in that time, OryxAlign has been a big part of CBRE DCS Active Whitespace growth by providing top quality technology support services to work alongside myself to enable CBRE to provide our customers with solutions to their technology requirements.
OryxAlign have always gone above and beyond when providing support and they are also aware of the importance of CBRE’s end customers receiving the highest levels of support possible.
CBRE DCS Active Whitespace & OryxAlign have formed a fantastic partnership which has now enabled us to expand our technology support offering to our customers via continuous improvement and ensuring that we collectively keep up with the latest technology trends and with our continued support approach and working with OryxAlign is what makes us stand above our competitors.” CBRE (GWS & DCS)
OryxAlign is a leading data centre-focused Technology Services Provider with a distinctive approach to employee experience, client engagement and excellence in technical service delivery. We deliver a comprehensive portfolio of in-demand services, ensuring our clients’ data centre facilities remain technologically advanced, cyber-secure and resilient, and operationally efficient:
• 24x7x365 critical infrastructure support via dedicated onsite and NOC teams
• Advanced monitoring and network automation
• Strategic consultancy and network infrastructure design
• Design and build of scalable enterprise networks
• Managed IT procurement
• Comprehensive project and programme management
The resilient IT infrastructure we design, implement, support, and manage forms the backbone of every facility—essential for enabling critical operations such as Building Management Systems (BMS), Power Management Systems (PMS), CCTV, security, and access control.
Continuity and service resilience is imperative in data centre operations, so we prioritise technology solutions that meet the highest demands of these mission-critical environments.
Our 24x7 managed IT services deliver seamless operations, assuming responsibility for data centre networks while providing proactive, user-centric support. This ensures that onsite teams—including facilities management, staff, and service partners—experience uninterrupted access to the technology they need.
Notable components of our user-focused managed IT support services include:
• Desk-side and remote support
• Cybersecurity awareness training
• Technology workshops
• Productivity-enhancing e-learning platforms
• Application development and integration
• IT procurement services
For over a decade, we’ve actively collaborated with clients, tailoring solutions to their unique challenges and consistently achieving transformative results. Our distinctive blend of enterprise-level project delivery and close client partnerships has fostered long-term relationships.
We believe in empowering ambitious organisations with exceptional technology to streamline operations, mitigate risks, and drive growth.
2. What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
With over 10 years of expertise in the construction and data centre sector, we have participated in 16 new data centre design and build projects and currently oversee the critical IT infrastructure for data centres with a combined capacity nearing 300MW. Our collaboration extends across seven DC operators throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Among them is VIRTUS Data Centres (VIRTUS), the UK’s largest operator, with whom we’ve maintained a strategic partnership for over a decade. During this time, we’ve supported their expansion from one to 11 facilities, cementing their position as a market leader.
Our contributions include extensive project work and impactful organisational change for VIRTUS. Key initiatives include IT design and implementation for multiple data centres, a comprehensive lifecycle replacement programme, a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) security platform implementation, and Security Operations Centre (SOC) services. These projects have been seamlessly transitioned to ongoing management and support by OryxAlign's Managed Services team.
“OryxAlign’s holistic approach has played an important role in enabling us to scale our data centre operations effectively. From critical infrastructure upgrades to daily support and solution design, the team has consistently delivered exceptional results. What truly sets them apart is their people—their expertise, dedication, and genuine care shine through in everything they do. With a personal touch and a real commitment to understanding our needs, working with OryxAlign is not just efficient but a pleasure.” Tier 1 Global DC Operator.
3. What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors?
Our service excellence is reflected in our December 2024 KPIs for our data centre clients:
• Critical Response SLA: 100%
• Critical Resolution SLA: 100%
• Overall Infrastructure Availability SLA: 100%
• Overall Response SLA: 96%
• Overall Resolution SLA: 95%
• Overall Client Sentiment: 95%
We deliver differentiated managed IT services to our data centre clients through innovations such as automated infrastructure monitoring for rapid issue resolution, proactive Digital Employee Experience (DEX) management, and seamless integrations that allow ticket submissions directly from clients’ internal systems.
The supported user community gain access to an extensive library of e-learning resources (200 courses), monthly educational workshops, and cyber awareness training, as well as expert support for achieving and maintaining compliance certifications like Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO standards.
“Whether it’s critical infrastructure upgrades, everyday support, or providing solution design and implementation services, working with the OryxAlign team is a pleasure. Having worked closely with them over the past 10 years, we were happy to recently extend the strategic partnership for a further 3 years,” VIRTUS Data Centres
4. What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
At OryxAlign, our achievements are built not only on technical excellence but also on the strength of our people and organisational structure. Our people-first philosophy, guided by core values—caring, striving, supporting, trusting, and enjoying—fosters enduring relationships with both our team and clients.
Highlights of our people-centric approach include:
1. Empowered teams: Frontline IT service and client-facing teams are equipped to resolve issues promptly, enhancing satisfaction.
2. Continuous development: Regular upskilling ensures our team remain ahead in technologies and best practices.
3. Flat structure: Open communication from Service Desk to CEO enables agile, efficient service delivery.
4. Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork delivers integrated IT solutions tailored to client needs.
We are also committed to responsible business practices and ESG excellence. We dedicate time, effort and talent to ensure we’re doing all we can to positively impact the environment, our workers, our community and beyond:
• ESG strategy: Focused on sustainability, inclusivity, and accountable decision-making. Submitted B Impact application in January 2025, to be recognised as a B Corp. Awaiting next steps (verification and audit). Scored 89.5, well above the threshold score of 80 needed to apply This will make OryxAlign the only data centre focused technology service provider that will be B Corp certified.
• Recognition: Winner of a supply chain award (2022) and finalist at the CRN Sustainability in Tech Awards (2024 & 2025).
• Corporate culture: Winner of Corporate Culture of the Year 2023 at the IT Europa Channel Awards. Recognised for initiatives in mental health, employee support, workplace engagement, and benefits including private healthcare and pension contributions increasing with length of service.
• Investment in people: Regular training and development of highly-skilled professionals focused on client needs.
• Best Companies accreditation: Earned a 2-star accreditation from Best Companies for being an outstanding workplace in 2022, having also been accredited in 2021.
• Diversity: Female leadership at 50% in senior roles; 25% internal promotions; all managers trained in mental health support and performance management.
• Governance: Certified in ISO9001, ISO27001, and Cyber Essentials Plus for six years.
“CBRE have worked with OryxAlign for several years now and in that time, OryxAlign has been a big part of CBRE DCS Active Whitespace growth by providing top quality technology support services to work alongside myself to enable CBRE to provide our customers with solutions to their technology requirements.
OryxAlign have always gone above and beyond when providing support and they are also aware of the importance of CBRE’s end customers receiving the highest levels of support possible.
CBRE DCS Active Whitespace & OryxAlign have formed a fantastic partnership which has now enabled us to expand our technology support offering to our customers via continuous improvement and ensuring that we collectively keep up with the latest technology trends and with our continued support approach and working with OryxAlign is what makes us stand above our competitors.” CBRE (GWS & DCS)
Managed Services / Colocation Project of the Year
WINNER
atNorth
Opera is at the forefront of developing user-centric web browsers that deliver the best online experience. The business sought to evolve its offering to meet the growing demand for AI integration and required investment in state-of-the-art digital infrastructure capable of handling its growing technical needs.
To support the most advanced AI models and facilitate generative AI applications, Opera required a high-density, supercomputing cluster. Opera conducted a global search for a site with available high-density capacity, energy efficient, attractive power pricing, with a low environmental impact, in a short timeframe.
The business has a long colocation history with atNorth and naturally turned to the atNorth team to explore an expansion.
The Opera Iceland KEF-1 supercomputer, currently ranked among the top 150 most powerful supercomputers in the world, and and 88th most powerful when it went online, is an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with NVIDIA DGX H100 systems paired with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform. As an NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center partner, atNorth’s ICE02 site in Iceland provided an optimized environment for AI deployment on the NVIDIA DGX platform from the get go. The campus also had ample rack space and an available capacity of 80MW enabling an incredibly quick time to market and making atNorth the clear partner of choice.
Opera selected atNorth due to several critical factors: competitive pricing, short lead times for deployment, high power density (21kW/rack), and the ability to provide three independent power lines per rack. Notably, atNorth demonstrated its commitment by pre-ordering non-standard equipment before Opera made its final decision, shaving weeks off deployment time.
The installation process overcame a technical challenge: enabling three independent power lines per rack. Despite long lead times for non-standard equipment, atNorth's proactive approach ensured on-time delivery and rapid installation.
Data center facilities in Iceland, and the other Nordic countries benefit from a cool and more consistent climate that ensures that temperature and humidity levels within the data centers are maintained more efficiently, reducing energy outputs and ultimately decreasing carbon emissions. The region also has an abundance of low carbon hydroelectric and geothermal power which negates the need for power intensive air conditioning systems and enables highly energy efficient and cost-effective air cooling of the computer equipment. Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) which is a standard efficiency metric for power consumption in data centers is just 1.2 at atNorth’s ICE02 site compared to a global average of 1.56, equating to a significant reduction in carbon usage and energy consumption and directly aligned with Opera’s sustainability agenda.
By housing Opera’s AI infrastructure at aNorth’s ICE02 site, the business could not only support the existing high-density demands, but also future-proofed its IT operations. The solution reduced the time needed for AI model training and response generation from Large Language Models (LLMs), enabling Opera’s developers to create new AI-driven features more efficiently.
The success of Opera and atNorth’s AI supercomputer solution allows for a significant decrease in the time needed for the training of necessary AI models and to generate responses from Large Language Models (LLM). With these advanced AI capabilities, Opera’s developers are able to work on new features and experiences driven by AI in order to continue to provide a best-in-class product and to keep pace with the burgeoning demands of its users.
Stand out stats:
- By partnering with atNorth, Opera’s Iceland KEF-1 supercomputer was operational in just 6 months.
- Ranked as the 88th most powerful supercomputer when it went online.
- atNorth’s ICE02 data center in Iceland has a PUE of 1.2 or lower, compared to the global average of 1.56
- Colocation at atNorth’s ICE02 data center in Iceland ensures Opera’s Iceland KEF-1 supercomputer is powered by 100% renewable energy for a sustainable future.
- High power density of 21kW/rack with three independent power lines per rack.
Testimonial:
When Opera was looking for a data center partner to house our new supercomputer, atNorth provided an NVIDIADGX-Ready site with the rack space corresponding power capacity needed. This combined with second to none customer service ensured our new cluster was operational in just six months. atNorth’s highly energy efficient campus also benefits from an abundance of renewable energy that enabled us to decarbonize our infrastructure. atNorth’s team has been nothing but exceptional - everything they deliver is of the highest quality.
Michal Tarnawski – Global Director of IT, Opera
To support the most advanced AI models and facilitate generative AI applications, Opera required a high-density, supercomputing cluster. Opera conducted a global search for a site with available high-density capacity, energy efficient, attractive power pricing, with a low environmental impact, in a short timeframe.
The business has a long colocation history with atNorth and naturally turned to the atNorth team to explore an expansion.
The Opera Iceland KEF-1 supercomputer, currently ranked among the top 150 most powerful supercomputers in the world, and and 88th most powerful when it went online, is an NVIDIA DGX SuperPOD with NVIDIA DGX H100 systems paired with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform. As an NVIDIA DGX-Ready Data Center partner, atNorth’s ICE02 site in Iceland provided an optimized environment for AI deployment on the NVIDIA DGX platform from the get go. The campus also had ample rack space and an available capacity of 80MW enabling an incredibly quick time to market and making atNorth the clear partner of choice.
Opera selected atNorth due to several critical factors: competitive pricing, short lead times for deployment, high power density (21kW/rack), and the ability to provide three independent power lines per rack. Notably, atNorth demonstrated its commitment by pre-ordering non-standard equipment before Opera made its final decision, shaving weeks off deployment time.
The installation process overcame a technical challenge: enabling three independent power lines per rack. Despite long lead times for non-standard equipment, atNorth's proactive approach ensured on-time delivery and rapid installation.
Data center facilities in Iceland, and the other Nordic countries benefit from a cool and more consistent climate that ensures that temperature and humidity levels within the data centers are maintained more efficiently, reducing energy outputs and ultimately decreasing carbon emissions. The region also has an abundance of low carbon hydroelectric and geothermal power which negates the need for power intensive air conditioning systems and enables highly energy efficient and cost-effective air cooling of the computer equipment. Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) which is a standard efficiency metric for power consumption in data centers is just 1.2 at atNorth’s ICE02 site compared to a global average of 1.56, equating to a significant reduction in carbon usage and energy consumption and directly aligned with Opera’s sustainability agenda.
