Datacentered - Issue 03

The meeting place where data, technologies and companies come together

In the age of AI, data centers are the beating heart of innovation.

But as we harness the power of artificial intelligence, we must also nurture the health of our planet. Balancing AI adoption with sustainability is our commitment – because a smarter future shouldn’t come at the cost of our environment.

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Contributors Ilse van Asperdt, Laura Beukers, Nienke van Eijk, Natascha Geraedts, Lieke Hamers, Rhodé Koelewijn, Dami Munter, Hugo Onink (Lifeshots Photography), Niek van der Pas, Ulysses Ricardo, Jan Willem van Roggen, Melissa Scholten, Alexandra Schless, Stroomkr8

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Datacentered

Table of Contents

INTERVIEWS

Table of Contents

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EXPERT INSIGHTS

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34

36

80

30

Icons of Innovation

It’s A Man’s World

Luke Bartolo

Anna Klaft

Niek van der Pas

Jan Willem van Roggen

Melissa Scholten & Ilse van Asperdt

Experts share their thoughts about

Trends Shaping The Data Center

The State of the German Data

The New EU Energy Efficiency

The European Data Center Market:

about female IT role models

inclusivity in the industry

Market

Center Market

Directive is out!

how and where to finance these

ANALYSES & EVENTS

enormous demand forecasts?

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58

Natascha Geraedts

Stijn Grove

Key issues at play within the data

Diversity & Inclusion:

center market in Western Europe

Action over Words

LIFESTYLE 40

72

84

State of the Data

Kickstart Europe

More Than Just

Centers in Western

Conference

Cooling

Europe

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96

Energy Market Update

What To Expect from the NIS2 Directive?

6

22 Higher Ground

106 Advertising Space

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Editorial

Editorial

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MAKE A CHANGE With the third issue of Datacentered, the time has come to look at our industry from a more societal perspective. Primarily

because the IT and Engineering industry does not represent today’s European society.

Pim Kokke Editor-In-Chief

While writing this editorial, I am reminded of my student days when I had a side job in an elderly home. In the healthcare industry - just like the IT and Engineering industry - companies struggle with staff shortages. Efforts have been made for years to encourage more men to pursue a career in

Therefore, can you expect this level of self-confidence

That’s why we feature Women in Tech in this edition of

healthcare. Similarly, our industry actively recruits new (female) technicians

from a 16-year-old child, while they are still discovering

Datacentered. The portrait interview, including a beautiful

and engineers. However, despite these efforts, the number of women working

their identity? Or can parents, teachers, and all of us who

photo shoot with Ilse van Asperdt (Ministry of Defense)

in tech remains low. For example, research by McKinsey & Company shows

work in this field bear this responsibility by giving the next

and Melissa Scholten (Digital Realty), symbolizes what

that women occupy only 22 percent of all tech roles at European companies.

generation the belief in themselves?

Datacentered conveys: the will to make a change.

Furthermore, we have contributions from our regular

Critics will argue that this ratio simply exists because working in a particular

While it can seem like a small step, it is precisely by

columnists, and guest author Anna Klaft of the German

sector is often labeled as a ‘female’ or ‘male’ profession. This conservative

fostering this self-confidence that we take a step in the

Datacenter Association shares her views on developments

reasoning will not encourage more girls to choose Science, Technology,

right direction. We are moving in a good direction by

within the German market.

Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses in school. Studies have shown

organizing more and more sessions on diversity. However,

that even though plenty of girls are interested in STEM, they must overcome

it is unfortunate to notice how a few people attend these

I hope you enjoy reading this memorable edition of

challenges to be successful in this work field. “Barriers from the educational

panel discussions, leaving this topic seldom noted. While

Datacentered.

system, family influences and expectations and the perception of STEM

I recognize that the industry is committed to creating a

education are just three examples.”

diverse workplace, we must continue to take impactful steps to put our industry even better on the map.