By housing Opera’s AI infrastructure at aNorth’s ICE02 site, the business could not only support the existing high-density demands, but also future-proofed its IT operations. The solution reduced the time needed for AI model training and response generation from Large Language Models (LLMs), enabling Opera’s developers to create new AI-driven features more efficiently.
The success of Opera and atNorth’s AI supercomputer solution allows for a significant decrease in the time needed for the training of necessary AI models and to generate responses from Large Language Models (LLM). With these advanced AI capabilities, Opera’s developers are able to work on new features and experiences driven by AI in order to continue to provide a best-in-class product and to keep pace with the burgeoning demands of its users.
Stand out stats:
- By partnering with atNorth, Opera’s Iceland KEF-1 supercomputer was operational in just 6 months.
- Ranked as the 88th most powerful supercomputer when it went online.
- atNorth’s ICE02 data center in Iceland has a PUE of 1.2 or lower, compared to the global average of 1.56
- Colocation at atNorth’s ICE02 data center in Iceland ensures Opera’s Iceland KEF-1 supercomputer is powered by 100% renewable energy for a sustainable future.
- High power density of 21kW/rack with three independent power lines per rack.
Testimonial:
When Opera was looking for a data center partner to house our new supercomputer, atNorth provided an NVIDIADGX-Ready site with the rack space corresponding power capacity needed. This combined with second to none customer service ensured our new cluster was operational in just six months. atNorth’s highly energy efficient campus also benefits from an abundance of renewable energy that enabled us to decarbonize our infrastructure. atNorth’s team has been nothing but exceptional - everything they deliver is of the highest quality.
Michal Tarnawski – Global Director of IT, Opera
RUNNER UP
Türk Telekom
By providing managed services for customers at Türk Telekom Data Centers, it is ensured that customers continue to receive uninterrupted and trouble-free services without coming to the data center and without the need for additional human resources. Managed services can be evaluated under 3 main headings;
1- Data Center Support Package
2- Managed Services - Colocation
3- Managed Services – IAAS
1-Data Center Support Package:
Colocation customers are offered on-site support services in 26 different topics. With the topics given below as examples, it is aimed to minimize the need for customers to come to the data center. These services are offered in 3 different packages and customers can proceed with the package that suits their needs.
1. Restart
2. Read Product Information
3. Live Support
4. IP KVM Connection
5. Device Photo Sharing
6. Cabinet Cable Information
7. Port Operations
8. Label Operations
9. Cabinet Cable Information
10. Storage Technical Support
11. Cable Signal Test
12. Cargo Service
13. Disk / Cartridge Change
14. Ethernet Card Change
15. RAM Change
16. KVM Connection Support
17. Power Supply Cable Change
18. Fiber SFP Change
19. Loadbalancer Configuration Support
20. External Memory Media Removal and Installation
21. HBA Card Control
22. Disk Usage Report
23. PDU Location Change
24. Cabinet Pole Shift
25. Patch Panel Removal
26. PDU Addition
2-Managed Services - Colocation:
In addition to the infrastructure needs of colocation customers, support is also provided for the management of all systems. By activating managed services at every point that customers need, from servers, storage, backup devices to the applications and services on them; customers reach solutions that minimize time - cost - personnel needs. The sub-topics of this service are as follows:
• Backup Software Support Service
For Netbackup, Netbackup Appliance, Veeam products; new installation planning, backup restore operations, client installation and configuration, monthly/annual restore tests, implementation of ransomware protection methods, migration and replication support, creation of disaster recovery scenarios, etc.
• Devops Support Service
Installations in technologies such as Gitlab, Kubernetes, Redis, RabbitMQ, ElasticSearch, Grafana, Instana, Turbonomic; health-check studies, updates, call resolutions, log and monitoring environments integrations, presenting suggestions for FKM scenarios, etc.
• Microservices Architecture Support Service (Openshift, Kubernetes)
Creating container high availability architecture, Openshift installation and configuration, LDAP integration, ACS installation and configuration, alarm configuration, call resolution, health check etc.
• Server Support Service
Hardware firmware update, installation of security patches, healtcheck, solving performance related problems, call resolutions etc.
• Operating Systems Support Service (Linux, Unix, Windows)
Server installation, patch management, security patch, repository configurations, troubleshooting, etc.
• Microsoft products management Service
Active Directory management; IIS management; Exchange management, migration, business continuity plans, performance improvements; Office 365 installation and configuration, management, migration, etc
• DB Support Service (Oracle, MYSQL, MSSQL, PostgreSQL)
Database installation, configuration, upgrade, patching, performance improvements, migrations, failover operations, etc.
• NoSQL DB Support Service (MongoDB, Cassandra)
Database installation, configuration, upgrade, patching, performance improvements, migrations, failover operations, etc.
• Virtualization Service
Virtual machine creation, Vmware updates and patches, log analysis, error code resolution, Vmkernel configurations, content library management, etc.
• Tape Units Support Service (IBM and Oracle)
Environment survey, topology studies, upgrade, periodic maintenance, troubleshooting, transportation services etc.
2-Managed Services – IAAS:
In addition, it is aimed to provide end-to-end benefits to all Türk Telekom Cloud customers by offering managed services in different scopes. In this context, services are provided under the following headings:
• Operating System Management
Installation in Windows, Linux and Pardus operating systems, licensing, management of services, blue screen-reset errors, authorization management, patch management, etc.
• Database Management
MSSQL, PostgreSQL, Cassandra and MongoDB installations, version updates, log tracking, service pack - patch management, data import - export, backup restore, performance problems, health check studies, authorization and role management, etc.
• Single Virtual Server and Virtual Data Center Management
Resource pool management, server resource assignments, virtual server operations, portal user role assignments, VCD network firewall operations, performance monitoring, management panel support, resource monitoring, etc.
• Backup Management
Performing and monitoring backup-restore operations, restore tests, reporting, pro-active services, improvement works, etc.
• Disaster Recovery Management
Defining replication jobs, job tracking, failover tests, support during disaster, etc.
1- Data Center Support Package
2- Managed Services - Colocation
3- Managed Services – IAAS
1-Data Center Support Package:
Colocation customers are offered on-site support services in 26 different topics. With the topics given below as examples, it is aimed to minimize the need for customers to come to the data center. These services are offered in 3 different packages and customers can proceed with the package that suits their needs.
1. Restart
2. Read Product Information
3. Live Support
4. IP KVM Connection
5. Device Photo Sharing
6. Cabinet Cable Information
7. Port Operations
8. Label Operations
9. Cabinet Cable Information
10. Storage Technical Support
11. Cable Signal Test
12. Cargo Service
13. Disk / Cartridge Change
14. Ethernet Card Change
15. RAM Change
16. KVM Connection Support
17. Power Supply Cable Change
18. Fiber SFP Change
19. Loadbalancer Configuration Support
20. External Memory Media Removal and Installation
21. HBA Card Control
22. Disk Usage Report
23. PDU Location Change
24. Cabinet Pole Shift
25. Patch Panel Removal
26. PDU Addition
2-Managed Services - Colocation:
In addition to the infrastructure needs of colocation customers, support is also provided for the management of all systems. By activating managed services at every point that customers need, from servers, storage, backup devices to the applications and services on them; customers reach solutions that minimize time - cost - personnel needs. The sub-topics of this service are as follows:
• Backup Software Support Service
For Netbackup, Netbackup Appliance, Veeam products; new installation planning, backup restore operations, client installation and configuration, monthly/annual restore tests, implementation of ransomware protection methods, migration and replication support, creation of disaster recovery scenarios, etc.
• Devops Support Service
Installations in technologies such as Gitlab, Kubernetes, Redis, RabbitMQ, ElasticSearch, Grafana, Instana, Turbonomic; health-check studies, updates, call resolutions, log and monitoring environments integrations, presenting suggestions for FKM scenarios, etc.
• Microservices Architecture Support Service (Openshift, Kubernetes)
Creating container high availability architecture, Openshift installation and configuration, LDAP integration, ACS installation and configuration, alarm configuration, call resolution, health check etc.
• Server Support Service
Hardware firmware update, installation of security patches, healtcheck, solving performance related problems, call resolutions etc.
• Operating Systems Support Service (Linux, Unix, Windows)
Server installation, patch management, security patch, repository configurations, troubleshooting, etc.
• Microsoft products management Service
Active Directory management; IIS management; Exchange management, migration, business continuity plans, performance improvements; Office 365 installation and configuration, management, migration, etc
• DB Support Service (Oracle, MYSQL, MSSQL, PostgreSQL)
Database installation, configuration, upgrade, patching, performance improvements, migrations, failover operations, etc.
• NoSQL DB Support Service (MongoDB, Cassandra)
Database installation, configuration, upgrade, patching, performance improvements, migrations, failover operations, etc.
• Virtualization Service
Virtual machine creation, Vmware updates and patches, log analysis, error code resolution, Vmkernel configurations, content library management, etc.
• Tape Units Support Service (IBM and Oracle)
Environment survey, topology studies, upgrade, periodic maintenance, troubleshooting, transportation services etc.
2-Managed Services – IAAS:
In addition, it is aimed to provide end-to-end benefits to all Türk Telekom Cloud customers by offering managed services in different scopes. In this context, services are provided under the following headings:
• Operating System Management
Installation in Windows, Linux and Pardus operating systems, licensing, management of services, blue screen-reset errors, authorization management, patch management, etc.
• Database Management
MSSQL, PostgreSQL, Cassandra and MongoDB installations, version updates, log tracking, service pack - patch management, data import - export, backup restore, performance problems, health check studies, authorization and role management, etc.
• Single Virtual Server and Virtual Data Center Management
Resource pool management, server resource assignments, virtual server operations, portal user role assignments, VCD network firewall operations, performance monitoring, management panel support, resource monitoring, etc.
• Backup Management
Performing and monitoring backup-restore operations, restore tests, reporting, pro-active services, improvement works, etc.
• Disaster Recovery Management
Defining replication jobs, job tracking, failover tests, support during disaster, etc.
New Build (Greenfield or Brownfield) Project of the Year
Sponsored by 
WINNER
Vantage Data Centers
The construction of BER12 marked the fourth data centre to be completed on the Vantage BER1 Berlin campus. The hyperscale facility was officially handed over to the specific and demanding requirements of Vantage Data Centers’ hyperscaler customer in Q2 2024, including 8MW of contracted power with an additional 8MW to be handed over in Q1 2025.
In January 2023, Gerry Farrell, Vantage’s newly appointed Construction Director, appointed PORR as the general contractor (GC) for this project - a construction engineering firm based in Poland which had previously built one of Vantage’s data centres on its Warsaw campus (WAW1).
PORR was keen to deepen its knowledge and exposure to Vantage’s industry-leading construction best practices, including environmental health & safety (EHS) and quality management processes. These are proven to ensure all Vantage projects are delivered on time anywhere in the world and to a universally high industry leading standard.
While BER12 was only PORR’s second hyperscale data centre project, Vantage recognized the work ethic and responsiveness of their diverse senior team, which for the BER12 project comprised of 34 personnel across Project, Package and EHS management.
Key challenges:
Risk analysis and planning in advance were seen as vital to the success and timely delivery of the data centre construction project. At the outset, Vantage’s Construction Director conducted a thorough risk assessment with the PORR team. This resulted in an additional contingency (float) being factored into the contracted final delivery schedule. This was to mitigate against unforeseen circumstances and delays across all critical areas: Manpower, Materials, Equipment and Power. These were constant challenges during the build, heightened by material shortages and longer than usual lead times due to the continuing impact on supply chains from the pandemic and the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
In the very early stages of the build - February 2023 – the PORR senior team also commenced the lengthy application process for gaining a Certificate of Full Occupancy. In Germany, this is mandatory prior to handing over a completed building. This foresight ensured there were no delays at the time of handover to the customer.
Furthermore, prior to construction of the building’s shell, the GC project management team foresaw the need to maintain a sufficiently large opening in an outer wall until the final stages of the build. This enabled easier access/manoeuvring of heavy equipment during the build and proved to be a significant productivity benefit.
Further factors for success:
General Contractor and subcontractor conditioning: Prior to starting building works, PORR’s senior management team toured a Vantage construction project in Dublin to experience Vantage’s construction methodologies first-hand, observe best practices, take photographs and direct questions to the local Dublin GC team.
Vantage’s Construction Director inducted PORR’s senior team into Vantage’s Future Planning of Works reporting and forecasting processes and encouraged them to conduct daily reporting. This was seen by Vantage as critical to ensuring efficient communication with all on-site personnel. There were 40 subcontractor firms involved, with up to 450 workers on-site during the construction phase.
There was ongoing mentoring by the Vantage Construction Director of key PORR and subcontractor team members.
The Vantage Construction Director and senior PORR team encouraged a culture of transparency between all key stakeholders – PORR’s Project, Package and EHS managers and subcontractors.
EHS regime instigation: The Construction Director made Vantage’s EHS regime an immediate priority and mandatory for PORR and their subcontractors. This included comprehensive safety trainings, environmental management planning, strict work protocols, increased audits, observations and inspections - all of which fostered a culture of accountability for safety, emergency response and preparedness. To support this requirement, Health & Safety videos were produced by Vantage for display in prominent areas across the BER12 site.
These practices are well-proven by Vantage globally to ensure the safety of all site and visitor personnel, as well increase productivity, overall quality and customer satisfaction with the company’s ongoing data centre construction projects.
Streamlined reporting and forecasting: A comprehensive reporting procedure was instigated to provide the Vantage construction management team and senior GC project management with a holistic view of all aspects of the build project. This included PORR’s Project and Package management being inducted on how to use Vantage’s cost management software platform – PROCORE.
To foster accountability among the 15 Package Managers, a standardized template for reporting and presentations was devised. This was seen as essential for engaging smoothly and effectively with the Package Managers, who were key to the logistics process and maximizing on-site productivity. In a pressurized working environment, they were responsible for ensuring all building materials and equipment across all departments were ordered well in advance and delivered on time - from concrete to security systems, M&E and IT.
For ensuring a comfortable and productive daily briefings environment, a large information display screen was installed in a dedicated space, suitable to accommodate Project, Package and EHS managers and subcontractor managers.
Buildings blueprint for success: Vantage's proven construction model, including the use of prefabricated modules/M&E containers and equipment designed and premanufactured by existing suppliers, expedited the data centre construction/fit-out and assured the quality and speed of delivery to our high standards.
Sustainability - extensive materials recycling was carried out throughout the project; permeable landscaping and natural on-site drainage deployed to protect precious resources; a colony of lizards was removed and subsequently repatriated in a dedicated area away from danger.
Results:
- BER12 was delivered ahead of schedule and within budget.
- The project took just 23 months to complete from start to finish, inclusive of land surveying, groundworks, construction, M&E installation and data modules build out.
- There were zero lost-time incidents over 900,000 hours – a testament to the EHS regime. Additionally, PORR won Vantage’s worldwide annual Safety Week EHS Award in 2023, clearly demonstrating their commitment to excellence and learnings from the BER12 project.
In January 2023, Gerry Farrell, Vantage’s newly appointed Construction Director, appointed PORR as the general contractor (GC) for this project - a construction engineering firm based in Poland which had previously built one of Vantage’s data centres on its Warsaw campus (WAW1).
PORR was keen to deepen its knowledge and exposure to Vantage’s industry-leading construction best practices, including environmental health & safety (EHS) and quality management processes. These are proven to ensure all Vantage projects are delivered on time anywhere in the world and to a universally high industry leading standard.
While BER12 was only PORR’s second hyperscale data centre project, Vantage recognized the work ethic and responsiveness of their diverse senior team, which for the BER12 project comprised of 34 personnel across Project, Package and EHS management.
Key challenges:
Risk analysis and planning in advance were seen as vital to the success and timely delivery of the data centre construction project. At the outset, Vantage’s Construction Director conducted a thorough risk assessment with the PORR team. This resulted in an additional contingency (float) being factored into the contracted final delivery schedule. This was to mitigate against unforeseen circumstances and delays across all critical areas: Manpower, Materials, Equipment and Power. These were constant challenges during the build, heightened by material shortages and longer than usual lead times due to the continuing impact on supply chains from the pandemic and the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
In the very early stages of the build - February 2023 – the PORR senior team also commenced the lengthy application process for gaining a Certificate of Full Occupancy. In Germany, this is mandatory prior to handing over a completed building. This foresight ensured there were no delays at the time of handover to the customer.
Furthermore, prior to construction of the building’s shell, the GC project management team foresaw the need to maintain a sufficiently large opening in an outer wall until the final stages of the build. This enabled easier access/manoeuvring of heavy equipment during the build and proved to be a significant productivity benefit.
Further factors for success:
General Contractor and subcontractor conditioning: Prior to starting building works, PORR’s senior management team toured a Vantage construction project in Dublin to experience Vantage’s construction methodologies first-hand, observe best practices, take photographs and direct questions to the local Dublin GC team.
Vantage’s Construction Director inducted PORR’s senior team into Vantage’s Future Planning of Works reporting and forecasting processes and encouraged them to conduct daily reporting. This was seen by Vantage as critical to ensuring efficient communication with all on-site personnel. There were 40 subcontractor firms involved, with up to 450 workers on-site during the construction phase.
There was ongoing mentoring by the Vantage Construction Director of key PORR and subcontractor team members.
The Vantage Construction Director and senior PORR team encouraged a culture of transparency between all key stakeholders – PORR’s Project, Package and EHS managers and subcontractors.
EHS regime instigation: The Construction Director made Vantage’s EHS regime an immediate priority and mandatory for PORR and their subcontractors. This included comprehensive safety trainings, environmental management planning, strict work protocols, increased audits, observations and inspections - all of which fostered a culture of accountability for safety, emergency response and preparedness. To support this requirement, Health & Safety videos were produced by Vantage for display in prominent areas across the BER12 site.
These practices are well-proven by Vantage globally to ensure the safety of all site and visitor personnel, as well increase productivity, overall quality and customer satisfaction with the company’s ongoing data centre construction projects.
Streamlined reporting and forecasting: A comprehensive reporting procedure was instigated to provide the Vantage construction management team and senior GC project management with a holistic view of all aspects of the build project. This included PORR’s Project and Package management being inducted on how to use Vantage’s cost management software platform – PROCORE.
To foster accountability among the 15 Package Managers, a standardized template for reporting and presentations was devised. This was seen as essential for engaging smoothly and effectively with the Package Managers, who were key to the logistics process and maximizing on-site productivity. In a pressurized working environment, they were responsible for ensuring all building materials and equipment across all departments were ordered well in advance and delivered on time - from concrete to security systems, M&E and IT.
For ensuring a comfortable and productive daily briefings environment, a large information display screen was installed in a dedicated space, suitable to accommodate Project, Package and EHS managers and subcontractor managers.
Buildings blueprint for success: Vantage's proven construction model, including the use of prefabricated modules/M&E containers and equipment designed and premanufactured by existing suppliers, expedited the data centre construction/fit-out and assured the quality and speed of delivery to our high standards.
Sustainability - extensive materials recycling was carried out throughout the project; permeable landscaping and natural on-site drainage deployed to protect precious resources; a colony of lizards was removed and subsequently repatriated in a dedicated area away from danger.
Results:
- BER12 was delivered ahead of schedule and within budget.
- The project took just 23 months to complete from start to finish, inclusive of land surveying, groundworks, construction, M&E installation and data modules build out.
- There were zero lost-time incidents over 900,000 hours – a testament to the EHS regime. Additionally, PORR won Vantage’s worldwide annual Safety Week EHS Award in 2023, clearly demonstrating their commitment to excellence and learnings from the BER12 project.
RUNNER UP
Conapto
Conapto Stockholm 4 South is a modern colocation facility designed from the ground up to meet the growing need for AI-ready, high-density infrastructure, while focusing on efficiency, reliability, and the ability to grow in the future. This purpose-built data center sets a new standard in colocation design, bringing together the latest technology in power, cooling, and sustainability to create an ideal environment for today's IT workloads.
Stockholm 4 South was designed with flexibility in mind. It supports both traditional colocation clients and those using AI-driven workloads, with options for high-density air and liquid cooling. The modular design, including pre-assembled power and cooling pods, ensures quick deployment without compromising efficiency. This approach allows for easy expansion as customer needs grow, providing a scalable, future-proof infrastructure with minimal waste.
Stockholm 4 South is built for efficiency, featuring advanced cooling and power distribution to optimize performance. With AI and other high density workloads driving significant increases in power and cooling demands, Stockholm 4 South is equipped to handle these next-generation infrastructure needs without sacrificing efficiency.
Conapto plays an active role in balancing Sweden’s national grid. We believe that data centers should actively contribute to supporting the community through solutions such as heat reuse and grid support. Through the innovative Dynamic Grid Support feature of the UPS, Conapto can actively contribute to grid stability by participating in fast frequency response (FFR) and frequency containment reserve demand (FCR-D). We aim to reduce CO2 emissions by facilitating the integration of more renewables into the energy mix while simultaneously creating new capacity for our customers. Stockholm 4 South provide up to 14 MW of UPS/battery capacity to balancing services for the national grid, ensuring grid stability while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-powered reserves.
A major strength of Stockholm 4 South is its focus on sustainability, seamlessly integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy into every aspect of the design. The facility runs on 100% fossil-free, renewable energy through Vattenfall’s 24/7 matching program, ensuring a clean power supply. On-site solar panels generate 200 kW of renewable energy to support operations. One of the most impactful sustainability initiatives is reusing excess heat to Stockholm’s district heating network. Stockholm 4 South is directly connected to Stockholm Exergi’s district heating network, contributing up to 10 MW of excess heat to warm 10 000 homes in the area. This circular energy approach reduces the facility’s environmental impact while benefiting the local community.
By combining smart planning, advanced technology, and a focus on sustainability, Stockholm 4 South sets a new benchmark for purpose-built data center colocation. Its modular, scalable design ensures long-term adaptability, while its efficiency ensures reliable performance.
As AI, high-performance computing, and dense workloads demand more sophisticated colocation environments, Stockholm 4 South is built to support the future of digital infrastructure. It offers high performance, sustainable, and scalable colocation for the next generation of computing.
Stockholm 4 South was designed with flexibility in mind. It supports both traditional colocation clients and those using AI-driven workloads, with options for high-density air and liquid cooling. The modular design, including pre-assembled power and cooling pods, ensures quick deployment without compromising efficiency. This approach allows for easy expansion as customer needs grow, providing a scalable, future-proof infrastructure with minimal waste.
Stockholm 4 South is built for efficiency, featuring advanced cooling and power distribution to optimize performance. With AI and other high density workloads driving significant increases in power and cooling demands, Stockholm 4 South is equipped to handle these next-generation infrastructure needs without sacrificing efficiency.
Conapto plays an active role in balancing Sweden’s national grid. We believe that data centers should actively contribute to supporting the community through solutions such as heat reuse and grid support. Through the innovative Dynamic Grid Support feature of the UPS, Conapto can actively contribute to grid stability by participating in fast frequency response (FFR) and frequency containment reserve demand (FCR-D). We aim to reduce CO2 emissions by facilitating the integration of more renewables into the energy mix while simultaneously creating new capacity for our customers. Stockholm 4 South provide up to 14 MW of UPS/battery capacity to balancing services for the national grid, ensuring grid stability while reducing dependence on fossil fuel-powered reserves.
A major strength of Stockholm 4 South is its focus on sustainability, seamlessly integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy into every aspect of the design. The facility runs on 100% fossil-free, renewable energy through Vattenfall’s 24/7 matching program, ensuring a clean power supply. On-site solar panels generate 200 kW of renewable energy to support operations. One of the most impactful sustainability initiatives is reusing excess heat to Stockholm’s district heating network. Stockholm 4 South is directly connected to Stockholm Exergi’s district heating network, contributing up to 10 MW of excess heat to warm 10 000 homes in the area. This circular energy approach reduces the facility’s environmental impact while benefiting the local community.
By combining smart planning, advanced technology, and a focus on sustainability, Stockholm 4 South sets a new benchmark for purpose-built data center colocation. Its modular, scalable design ensures long-term adaptability, while its efficiency ensures reliable performance.
As AI, high-performance computing, and dense workloads demand more sophisticated colocation environments, Stockholm 4 South is built to support the future of digital infrastructure. It offers high performance, sustainable, and scalable colocation for the next generation of computing.