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ICONS OF INNOVATION TEXT BY PIM KOKKE PHOTOGRAPHY: HUGO ONINK, LIFESHOTS PHOTOGRAPHY

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It’s a rare sunny day in early March at the top of data

Melissa: “Everyone notices that there is an urgency to

center AMS17 of Digital Realty Netherlands. The beautiful

create an entry level within the company and educational

360 degrees view of Amsterdam is only a minor detail.

institutions. Therefore, it’s very important that we as an

We are more focused on ILSE VAN ASPERDT and MELISSA

industry offer positions at this level. What learnings from

SCHOLTEN who are preparing themselves for the first

the past did you use in your new role?”

Interview

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official photo shoot in this magazine and the story about female role models in the data center industry. Why? It

Ilse: “When I came back to the Armed Forces, I started at

should be normalized that the industry must reflect today’s

the IT Academy as a Training and Development Advisor in

society in which young women must be encouraged to

which I was responsible for the Technical Skills component.

follow their passion (even if it does not match a so-called

Within the IT Academy, we also implemented peer-to-peer

‘status quo’). After graduating from high school, Ilse studied

learning in which you learn various hard and soft skills

at the Royal Military Academy and joined the Dutch Army

from your most experienced colleagues.”

where she served various years. “I had a desk function at the IT department but as a soldier, I mostly enjoyed the

Melissa: “And while still working at a data center operator,

operational field work. However, this became difficult to

you and female colleagues also quickly emerged as

combine when I became a mother for the first time. Luckily,

role models to make sure we get more women into

the Dutch Army is very cooperative but I decided that it

our industry. One of the first initiatives we worked on

was time for the next step”, tells Ilse. For a brief time, Ilse

together was Girls’ Day to get young girls excited about

worked at an organization who are active in healthcare.

the profession. How do you look back on this time and

It was eventually a fellow student from the Royal Military

yourself as a role model?”

Academy who informed her about the data center industry Ilse: “Even though I thought I wasn’t very good at

and Interxion (now: Digital Realty) in Amsterdam.

technology, I discovered that I actually fit in well within Melissa: “When I started working in the data center

this industry. For example, I am 41 years old and am

industry, it was a new environment for me. Therefore,

graduating from my Human IT degree. However, I would

it was great to have you as a role model. How did your

have liked to know earlier in my life what the possibilities

career progression go within Digital Realty?”

are. Therefore, it has become a driving force to inform girls and boys about IT and Engineering. That is why Girls’

Ilse: “I started as a resource planner at SiteOps and

Day is also a great initiative to show what is possible, so

became Support Manager. After our SiteOps manager left

that these girls can make a conscious choice for their

the company, my colleague and I combined this role. With

future career.”

the growth of the organization with more data centers, we introduced the functions T1 to T4 with associated education tracks. And with this initiative we had a job level for starters. Together with HR, we looked at what skills we needed within the organization. In fact, it was difficult to find skilled personnel. That’s why we organized pizza nights to attract new talent so people could get to know our company and job opportunities in an informal way.

We asked ourselves how we could train young people to be engineers and provide a career path for them.”

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Melissa: “At the Armed Forces, are you still committed to getting more girls excited about IT?” Ilse: “Yes, in the Armed Forces, we are working hard to change the perception that only masculine characters are suitable to become soldiers. We are convinced that this type of employee is not the only one we need. At the IT company within the Armed Forces where I work, there are many female employees. Still, it remains important to create more awareness among various generations. An important part of this is to help and inform parents and educators. For example, a few years ago I was asked by Politie Nederland to give a gaming workshop to parents and their daughters. In this way, they get an idea about cyber security and the world of IT.” Melissa: “I have two daughters who are both in elementary school. Luckily, the school pays a lot of attention to both genders in the work space. For example, both a female and male firefighter came to the school to talk about their profession. Furthermore, after an informative visit to a construction site my daughter came home and proudly told us that she wants to become a bricklayer.

They also had a media literacy week where they all got to work with technologies such as Virtual Realty (VR), robots and Augmented Reality (AR). But it is not only the responsibility of the schools and parents to show girls and boys equal opportunities in different work fields, but also as an industry we need to be engaged and give back to the community. The schools need the help from companies that are willing to open up and share knowledge.”

Melissa: “You mentioned gaming and I know you are involved with some Esports initiatives. How do you see the combination between Esports and recruiting technical staff?”