Outstanding Contribution to Diversity, Equality and Social Responsibility Award
WINNER
Kao Data
Kao SEED Fund Stockport
What is the Kao SEED Fund?
The Kao SEED Fund (Social Enterprise and Environmental Development) is an initiative designed to provide financial support to not-for-profit, community-led projects that drive social and environmental progress in the local areas where Kao Data operates.
This fund is more than just financial aid - it offers ongoing mentorship, with community partners, to empower grassroots initiatives that create tangible, positive change in their communities.
The fund focuses on three core areas:
• Environmental Sustainability – Supporting projects that promote a greener Stockport.
• Community Empowerment – Strengthening local engagement and collaboration.
• Economic Development – Generating and supporting economic opportunities for local people.
Where is the Fund making an impact?
The first Kao SEED Fund was successfully launched in Stockport, Greater Manchester, where Kao Data is currently constructing a 40MW, £350M data centre campus – the first of its kind in the region. Stockport was chosen as the launch location because it presented an opportunity to support the local community, and help build a stronger, greener local neighbourhood.
Why did Kao Data create the SEED Fund?
Data centres are often seen as secretive and detached from their local communities. Kao Data is challenging this stereotype by leading with an inclusive approach, embedding itself into the communities where it operates.
Beyond powering digital infrastructure, data centres are key enablers of innovation, economic growth, and social progress. They drive technological advancements, support the creation of high-quality jobs, and enhance connectivity—helping businesses and individuals thrive in an increasingly digital world. Now, as evidenced through the Kao SEED Fund, data centres can also become catalysts for local community support, directly investing in grassroots projects that make a tangible difference.
The Kao SEED Fund is a powerful way for Kao Data to give back, helping to support inspiring, community-led initiatives that align with the company’s core values.
Who could apply?
The inaugural fund was open to applications from social enterprises, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, grassroots projects and individuals within the SK postcode area. Stockport, a thriving borough of Greater Manchester and home to nearly 300,000 people, was the perfect location to launch the fund due to its strong community spirit and dedicated local champions.
The Kao SEED Fund application process:
To bring the initiative to life, Kao Data partnered with Sector 3, a leading charity infrastructure support service that works closely with Stockport Council and the local voluntary sector.
Together, Kao Data and Sector 3 developed a comprehensive strategy that included:
• A launch event on 21st November (International Social Enterprise Day), attracting a packed room of community leaders.
• Face-to-face events to engage and answer questions from potential applicants.
• A rigorous selection process, where applications were thoroughly reviewed by a decision panel that included local community representatives.
• A structured scoring system to ensure fairness and transparency in awarding funds.
The Results
• 65 applications received, requesting a total of £137,517.06.
• Kao Data increased its contribution by 50% due to overwhelming demand.
• 20 projects funded, with support evenly spread across all three focus areas.
• A resoundingly positive response from the community, showcasing the deep-rooted need for this initiative.
The future – scaling the impact
Following the outstanding success of the Kao SEED Fund in Stockport, Kao Data is expanding the initiative to all other locations where it operates. The Kao SEED Fund Harlow is set to launch later this year, extending the initiative’s impact to new communities.
Additionally, the fund has now become a key pillar of Kao Data’s ESG agenda, and discussions are already underway with partners and stakeholders to join this mission to empower grassroots projects, foster environmental stewardship, and create a more enterprising and sustainable future.
Conclusion:
The Kao SEED Fund is not just about financial support; it’s about empowering communities, driving sustainability, and fostering meaningful change. By engaging directly with local organisations and individuals, Kao Data has set a gold standard for corporate social responsibility in the data centre industry, once again leading by example.
This initiative demonstrates what happens when businesses truly invest in their communities – the result is lasting, transformative impact that benefits people, the planet, and the local economy.
Supportive quotes:
It’s inspiring to work alongside a partner like Kao Data who are committed to collaboration, sustainability and genuine community development. Their fund will help further empower Stockport’s already active community to bring forward even more innovative, entrepreneurial ideas that champion a cleaner, greener future.”
- Jo McGrath, CEO at Sector 3.
“At Kao Data, our commitment to being a good corporate citizen is woven deep into our DNA. The launch of the Kao SEED Fund in Stockport underscores our dedication to fostering sustainability, positive community action, and development projects that will support the local neighbourhood around what will be our newest data centre.
As the founder of Kao Data, a serial entrepreneur, a community volunteer myself for over 25 years, and someone who takes great pride in ensuring we fulfil and surpass our corporate social responsibility mandate as a business, I’m excited to see what type of projects the Kao SEED Fund will help make possible.”
- David Bloom, Founder and Chairman of Kao Data.
“It’s great to see Kao Data’s commitment to Stockport extends beyond infrastructure, reaching into the heart of our communities through initiatives like the Kao SEED Fund. This fund will provide valuable support to local groups working to make a positive impact in Stockport.”
- Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council
What is the Kao SEED Fund?
The Kao SEED Fund (Social Enterprise and Environmental Development) is an initiative designed to provide financial support to not-for-profit, community-led projects that drive social and environmental progress in the local areas where Kao Data operates.
This fund is more than just financial aid - it offers ongoing mentorship, with community partners, to empower grassroots initiatives that create tangible, positive change in their communities.
The fund focuses on three core areas:
• Environmental Sustainability – Supporting projects that promote a greener Stockport.
• Community Empowerment – Strengthening local engagement and collaboration.
• Economic Development – Generating and supporting economic opportunities for local people.
Where is the Fund making an impact?
The first Kao SEED Fund was successfully launched in Stockport, Greater Manchester, where Kao Data is currently constructing a 40MW, £350M data centre campus – the first of its kind in the region. Stockport was chosen as the launch location because it presented an opportunity to support the local community, and help build a stronger, greener local neighbourhood.
Why did Kao Data create the SEED Fund?
Data centres are often seen as secretive and detached from their local communities. Kao Data is challenging this stereotype by leading with an inclusive approach, embedding itself into the communities where it operates.
Beyond powering digital infrastructure, data centres are key enablers of innovation, economic growth, and social progress. They drive technological advancements, support the creation of high-quality jobs, and enhance connectivity—helping businesses and individuals thrive in an increasingly digital world. Now, as evidenced through the Kao SEED Fund, data centres can also become catalysts for local community support, directly investing in grassroots projects that make a tangible difference.
The Kao SEED Fund is a powerful way for Kao Data to give back, helping to support inspiring, community-led initiatives that align with the company’s core values.
Who could apply?
The inaugural fund was open to applications from social enterprises, community groups, not-for-profit organisations, grassroots projects and individuals within the SK postcode area. Stockport, a thriving borough of Greater Manchester and home to nearly 300,000 people, was the perfect location to launch the fund due to its strong community spirit and dedicated local champions.
The Kao SEED Fund application process:
To bring the initiative to life, Kao Data partnered with Sector 3, a leading charity infrastructure support service that works closely with Stockport Council and the local voluntary sector.
Together, Kao Data and Sector 3 developed a comprehensive strategy that included:
• A launch event on 21st November (International Social Enterprise Day), attracting a packed room of community leaders.
• Face-to-face events to engage and answer questions from potential applicants.
• A rigorous selection process, where applications were thoroughly reviewed by a decision panel that included local community representatives.
• A structured scoring system to ensure fairness and transparency in awarding funds.
The Results
• 65 applications received, requesting a total of £137,517.06.
• Kao Data increased its contribution by 50% due to overwhelming demand.
• 20 projects funded, with support evenly spread across all three focus areas.
• A resoundingly positive response from the community, showcasing the deep-rooted need for this initiative.
The future – scaling the impact
Following the outstanding success of the Kao SEED Fund in Stockport, Kao Data is expanding the initiative to all other locations where it operates. The Kao SEED Fund Harlow is set to launch later this year, extending the initiative’s impact to new communities.
Additionally, the fund has now become a key pillar of Kao Data’s ESG agenda, and discussions are already underway with partners and stakeholders to join this mission to empower grassroots projects, foster environmental stewardship, and create a more enterprising and sustainable future.
Conclusion:
The Kao SEED Fund is not just about financial support; it’s about empowering communities, driving sustainability, and fostering meaningful change. By engaging directly with local organisations and individuals, Kao Data has set a gold standard for corporate social responsibility in the data centre industry, once again leading by example.
This initiative demonstrates what happens when businesses truly invest in their communities – the result is lasting, transformative impact that benefits people, the planet, and the local economy.
Supportive quotes:
It’s inspiring to work alongside a partner like Kao Data who are committed to collaboration, sustainability and genuine community development. Their fund will help further empower Stockport’s already active community to bring forward even more innovative, entrepreneurial ideas that champion a cleaner, greener future.”
- Jo McGrath, CEO at Sector 3.
“At Kao Data, our commitment to being a good corporate citizen is woven deep into our DNA. The launch of the Kao SEED Fund in Stockport underscores our dedication to fostering sustainability, positive community action, and development projects that will support the local neighbourhood around what will be our newest data centre.
As the founder of Kao Data, a serial entrepreneur, a community volunteer myself for over 25 years, and someone who takes great pride in ensuring we fulfil and surpass our corporate social responsibility mandate as a business, I’m excited to see what type of projects the Kao SEED Fund will help make possible.”
- David Bloom, Founder and Chairman of Kao Data.
“It’s great to see Kao Data’s commitment to Stockport extends beyond infrastructure, reaching into the heart of our communities through initiatives like the Kao SEED Fund. This fund will provide valuable support to local groups working to make a positive impact in Stockport.”
- Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport at Stockport Council
RUNNER UP
DEI Directive
DEI Directive is a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Technology company. We help
Human Resources professionals access and tap into the real-time, granular and actionable
data necessary to unleash increased employee engagement, productivity and innovation.
80% of organizations rate themselves as ineffective at DEI.
This has increased employee DIS-engagement to 85%.
This problem is so big that 73% of US workers are thinking of quitting their jobs, & a lot
are willing to take a pay cut to leave their current position.
This high employee turnover & disengagement is in turn costing US Companies
$455billion per year or up to 213% the salary of each departing employee.
We have all heard of Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, now mainstream phrases over
the last few years, & underscore the gravity of the situation.
Most Executives (69%) now acknowledge DEI is important and recognize they have to
rethink their approach to employee engagement, hiring & retention.
But even with that, HR departments continue to struggle to have real impact around DEI.
This is largely because they are not equipped to effect change.
They don't have access to DEI data (or have access to very limited data) to pull insights
from. In many cases, the organization has not historically collected DEI data (so these
professionals have to create & manage that collection process to even begin). When the
data exists, it is high level & lacks the necessary details needed. Or these professionals
have to pull pieces of data from multiple systems across the organization, a process that
is incredibly inefficient and time consuming.
And they largely struggle to establish a reliable system to track, monitor and measure
DEI progress & impact
We have created the most comprehensive, standalone DEI technology solution in the
market. Our one stop shop DEI intelligence platform helps HR professionals bypass their
multi-system process so they can manage their organization's DEI health from one
location.
With our platform, these professionals can access & collect internal data
(demographic/sentiment) & access external data. HR professionals can also:
1) quickly diagnose current DEI status quo to understand the specific issues & dynamics
within the organizations, so they can come up with specific strategies to impact & address
them
2) set, track & measure DEI goals - to help proactively assess what DEI initiatives are
working, creating real impact
3) benchmark against industry, state & national numbers - examining their organization's
status quo within a larger context, so they can formulate external strategies that will
drive change within the community
4) gather employee sentiment data - with the huge shift in how employees think about
work, the transition from older to younger demographic at work, organizations need a
way to directly understand what is happening with their employees & our survey features
deliver just this. Allowing them to not only get this information but to be able to drill
down by demographic group for more actionable insights.
5) streamline compliance process - many organizations have an annual govt. mandate to
report diversity numbers. This process can be exceptionally chaotic to manage, & typically
requires back & forth communication between departments to finalize. Our plug & play
system simplifies this process, automating real-time reporting of diversity numbers for
easily filing with the govt.
6) raise overall DEI awareness at the organization through corporate training - our robust
library of DEI learning modules really help these professionals drive conversation & raise
awareness level, impacting culture & the day to day experience of employee
Human Resources professionals access and tap into the real-time, granular and actionable
data necessary to unleash increased employee engagement, productivity and innovation.
80% of organizations rate themselves as ineffective at DEI.
This has increased employee DIS-engagement to 85%.
This problem is so big that 73% of US workers are thinking of quitting their jobs, & a lot
are willing to take a pay cut to leave their current position.
This high employee turnover & disengagement is in turn costing US Companies
$455billion per year or up to 213% the salary of each departing employee.
We have all heard of Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting, now mainstream phrases over
the last few years, & underscore the gravity of the situation.
Most Executives (69%) now acknowledge DEI is important and recognize they have to
rethink their approach to employee engagement, hiring & retention.
But even with that, HR departments continue to struggle to have real impact around DEI.
This is largely because they are not equipped to effect change.
They don't have access to DEI data (or have access to very limited data) to pull insights
from. In many cases, the organization has not historically collected DEI data (so these
professionals have to create & manage that collection process to even begin). When the
data exists, it is high level & lacks the necessary details needed. Or these professionals
have to pull pieces of data from multiple systems across the organization, a process that
is incredibly inefficient and time consuming.
And they largely struggle to establish a reliable system to track, monitor and measure
DEI progress & impact
We have created the most comprehensive, standalone DEI technology solution in the
market. Our one stop shop DEI intelligence platform helps HR professionals bypass their
multi-system process so they can manage their organization's DEI health from one
location.
With our platform, these professionals can access & collect internal data
(demographic/sentiment) & access external data. HR professionals can also:
1) quickly diagnose current DEI status quo to understand the specific issues & dynamics
within the organizations, so they can come up with specific strategies to impact & address
them
2) set, track & measure DEI goals - to help proactively assess what DEI initiatives are
working, creating real impact
3) benchmark against industry, state & national numbers - examining their organization's
status quo within a larger context, so they can formulate external strategies that will
drive change within the community
4) gather employee sentiment data - with the huge shift in how employees think about
work, the transition from older to younger demographic at work, organizations need a
way to directly understand what is happening with their employees & our survey features
deliver just this. Allowing them to not only get this information but to be able to drill
down by demographic group for more actionable insights.
5) streamline compliance process - many organizations have an annual govt. mandate to
report diversity numbers. This process can be exceptionally chaotic to manage, & typically
requires back & forth communication between departments to finalize. Our plug & play
system simplifies this process, automating real-time reporting of diversity numbers for
easily filing with the govt.
6) raise overall DEI awareness at the organization through corporate training - our robust
library of DEI learning modules really help these professionals drive conversation & raise
awareness level, impacting culture & the day to day experience of employee
Outstanding Contribution to Skills and Training Award
WINNER
CBRE
Introduction
We are pleased to submit an award entry for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Skills & Training at the DCS Awards. At CBRE, we strive to create an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. We invest heavily in skills and training initiatives offering our employees access to double the industry average for training. This commitment results in a highly qualified team with an industry-leading retention rate of 96%. Winning this award would not only validate our efforts but also inspire us to continue pushing boundaries and making a positive impact on the industry.
Background on CBRE Data Center Solutions
CBRE Data Center Solutions is a specialist business group within CBRE that helps customers reduce risk and efficiently manage their data center operations. Through technology, expert people, best in class processes, training and global scale, we lead the market in our ability to deliver optimal performance for our customers’ data centers. Our customers benefit from the experience and best practice we have developed through operating over 700 data centers in 48 countries.
We provide a full range of data center lifecycle services, from extensive maintenance and project capabilities to energy optimization and analytic insights. CBRE DCS helps clients protect their brand and unlock maximum value from their data center assets.
CBRE Talent Development Strategy
At CBRE, we understand that the future success of our organisation depends largely on the development of our employees. We have robust programs to support engineers in their career progression, from engineer to manager and from manager to director. Many success stories feature individuals who started in engineering or support roles and advanced to leadership positions. We have partnerships with renowned training providers, offering significant benefits to our employees. Each employee has a structured personal development plan with annual objectives, and regular reviews to track their growth.
What are your company's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
CBRE's key differentiators in skills, training and talent development include:
Extensive Training Investment: CBRE invests heavily in professional development, offering employees double the industry average for training. This results in a highly qualified team and an industry-leading retention rate of 96%.
DCS Select Program: A proprietary recruiting assessment tool developed in partnership with Gartner CEB, ensuring the right cultural and skill fit for Critical Engineers and Technicians within the data center industry.
Diversity and Inclusion: CBRE actively seeks to expand its talent pool by recruiting from diverse sources including veterans, maternity returners, and individuals outside the industry, with a focus on improving gender balance.
Industry-Leading Certifications: CBRE is the first company globally to commit to certify 100% of its technical workforce with certifications like CDCTP® and CDCMP®, which enhance the competence and confidence of their technicians and managers.
Human Factors Training: In collaboration with Dr. Tim Marsh, CBRE has developed a comprehensive program to reduce human error in data center operations, resulting in significantly lower unplanned downtime due to human error compared to the industry average.
Talent Coach Platform: A unified talent management system that supports learning, development, and career growth, integrating multiple processes into a single tool for scalability and ease of use.
Apprenticeships and Community Engagement: CBRE hires over 60 apprentices annually and partners with educational institutions to provide specialized training, addressing the skills shortage in the data center sector.
Professional Development and Career Progression: CBRE offers structured personal development plans, regular reviews, and ample opportunities for career advancement, emphasizing internal talent mobility and rewarding achievements.
Employee Well-Being: CBRE prioritizes employee well-being through programs like Be Well and offers extensive resources, training, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance program to support personal and professional health.
Recognition and Reward: CBRE fosters a positive workplace culture with site-specific rewards and recognition strategies, ensuring employees feel valued and motivated.
These differentiators collectively contribute to CBRE's reputation as an industry leader in talent development, making it a strong contender for the 'Best Talent Developer' award.
What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
CBRE has had a significant tangible impact on the market and our customers through a variety of initiatives and achievements:
– Training and Development:
o Trained over 3,000 employees through Human Factors programs.
o Developed over 250 leaders through Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) programs.
o Transitioned 250 technicians from outside industries into data centre professions.
– Client Satisfaction and Retention:
o 98% customer retention rate, showcasing our commitment to client satisfaction.
o 20% YOY business growth, indicating strong market impact and customer trust.
– Employee Well-Being and Growth:
o Created a positive workplace culture, ensuring employees feel valued and appreciated.
o Implemented the Be Well initiative to support employee well-being on a global scale.
o Recognition and reward programs to boost employee morale and retention.
– Growth and Financial Stability:
o Achieved a turnover exceeding $1 billion, reflecting robust financial growth and stability.
o Expanded our portfolio by securing both global and local contracts.
– DCS Shield Program:
o Over 700MW of new data centre real estate transitioned, helping meet global growth demands.
o Achieved and maintained a global uptime rate of 99.99968%, demonstrating high reliability and performance.
o Reduced downtime and human error incidents, ensuring optimal operational performance for our clients.
– Innovation and Technology:
o Implementation of the DCS Shield tool suite adopted by over 150 clients globally, enabling speed to market and global consistency.
o Development of Smart FM solutions, which leverage people, processes, and integrated technology to improve FM delivery, reduce energy consumption, and meet client goals.
o Investments in R&D leading to advancements in Smart FM, Risk Management, and predictive strategies through machine learning and AI.
– Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:
o Focused on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through Smart FM solutions.
o Developed Quantum Glass technology for enhanced data visibility, streamlined operations, and improved risk management.
Overall, CBRE's commitment to employee development, inclusive recruitment, industry-leading training, career progression, employee well-being, and community engagement has solidified its position as a market leader in data center solutions and a top talent developer in the industry.
What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors.
CBRE differentiates itself from competitors through several key levels of customer service:
– Annual Performance Reviews: We conduct formal performance reviews with our clients and senior management, using a Balanced Scorecard process to document trends, improvements, and opportunities for enhancement.
– Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey: We engage Kingsley, a third-party firm, to assess client satisfaction annually. This helps us develop immediate action plans for areas needing attention.
– Monthly Net Promoter Scores: We ask clients to complete monthly NPS questionnaires, which are tracked, reviewed, and reported to client leadership. This process is aimed at improving service delivery continually.
– Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Through initiatives like the Innovation Charter and DCS Shield, we drive continuous improvement and innovation in our service delivery. These programs help us maintain high performance and reliability standards.
– Proactive Monitoring and Management: Our DCS Shield program provides proactive monitoring and management of critical facility infrastructure, improving uptime and optimizing operational performance.
– Employee Training and Development: We invest heavily in training and development, ensuring our employees are highly skilled and motivated. This includes programs like Human Factors training, ILM programs, and targeted recruitment through DCS Select.
– Diversity and Inclusion: We prioritize a diverse and inclusive work environment, reflecting the diversity of our clients and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
– Employee Well-Being and Recognition: We focus on employee well-being through programs like Be Well and recognise outstanding performance through various reward and recognition strategies.
– Comprehensive Service Offering: We offer a full range of data center lifecycle services, from extensive maintenance and project capabilities to energy optimization and analytic insights.
– Client Partnership and Collaboration: We work closely with clients, forming joint charters and aligning with their goals to achieve global consistency and success.
These levels of customer service ensure that CBRE not only meets but exceeds client expectations, fostering long-term partnerships and driving continuous improvement and innovation.
What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
CBRE's major differentiators in skills, training and talent development include:
1. Investment in Training: CBRE provides its employees with double the industry average for training, contributing to a highly skilled workforce and a 96% retention rate.
2. Diversity and Inclusion: CBRE actively recruits from diverse sources, including veterans and women, and implements industry-leading training programs to support gender balance.
3. Comprehensive Training Programs: Employees benefit from robust training, including the Human Factors training program developed with Dr. Tim Marsh to reduce human error, and certifications such as CDCTP® and CDCMP®.
4. Recruitment and Assessment Tools: The proprietary DCS Select recruitment tool, developed with Gartner CEB, ensures hiring the right cultural fit and technical skills.
5. Structured Career Development: Employees have personal development plans with annual objectives and regular reviews, supported by tools like Talent Coach for performance management and training.
6. Partnerships with Training Providers: Collaborations with CNet Training and others enhance certification credentials and technical education for employees.
7. Apprenticeships and Early Career Programs: CBRE hires over 60 apprentices annually and partners with educational institutions to train young people in data centre engineering.
8. Recognition and Reward: CBRE emphasizes employee well-being, purpose, and a positive workplace culture, alongside competitive pay and benefits.
9. Mobility and Career Progression: Significant investment in upskilling and career progression opportunities, with numerous case studies highlighting internal promotions and global mobility.
These differentiators contribute to CBRE's reputation as a leading talent developer in the data centre industry.
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the position of your company in the market.
Paul Hood, Chief Operating Officer - Global Data Center Operations at Yondr Group:
We are absolutely delighted with our partnership with CBRE throughout our Global portfolio. Their collaborative mindset and dedication to our shared vision have been pivotal in our journey to enhance our capabilities at scale and pace, essential in today's dynamic data center market. From aligning with our goals to achieve global consistency, CBRE continues to meet our expectations. Their commitment to efficiency, cost savings, and constructive challenges have strategically positioned us for success. Together, we've established a mature, collaborative approach, reinforced by a joint charter that guides us at every level of our organisations. As we look ahead, we're incredibly optimistic about the future and the continued success of our partnership. Our journey has begun with great excitement, and we are grateful to have CBRE alongside us every step of the way.
Steve Webb, Data Center Operations and Sustainability Director at Global Technical Realty:
We began our partnership with CBRE several years ago, and we have been impressed with the exceptional level of service and attitude. Their contribution to our business goes far beyond our initial expectations, as they have made a significant impact on our transition. The CBRE team demonstrated a deep understanding of our unique needs and challenges and provided us with the most effective and accurate solutions to address our specific requirements. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in enhancing our operations and driving our success. As the data center industry continues to evolve rapidly, our partnership has been positioned for long-term success.
Case Study 1: Sarah Kinsella – Global Program Manager
Background:
Sarah Kinsella's journey with CBRE spans over 12 years, showcasing a trajectory of consistent growth and development through various roles. Beginning her career in Contract Support, Sarah has advanced to become a Global Program Manager, illustrating the potential for career advancement within CBRE.
Career Progression:
Initial Roles:
Contract Support: Sarah started her career at CBRE in a support role, gaining foundational knowledge and experience.
Business Unit Lead Contract Support: Progressing further, she took on more responsibilities, leading a business unit contract support team.
ICT Project Coordinator: Transitioning into more technical aspects, Sarah coordinated ICT projects, leveraging her growing expertise.
Current Role:
Global Program Manager: Sarah now oversees global programs, a testament to her significant career development and the support from CBRE’s training initiatives.
Training and Development:
The training programs Sarah completed enabled her to gain technical proficiency, which facilitated her transition from support roles to project management. Her advanced technical understanding allowed her to engage in high-level conversations with engineers and managers, significantly contributing to her successful transition to a project manager role. The certifications and training she received have positioned her well for future leadership roles within CBRE.
– Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®): Sarah undertook this highly technical course, which included copper and fibre cable installation. Despite being the only female in the class, she excelled, achieving the highest grade.
– Certified Telecommunications Project Management (CTPM®): This program further enhanced her project management skills within the telecommunications sector.
– Certified Data Centre Project Management (CDCPM®): This certification helped her transition into project management roles within the data centre division.
– Certified Data Centre Technician Professional (CDCTP®): This certification provided Sarah with in-depth knowledge of data centre operations, contributing to her advancement.
– ILM Level 2: This leadership program equipped her with essential skills for managing teams and projects effectively.
Impact:
Enhanced Technical Knowledge: The CNCI® training allowed Sarah to engage in higher-level technical conversations with engineers and project managers, significantly improving her effectiveness in her roles.
Career Growth: The project management programs facilitated her transition to a project manager, and eventually to a global program manager, showcasing CBRE’s commitment to professional development.
Conclusion:
Sarah Kinsella's case exemplifies how CBRE’s robust training programs and career progression support can lead to significant advancements within the company. Sarah’s dedication and the opportunities provided by CBRE have enabled her to build a promising leadership career.
Case Study 2: Lovisa Hagelberg – Business Unit Director
Background:
Lovisa Hagelberg joined CBRE over five years ago and has quickly risen through the ranks to become a Business Unit Director. Her journey highlights the impact of targeted training programs on career advancement, particularly for individuals transitioning from business development to operational leadership.
Career Progression:
Initial Roles:
Business Development Manager: Lovisa started in a business development role, where she honed her skills in identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities.
Business Development Director: Lovisa progressed to a BDD role through demonstrating consistent sales growth, the development of strong internal and external networks, enhanced industry knowledge, and leadership of a team. This promotion involved an expansion of regional responsibility and direct reports.
Current Role:
Business Unit Director: Lovisa now leads operations for the Nordics, demonstrating her successful transition to an operational leadership position.
Training and Development:
Certified Data Centre Management Professional (CDCMP®): This comprehensive program was crucial for Lovisa, covering all elements of data centre facility operations. It focused on maintaining reliability, security, and integrity of data, and service availability.
Key Learnings:
– Business Strategy Creation: Lovisa learned to develop credible business strategies that align with operational requirements.
– Leadership Skills: The program emphasized strong leadership to maximize operational capabilities.
– Technical Vocabulary: As a non-native English speaker, Lovisa gained proficiency in the technical language of data centres, enhancing her communication and effectiveness in her role.
Impact:
– Operational Knowledge: The CDCMP® training provided Lovisa with a deep understanding of data centre operations, which has been invaluable in her role.
– Confidence and Communication: The program boosted her confidence and enabled her to engage effectively with data centre managers, improving site efficiency.
– Career Advancement: The training facilitated her transition from business development to operational leadership, demonstrating CBRE’s commitment to developing diverse career paths.
Conclusion:
Lovisa Hagelberg’s career progression at CBRE showcases the transformative impact of targeted training programs. By equipping her with the necessary skills and knowledge, CBRE has enabled Lovisa to advance to a significant leadership role, highlighting the company's investment in talent development and diversity.
We are pleased to submit an award entry for ‘Outstanding Contribution to Skills & Training at the DCS Awards. At CBRE, we strive to create an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential. We invest heavily in skills and training initiatives offering our employees access to double the industry average for training. This commitment results in a highly qualified team with an industry-leading retention rate of 96%. Winning this award would not only validate our efforts but also inspire us to continue pushing boundaries and making a positive impact on the industry.
Background on CBRE Data Center Solutions
CBRE Data Center Solutions is a specialist business group within CBRE that helps customers reduce risk and efficiently manage their data center operations. Through technology, expert people, best in class processes, training and global scale, we lead the market in our ability to deliver optimal performance for our customers’ data centers. Our customers benefit from the experience and best practice we have developed through operating over 700 data centers in 48 countries.
We provide a full range of data center lifecycle services, from extensive maintenance and project capabilities to energy optimization and analytic insights. CBRE DCS helps clients protect their brand and unlock maximum value from their data center assets.
CBRE Talent Development Strategy
At CBRE, we understand that the future success of our organisation depends largely on the development of our employees. We have robust programs to support engineers in their career progression, from engineer to manager and from manager to director. Many success stories feature individuals who started in engineering or support roles and advanced to leadership positions. We have partnerships with renowned training providers, offering significant benefits to our employees. Each employee has a structured personal development plan with annual objectives, and regular reviews to track their growth.
What are your company's key distinguishing features and/or USP?
CBRE's key differentiators in skills, training and talent development include:
Extensive Training Investment: CBRE invests heavily in professional development, offering employees double the industry average for training. This results in a highly qualified team and an industry-leading retention rate of 96%.
DCS Select Program: A proprietary recruiting assessment tool developed in partnership with Gartner CEB, ensuring the right cultural and skill fit for Critical Engineers and Technicians within the data center industry.
Diversity and Inclusion: CBRE actively seeks to expand its talent pool by recruiting from diverse sources including veterans, maternity returners, and individuals outside the industry, with a focus on improving gender balance.
Industry-Leading Certifications: CBRE is the first company globally to commit to certify 100% of its technical workforce with certifications like CDCTP® and CDCMP®, which enhance the competence and confidence of their technicians and managers.
Human Factors Training: In collaboration with Dr. Tim Marsh, CBRE has developed a comprehensive program to reduce human error in data center operations, resulting in significantly lower unplanned downtime due to human error compared to the industry average.
Talent Coach Platform: A unified talent management system that supports learning, development, and career growth, integrating multiple processes into a single tool for scalability and ease of use.
Apprenticeships and Community Engagement: CBRE hires over 60 apprentices annually and partners with educational institutions to provide specialized training, addressing the skills shortage in the data center sector.
Professional Development and Career Progression: CBRE offers structured personal development plans, regular reviews, and ample opportunities for career advancement, emphasizing internal talent mobility and rewarding achievements.
Employee Well-Being: CBRE prioritizes employee well-being through programs like Be Well and offers extensive resources, training, and a 24/7 Employee Assistance program to support personal and professional health.
Recognition and Reward: CBRE fosters a positive workplace culture with site-specific rewards and recognition strategies, ensuring employees feel valued and motivated.
These differentiators collectively contribute to CBRE's reputation as an industry leader in talent development, making it a strong contender for the 'Best Talent Developer' award.
What tangible impact has your company had on the market and your customers?
CBRE has had a significant tangible impact on the market and our customers through a variety of initiatives and achievements:
– Training and Development:
o Trained over 3,000 employees through Human Factors programs.
o Developed over 250 leaders through Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM) programs.
o Transitioned 250 technicians from outside industries into data centre professions.
– Client Satisfaction and Retention:
o 98% customer retention rate, showcasing our commitment to client satisfaction.
o 20% YOY business growth, indicating strong market impact and customer trust.
– Employee Well-Being and Growth:
o Created a positive workplace culture, ensuring employees feel valued and appreciated.
o Implemented the Be Well initiative to support employee well-being on a global scale.
o Recognition and reward programs to boost employee morale and retention.
– Growth and Financial Stability:
o Achieved a turnover exceeding $1 billion, reflecting robust financial growth and stability.
o Expanded our portfolio by securing both global and local contracts.
– DCS Shield Program:
o Over 700MW of new data centre real estate transitioned, helping meet global growth demands.
o Achieved and maintained a global uptime rate of 99.99968%, demonstrating high reliability and performance.
o Reduced downtime and human error incidents, ensuring optimal operational performance for our clients.
– Innovation and Technology:
o Implementation of the DCS Shield tool suite adopted by over 150 clients globally, enabling speed to market and global consistency.
o Development of Smart FM solutions, which leverage people, processes, and integrated technology to improve FM delivery, reduce energy consumption, and meet client goals.
o Investments in R&D leading to advancements in Smart FM, Risk Management, and predictive strategies through machine learning and AI.
– Sustainability and Energy Efficiency:
o Focused on reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions through Smart FM solutions.
o Developed Quantum Glass technology for enhanced data visibility, streamlined operations, and improved risk management.
Overall, CBRE's commitment to employee development, inclusive recruitment, industry-leading training, career progression, employee well-being, and community engagement has solidified its position as a market leader in data center solutions and a top talent developer in the industry.
What levels of customer service differentiate you from your competitors.
CBRE differentiates itself from competitors through several key levels of customer service:
– Annual Performance Reviews: We conduct formal performance reviews with our clients and senior management, using a Balanced Scorecard process to document trends, improvements, and opportunities for enhancement.
– Annual Customer Satisfaction Survey: We engage Kingsley, a third-party firm, to assess client satisfaction annually. This helps us develop immediate action plans for areas needing attention.
– Monthly Net Promoter Scores: We ask clients to complete monthly NPS questionnaires, which are tracked, reviewed, and reported to client leadership. This process is aimed at improving service delivery continually.
– Continuous Improvement and Innovation: Through initiatives like the Innovation Charter and DCS Shield, we drive continuous improvement and innovation in our service delivery. These programs help us maintain high performance and reliability standards.
– Proactive Monitoring and Management: Our DCS Shield program provides proactive monitoring and management of critical facility infrastructure, improving uptime and optimizing operational performance.
– Employee Training and Development: We invest heavily in training and development, ensuring our employees are highly skilled and motivated. This includes programs like Human Factors training, ILM programs, and targeted recruitment through DCS Select.
– Diversity and Inclusion: We prioritize a diverse and inclusive work environment, reflecting the diversity of our clients and ensuring everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
– Employee Well-Being and Recognition: We focus on employee well-being through programs like Be Well and recognise outstanding performance through various reward and recognition strategies.
– Comprehensive Service Offering: We offer a full range of data center lifecycle services, from extensive maintenance and project capabilities to energy optimization and analytic insights.
– Client Partnership and Collaboration: We work closely with clients, forming joint charters and aligning with their goals to achieve global consistency and success.
These levels of customer service ensure that CBRE not only meets but exceeds client expectations, fostering long-term partnerships and driving continuous improvement and innovation.
What are the major differentiators between your company and your primary competitors?
CBRE's major differentiators in skills, training and talent development include:
1. Investment in Training: CBRE provides its employees with double the industry average for training, contributing to a highly skilled workforce and a 96% retention rate.
2. Diversity and Inclusion: CBRE actively recruits from diverse sources, including veterans and women, and implements industry-leading training programs to support gender balance.
3. Comprehensive Training Programs: Employees benefit from robust training, including the Human Factors training program developed with Dr. Tim Marsh to reduce human error, and certifications such as CDCTP® and CDCMP®.
4. Recruitment and Assessment Tools: The proprietary DCS Select recruitment tool, developed with Gartner CEB, ensures hiring the right cultural fit and technical skills.
5. Structured Career Development: Employees have personal development plans with annual objectives and regular reviews, supported by tools like Talent Coach for performance management and training.
6. Partnerships with Training Providers: Collaborations with CNet Training and others enhance certification credentials and technical education for employees.
7. Apprenticeships and Early Career Programs: CBRE hires over 60 apprentices annually and partners with educational institutions to train young people in data centre engineering.
8. Recognition and Reward: CBRE emphasizes employee well-being, purpose, and a positive workplace culture, alongside competitive pay and benefits.
9. Mobility and Career Progression: Significant investment in upskilling and career progression opportunities, with numerous case studies highlighting internal promotions and global mobility.
These differentiators contribute to CBRE's reputation as a leading talent developer in the data centre industry.
Please supply any supportive quotes and/or case study materials to demonstrate the position of your company in the market.
Paul Hood, Chief Operating Officer - Global Data Center Operations at Yondr Group:
We are absolutely delighted with our partnership with CBRE throughout our Global portfolio. Their collaborative mindset and dedication to our shared vision have been pivotal in our journey to enhance our capabilities at scale and pace, essential in today's dynamic data center market. From aligning with our goals to achieve global consistency, CBRE continues to meet our expectations. Their commitment to efficiency, cost savings, and constructive challenges have strategically positioned us for success. Together, we've established a mature, collaborative approach, reinforced by a joint charter that guides us at every level of our organisations. As we look ahead, we're incredibly optimistic about the future and the continued success of our partnership. Our journey has begun with great excitement, and we are grateful to have CBRE alongside us every step of the way.
Steve Webb, Data Center Operations and Sustainability Director at Global Technical Realty:
We began our partnership with CBRE several years ago, and we have been impressed with the exceptional level of service and attitude. Their contribution to our business goes far beyond our initial expectations, as they have made a significant impact on our transition. The CBRE team demonstrated a deep understanding of our unique needs and challenges and provided us with the most effective and accurate solutions to address our specific requirements. Their expertise and dedication have been instrumental in enhancing our operations and driving our success. As the data center industry continues to evolve rapidly, our partnership has been positioned for long-term success.
Case Study 1: Sarah Kinsella – Global Program Manager
Background:
Sarah Kinsella's journey with CBRE spans over 12 years, showcasing a trajectory of consistent growth and development through various roles. Beginning her career in Contract Support, Sarah has advanced to become a Global Program Manager, illustrating the potential for career advancement within CBRE.
Career Progression:
Initial Roles:
Contract Support: Sarah started her career at CBRE in a support role, gaining foundational knowledge and experience.
Business Unit Lead Contract Support: Progressing further, she took on more responsibilities, leading a business unit contract support team.
ICT Project Coordinator: Transitioning into more technical aspects, Sarah coordinated ICT projects, leveraging her growing expertise.
Current Role:
Global Program Manager: Sarah now oversees global programs, a testament to her significant career development and the support from CBRE’s training initiatives.
Training and Development:
The training programs Sarah completed enabled her to gain technical proficiency, which facilitated her transition from support roles to project management. Her advanced technical understanding allowed her to engage in high-level conversations with engineers and managers, significantly contributing to her successful transition to a project manager role. The certifications and training she received have positioned her well for future leadership roles within CBRE.
– Certified Network Cable Installer (CNCI®): Sarah undertook this highly technical course, which included copper and fibre cable installation. Despite being the only female in the class, she excelled, achieving the highest grade.
– Certified Telecommunications Project Management (CTPM®): This program further enhanced her project management skills within the telecommunications sector.
– Certified Data Centre Project Management (CDCPM®): This certification helped her transition into project management roles within the data centre division.
– Certified Data Centre Technician Professional (CDCTP®): This certification provided Sarah with in-depth knowledge of data centre operations, contributing to her advancement.
– ILM Level 2: This leadership program equipped her with essential skills for managing teams and projects effectively.
Impact:
Enhanced Technical Knowledge: The CNCI® training allowed Sarah to engage in higher-level technical conversations with engineers and project managers, significantly improving her effectiveness in her roles.
Career Growth: The project management programs facilitated her transition to a project manager, and eventually to a global program manager, showcasing CBRE’s commitment to professional development.
Conclusion:
Sarah Kinsella's case exemplifies how CBRE’s robust training programs and career progression support can lead to significant advancements within the company. Sarah’s dedication and the opportunities provided by CBRE have enabled her to build a promising leadership career.
Case Study 2: Lovisa Hagelberg – Business Unit Director
Background:
Lovisa Hagelberg joined CBRE over five years ago and has quickly risen through the ranks to become a Business Unit Director. Her journey highlights the impact of targeted training programs on career advancement, particularly for individuals transitioning from business development to operational leadership.
Career Progression:
Initial Roles:
Business Development Manager: Lovisa started in a business development role, where she honed her skills in identifying and capitalizing on growth opportunities.
Business Development Director: Lovisa progressed to a BDD role through demonstrating consistent sales growth, the development of strong internal and external networks, enhanced industry knowledge, and leadership of a team. This promotion involved an expansion of regional responsibility and direct reports.
Current Role:
Business Unit Director: Lovisa now leads operations for the Nordics, demonstrating her successful transition to an operational leadership position.
Training and Development:
Certified Data Centre Management Professional (CDCMP®): This comprehensive program was crucial for Lovisa, covering all elements of data centre facility operations. It focused on maintaining reliability, security, and integrity of data, and service availability.
Key Learnings:
– Business Strategy Creation: Lovisa learned to develop credible business strategies that align with operational requirements.
– Leadership Skills: The program emphasized strong leadership to maximize operational capabilities.
– Technical Vocabulary: As a non-native English speaker, Lovisa gained proficiency in the technical language of data centres, enhancing her communication and effectiveness in her role.
Impact:
– Operational Knowledge: The CDCMP® training provided Lovisa with a deep understanding of data centre operations, which has been invaluable in her role.
– Confidence and Communication: The program boosted her confidence and enabled her to engage effectively with data centre managers, improving site efficiency.
– Career Advancement: The training facilitated her transition from business development to operational leadership, demonstrating CBRE’s commitment to developing diverse career paths.
Conclusion:
Lovisa Hagelberg’s career progression at CBRE showcases the transformative impact of targeted training programs. By equipping her with the necessary skills and knowledge, CBRE has enabled Lovisa to advance to a significant leadership role, highlighting the company's investment in talent development and diversity.
RUNNER UP
ALET UTCs & Partners
ALET UTCs & Partners’ unique Digital Future Programme, which is opening doors for students to careers within the digital infrastructure sector, has undergone huge expansion this year.
Please follow this link to watch our supporting video for an insight into what the Programme is all about and the positive impact it is having in talent development for the digital infrastructure industry: https://youtu.be/Fk3RhqjvHH0
ALET UTCs & Partners are now into their fourth academic year collaborating on the Digital Futures Programme (DFP) which is now fully established and has expanded into even more schools and sixth forms! That’s 13 leading employers, working together with hundreds of students, instilling knowledge and a passion for fulfilling careers within the industry.
What’s more, THE DFP WORKS. The apprentices taking up positions with our employer partners and thriving in their careers upon graduation are living proof.
“I always aspired to be an engineer, and the Digital Futures Programme has helped me land this apprenticeship and fulfil my young dreams.”
Mohammed Ayub, Engineering Apprentice at LMG and former UTC Heathrow student
“I’m happy that I’ve chosen a future-proof career; the jobs are limitless. I learnt many of the skills required for this role thanks to the various topics I studied in the Digital Futures Programme, which only enhanced my understanding of the sector.”
Hassan Elbabary, Engineering Apprentice at LMG and former UTC Heathrow student
ALET UTCs & Partners are therefore proud to submit for the 2025 Outstanding Contribution to Skills and Training Award, showcasing how our Digital Futures Programme has gone from strength to strength and is achieving its goals to both address the digital infrastructure talent shortage and also fulfil ALET’s mission statement to Transform Lives Through Learning.
The Digital Futures Programme has demonstrated a robust, sustainable model for talent development that has real industry impact. Highlights of the year include:
• Expansion of the DFP to all four of ALET’s University Technical Colleges (UTCs), increasing DFP capacity to reach over 1,000 students. This means opportunities for more students to see the career options and develop the skills and knowledge they need for a career in this industry
• Partnering with more industry leaders who can prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow
• Many more activities (more than 200 across the four schools) giving students regular interactions and connections with industry
· Broadened focus away from engineering to incorporate supporting industries (e.g. cyber security, business and finance), showing the myriad of career paths available in the industry
· Promoting apprenticeship and entry level roles to all our students and their parents across the Trust, that’s over 9,000 people including approximately 6,000 parents learning about the industry and the opportunities it provides
· DFP being run across 10 BTEC units across the Trust, with industry directly feeding into the curriculum and preparing students for the future of the industry
· Five young people taking up apprenticeship positions within the industry (LMG and CBRE) since the programme began.
ALET UTCs & Partners are really proud of the programme’s growth since launch. It reflects a huge commitment to scaling up talent development across the UK. Since the initial launch at UTC Heathrow in 2021, over 1,000 students each year have been engaged across all ALET UTCs in engineering and employment skills activities.
Since its inception, the programme has continuously improved to meet the industry’s talent demands, adapting to feedback and expanding in reach and resources each year. The results speak for themselves: increased student enrolments, a growing network of industry partners, and a proven track record of student-to-apprentice conversions. This successful model, focused on long-term industry impact, holds the potential to serve as a national and international benchmark for data centre talent development.
Please follow this link to watch our supporting video for an insight into what the Programme is all about and the positive impact it is having in talent development for the digital infrastructure industry: https://youtu.be/Fk3RhqjvHH0
ALET UTCs & Partners are now into their fourth academic year collaborating on the Digital Futures Programme (DFP) which is now fully established and has expanded into even more schools and sixth forms! That’s 13 leading employers, working together with hundreds of students, instilling knowledge and a passion for fulfilling careers within the industry.
What’s more, THE DFP WORKS. The apprentices taking up positions with our employer partners and thriving in their careers upon graduation are living proof.
“I always aspired to be an engineer, and the Digital Futures Programme has helped me land this apprenticeship and fulfil my young dreams.”
Mohammed Ayub, Engineering Apprentice at LMG and former UTC Heathrow student
“I’m happy that I’ve chosen a future-proof career; the jobs are limitless. I learnt many of the skills required for this role thanks to the various topics I studied in the Digital Futures Programme, which only enhanced my understanding of the sector.”
Hassan Elbabary, Engineering Apprentice at LMG and former UTC Heathrow student
ALET UTCs & Partners are therefore proud to submit for the 2025 Outstanding Contribution to Skills and Training Award, showcasing how our Digital Futures Programme has gone from strength to strength and is achieving its goals to both address the digital infrastructure talent shortage and also fulfil ALET’s mission statement to Transform Lives Through Learning.
The Digital Futures Programme has demonstrated a robust, sustainable model for talent development that has real industry impact. Highlights of the year include:
• Expansion of the DFP to all four of ALET’s University Technical Colleges (UTCs), increasing DFP capacity to reach over 1,000 students. This means opportunities for more students to see the career options and develop the skills and knowledge they need for a career in this industry
• Partnering with more industry leaders who can prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow
• Many more activities (more than 200 across the four schools) giving students regular interactions and connections with industry
· Broadened focus away from engineering to incorporate supporting industries (e.g. cyber security, business and finance), showing the myriad of career paths available in the industry
· Promoting apprenticeship and entry level roles to all our students and their parents across the Trust, that’s over 9,000 people including approximately 6,000 parents learning about the industry and the opportunities it provides
· DFP being run across 10 BTEC units across the Trust, with industry directly feeding into the curriculum and preparing students for the future of the industry
· Five young people taking up apprenticeship positions within the industry (LMG and CBRE) since the programme began.
ALET UTCs & Partners are really proud of the programme’s growth since launch. It reflects a huge commitment to scaling up talent development across the UK. Since the initial launch at UTC Heathrow in 2021, over 1,000 students each year have been engaged across all ALET UTCs in engineering and employment skills activities.
Since its inception, the programme has continuously improved to meet the industry’s talent demands, adapting to feedback and expanding in reach and resources each year. The results speak for themselves: increased student enrolments, a growing network of industry partners, and a proven track record of student-to-apprentice conversions. This successful model, focused on long-term industry impact, holds the potential to serve as a national and international benchmark for data centre talent development.
Outstanding Contribution to Sustainability and Efficiency Award
Sponsored by
WINNER
Sudlows
Having worked on the design and construction of major data centre projects in the UK and overseas for many years, Sudlows recognise that across the industry if we are to meet the goals we have for net zero, that a rapid and substantial change is require to deliver sustainable solutions for data centre design and construction which can be deployed whilst still meeting the intense demands for growth. Driven by this, Sudlows is focused on delivering data centre solutions with a strong focus on sustainability, working closely with owners, operators, consultants, and end users to not only identify more sustainable solutions, but to implement them too.
The last two years have seen Sudlows deliver a number of successes for our customers to deliver increased sustainability and to help our business and our customers on their journey to net zero.
Sudlows’ Engineering and Design Team produced the tender and subsequent detailed design and delivery of a new supercomputer project where a water consuming cooling system was replaced with a dry free cooling system, practically eliminating the high-water consumption expected. The design team did this with a wide scope assessment of the two systems to support the selection based on a reduction in energy and resource consumption, including water treatment and associated wastage. Following on from attending a conference focused on sustainability in the built environment, a Sudlows design team identified and bought to the project an innovative chemical free water treatment system and system design, eliminating the use of harsh chemicals in the ongoing operation of the facility. This has now been installed and proven to be very effective with no harsh chemicals being used.
Sudlows advocates for increasing the use of off-site fabricated modular data centres, vastly reducing the impact of travel to sites, while also improving quality and consistency of installations due to the ability to tightly control the installation environment. Sudlows has deployed modular off-site fabricated electrical plant room to support critical national infrastructure and are currently developing off-site fabricated data centre modules which utilise liquid cooling for edge applications with an associated additional heat recovery potential.
Sudlows are championing the use of liquid cooling within the industry, and have developed a number of solutions for customers utilising this technology. Representatives from the business have spoken at technical events about the adoption of liquid cooling within data centres and the associated sustainability advantages to this, in particular the opportunities for higher operating temperatures resulting in a reduction in energy required for cooling, including the location dependent potential to deliver the required temperatures without any water consumption and without the use of refrigeration gasses. Alongside this, we are continually seeking to identify viable opportunities for heat reuse in data centres as opposed to simply including a “facility to do so” – on a recent tender response we identified a nearby development proposed within the town master plan which aligned well with the data centre design capacity. In response to this we worked with heat recovery specialists and the Data Centre Design Team to present a viable proposal to the customer for new local heat network where waste heat from the data centre was able to support heating for over 550 dwellings.
Sudlows has also embraced the opportunities to deliver sustainability into the Civil, Structural, and Architectural elements of the projects we are involved in. On a recent project, Sudlows identified an opportunity to utilise cross-laminated timber systems within the base construction in place of traditional steel frame, and also identified and proposed changing the standard secure fence system to a living green fence system, incorporating a variety of plants known to provide a beneficial improvement to biodiversity and local wildlife, as well as reducing the physical impact of the facility.
Sudlows are keenly driving design standards within the business to increasingly incorporate sustainable principles. In cooling and refrigeration systems for example, we drive solutions with a lower lifecycle carbon impact to ensure these are strongly preferred, for example using low GWP/ODP, non-PFAS refrigerant blends in place of standard refrigerants.
Finally, our Engineering Team have worked to ensure that systems which we install, including those around monitoring energy consumption, are provided with supporting professional services to ensure that ongoing operation is understood and that data is not simply logged but is interrogated and interpreted to identify opportunities for improvement, and that solutions are then presented and implemented to deliver energy savings. This is forming part of a new Sudlows “Smart Estate” strategy which holds operational efficiency, rather than on-paper design efficiency, as a core mission. A success of this has been a recent cooling optimisation project where, following an initial site survey, Sudlows’ Engineers identified sources of wastage in the cooling system and space configuration, assessing leakage and bypass, and reviewing set point selection. By implementing a number of changes to the operating conditions within the space and replacing some older components in the system with new equivalents, the efficiency of the facility improved substantially, and initial data suggests that improvements around 20% in energy consumption will be realised.
While there is still much to do within Sudlows and the industry as a whole, we are working tirelessly to drive sustainability and energy efficiency. Sudlows are continuing to deliver mission critical facilities which do not compromise on their core goals; resiliently and robustly supporting the latest IT systems and technology, and doing so sustainably, for years to come.
The last two years have seen Sudlows deliver a number of successes for our customers to deliver increased sustainability and to help our business and our customers on their journey to net zero.
Sudlows’ Engineering and Design Team produced the tender and subsequent detailed design and delivery of a new supercomputer project where a water consuming cooling system was replaced with a dry free cooling system, practically eliminating the high-water consumption expected. The design team did this with a wide scope assessment of the two systems to support the selection based on a reduction in energy and resource consumption, including water treatment and associated wastage. Following on from attending a conference focused on sustainability in the built environment, a Sudlows design team identified and bought to the project an innovative chemical free water treatment system and system design, eliminating the use of harsh chemicals in the ongoing operation of the facility. This has now been installed and proven to be very effective with no harsh chemicals being used.
Sudlows advocates for increasing the use of off-site fabricated modular data centres, vastly reducing the impact of travel to sites, while also improving quality and consistency of installations due to the ability to tightly control the installation environment. Sudlows has deployed modular off-site fabricated electrical plant room to support critical national infrastructure and are currently developing off-site fabricated data centre modules which utilise liquid cooling for edge applications with an associated additional heat recovery potential.
Sudlows are championing the use of liquid cooling within the industry, and have developed a number of solutions for customers utilising this technology. Representatives from the business have spoken at technical events about the adoption of liquid cooling within data centres and the associated sustainability advantages to this, in particular the opportunities for higher operating temperatures resulting in a reduction in energy required for cooling, including the location dependent potential to deliver the required temperatures without any water consumption and without the use of refrigeration gasses. Alongside this, we are continually seeking to identify viable opportunities for heat reuse in data centres as opposed to simply including a “facility to do so” – on a recent tender response we identified a nearby development proposed within the town master plan which aligned well with the data centre design capacity. In response to this we worked with heat recovery specialists and the Data Centre Design Team to present a viable proposal to the customer for new local heat network where waste heat from the data centre was able to support heating for over 550 dwellings.
Sudlows has also embraced the opportunities to deliver sustainability into the Civil, Structural, and Architectural elements of the projects we are involved in. On a recent project, Sudlows identified an opportunity to utilise cross-laminated timber systems within the base construction in place of traditional steel frame, and also identified and proposed changing the standard secure fence system to a living green fence system, incorporating a variety of plants known to provide a beneficial improvement to biodiversity and local wildlife, as well as reducing the physical impact of the facility.
Sudlows are keenly driving design standards within the business to increasingly incorporate sustainable principles. In cooling and refrigeration systems for example, we drive solutions with a lower lifecycle carbon impact to ensure these are strongly preferred, for example using low GWP/ODP, non-PFAS refrigerant blends in place of standard refrigerants.
Finally, our Engineering Team have worked to ensure that systems which we install, including those around monitoring energy consumption, are provided with supporting professional services to ensure that ongoing operation is understood and that data is not simply logged but is interrogated and interpreted to identify opportunities for improvement, and that solutions are then presented and implemented to deliver energy savings. This is forming part of a new Sudlows “Smart Estate” strategy which holds operational efficiency, rather than on-paper design efficiency, as a core mission. A success of this has been a recent cooling optimisation project where, following an initial site survey, Sudlows’ Engineers identified sources of wastage in the cooling system and space configuration, assessing leakage and bypass, and reviewing set point selection. By implementing a number of changes to the operating conditions within the space and replacing some older components in the system with new equivalents, the efficiency of the facility improved substantially, and initial data suggests that improvements around 20% in energy consumption will be realised.
While there is still much to do within Sudlows and the industry as a whole, we are working tirelessly to drive sustainability and energy efficiency. Sudlows are continuing to deliver mission critical facilities which do not compromise on their core goals; resiliently and robustly supporting the latest IT systems and technology, and doing so sustainably, for years to come.
RUNNER UP
AFL
AFL’s cutting-edge Poland Manufacturing Facility integrates sustainable construction principles and low-carbon environmental stewardship for greener, more energy-efficient solutions for our customers. Strategically located at the intersection of key supply routes in MDC2 Park, Gliwice, the facility’s grand opening in July 2024 marks AFL’s latest significant investment in the company’s ambitious Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
Empowering sustainable choices for our customers
The Poland Manufacturing Facility showcases a strong commitment to environmental responsibility – a value increasingly appreciated by both consumers and regulatory bodies. Our focus on eco-friendly and socially responsible business practices aligns with customer sustainability priorities when selecting partners with robust green credentials.
Core Sustainability Construction Principles
The optical fiber manufacturing facility is BREEAM certified – the facility achieved the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology International NC certification at the ‘Outstanding’ level, with a score of 92.64%.
The Poland Manufacturing Facility's core sustainability construction principles include:
Energy Efficiency
Compared to national building regulations, the facility achieves a 69% reduction in primary energy consumption – and, similarly, a 69% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the baseline building. Overall, in comparison to minimum national building regulations, the facility improves operational energy consumption by 56% - with 60% final energy savings compared to the baseline building. A planned 1 MWp photovoltaic installation (solar panels) will supplement the power grid, further lowering CO2 emissions in comparison to traditional systems.
Water Conservation
In comparison to average consumption models, planned sanitary components will exceed 65% water savings – this includes aerator and flow-restrictor equipped taps in kitchen and shower areas to limit water flow and minimize waste. The facility also boasts an automatic, programmable leak detection system with water shut-off solenoid valves controlled by motion sensors, further enhancing water efficiency.
Waste Management
The facility’s integral Waste Management Plan – prepared during construction – sets quantitative targets for on-site hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal. The overall goal is 95% recycling, recovery, and reuse of construction waste. In terms of waste storage, the facility’s design incorporates properly labelled spaces for the segregation of waste materials.
Sustainable Materials
All timbers and timber-based products used in the construction of the site come from sustainable sources, achieving certification from both the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
Ecology, Land Use, and Biodiversity
Early-stage investment assessments included preparing an environment impact assessment report. Subsequent recommendations to enhance local biodiversity included planting trees (79 minimum), shrubs (50 m2), and a wildflower meadow (250 m2), as well as introducing at least three species of plants attractive to birds.
Amenities include a relaxation zone, cycle parking spaces, showers, locker rooms, and electric recharging stations for at least 3% of parking spaces. Additionally, daylight and thermal comfort analyses ensure high indoor comfort levels, with at least 80% of the workspace benefitting from access to natural daylight. Our current product packaging is recyclable, and we are constantly exploring new ways to minimize packaging waste.
AFL’s Poland Manufacturing Facility sets a benchmark for sustainable industrial practices, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to eco-friendly practices and customer-centric operational excellence.
AFL is a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd and a global leader in optical fiber network infrastructure.
Empowering sustainable choices for our customers
The Poland Manufacturing Facility showcases a strong commitment to environmental responsibility – a value increasingly appreciated by both consumers and regulatory bodies. Our focus on eco-friendly and socially responsible business practices aligns with customer sustainability priorities when selecting partners with robust green credentials.
Core Sustainability Construction Principles
The optical fiber manufacturing facility is BREEAM certified – the facility achieved the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology International NC certification at the ‘Outstanding’ level, with a score of 92.64%.
The Poland Manufacturing Facility's core sustainability construction principles include:
Energy Efficiency
Compared to national building regulations, the facility achieves a 69% reduction in primary energy consumption – and, similarly, a 69% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to the baseline building. Overall, in comparison to minimum national building regulations, the facility improves operational energy consumption by 56% - with 60% final energy savings compared to the baseline building. A planned 1 MWp photovoltaic installation (solar panels) will supplement the power grid, further lowering CO2 emissions in comparison to traditional systems.
Water Conservation
In comparison to average consumption models, planned sanitary components will exceed 65% water savings – this includes aerator and flow-restrictor equipped taps in kitchen and shower areas to limit water flow and minimize waste. The facility also boasts an automatic, programmable leak detection system with water shut-off solenoid valves controlled by motion sensors, further enhancing water efficiency.
Waste Management
The facility’s integral Waste Management Plan – prepared during construction – sets quantitative targets for on-site hazardous and non-hazardous waste disposal. The overall goal is 95% recycling, recovery, and reuse of construction waste. In terms of waste storage, the facility’s design incorporates properly labelled spaces for the segregation of waste materials.
Sustainable Materials
All timbers and timber-based products used in the construction of the site come from sustainable sources, achieving certification from both the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC).
Ecology, Land Use, and Biodiversity
Early-stage investment assessments included preparing an environment impact assessment report. Subsequent recommendations to enhance local biodiversity included planting trees (79 minimum), shrubs (50 m2), and a wildflower meadow (250 m2), as well as introducing at least three species of plants attractive to birds.
Amenities include a relaxation zone, cycle parking spaces, showers, locker rooms, and electric recharging stations for at least 3% of parking spaces. Additionally, daylight and thermal comfort analyses ensure high indoor comfort levels, with at least 80% of the workspace benefitting from access to natural daylight. Our current product packaging is recyclable, and we are constantly exploring new ways to minimize packaging waste.
AFL’s Poland Manufacturing Facility sets a benchmark for sustainable industrial practices, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to eco-friendly practices and customer-centric operational excellence.
AFL is a subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd and a global leader in optical fiber network infrastructure.
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