Ilse: “The combination was especially driven to expand the pool of potential engineers. We went to the Esports Arena who also had a partnership with secondary vocational education institutions. That was the moment I became convinced that today’s gamers are the IT engineers of the future. They have good skills from their gaming experience and with further training, they can become IT Technicians or Engineers.”

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Melissa: “Moreover, when you are gaming online you even become more aware of cloud usage, hardware, latency of your Internet connection. This knowledge can help their future careers. Lastly, you are also concerned with sports in general.

I remember you, with your fulltime job and being mother of two young boys, being a fanatic sporter.

Ilse: “Yes, that’s right. I played soccer and volleyball in my youth.

During my studies I came into contact with all kinds of sports including rugby, which is after twenty years still my greatest passion. Furthermore, I participated in several triathlons. A year ago, I started playing rugby again. As a civilian employee of the military, I am now part of the first women’s team and youth coach at a local rugby club. It is great to see that, in recent years, women’s rugby has become more and more popular. At first, we only had a league in the North and South region. But now we see that there are 4 different classes. In addition, it is also amazing to see how women’s teams who are just short of players and can’t play a league find each other twice a month to play together. The latter is a great thing for business, where I think women should look for each other more and help each other to do the things we like. We need to stand up for each other even more among women and start recognizing each other’s qualities.”

About The Icons Ilse van Asperdt (41) Business Developer, Technolution Melissa Scholten (38) Sr Communications Manager, Digital Realty Netherlands

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Lifestyle

HIGHER GROUND Equinix AM3 and AM4 data centers are located at Science Park in Amsterdam with vital peering opportunities suitable for mission-critical interconnection and colocation services.

Architectural firm Benthem Crouwel Architects designed

in the top - an optical illusion that makes the tower look

AM3 and AM4 with the goal to make the “invisible visible”.

slimmer and gives it a more human scale. Furthermore,

These buildings are the perfect example on how the

the gross floor area in AM3 is 18.750 m2 and AM4 covers

aesthetics of a building can naturally blend in the

24.000 m2.. The cooling redundancy for AM3 is N+20%

landscape of the city.

and for AM4 N+1.

According to the firm, the high-rise building is made of

With these top tier data centers, Equinix has set a new

triangular aluminum profiles, which are black on one

standard in the Netherlands for the future of digital real

side and silver on the other, and become more narrow

estate.

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Expert Insights

Expert Insights

JAN WILLEM

Datacentered

THE EUROPEAN DATA CENTER MARKET: HOW AND WHERE TO FINANCE THESE ENORMOUS DEMAND FORECASTS?

NIBC

The rise of technologies like cloud services and more

sector are relatively high, hereby creating a financing

recently AI have caused a surge in the demand for data

hurdle as banks are reaching their so-called “one-obligor

center capacity in Europe. Paradoxically, this sharp rise

limits” i.e., the maximum amount a bank is allowed to lend

in demand creates challenges as well. Recent public

to one single organisation. In addition, it is expected that

research showed that the take-up has generally outpaced

several large-scale infrastructure funds will be closed in

new supply in the FLAPD markets for two consecutive

the first two quarters of 2024. Combined with the strong

years. In order to allow the market to live up to the

appetite from banks, there is enough liquidity readily

double-digit growth forecasts, developments of new

available to finance the European data center market

data centers will have to be executed rapidly. From a

going forward.

banking perspective this creates challenges as well, for instance: who will provide the necessary financing

Growth both in and outside the FLAPD markets

for these often-large-scale projects, and where will the

Formerly, capital in the European data center market was

capital go?

predominantly deployed in the FLAPD markets. These metro regions are close to the data sources, therefore creating

Ample appetite for both equity and debt funding in the

significant latency benefits. Nevertheless, currently the

data center market

market is well-aware of the fact that the FLAPD region will

Despite recent year’s most challenging macroeconomic

not be able to accommodate all the data center capacity

conditions since the 2007-08 financial crisis, the European

needed to facilitate the continuously growing demand. The

data center market proved to showcase ample appetite

availability of power and land, and increased government

both from equity and debt capital providers. Data centers’

interventions are challenging Europe’s primary markets

strong fundamentals allow the market to operate

more than ever.

relatively independently of the broader macroeconomic

VAN ROGGEN 30

environment. Greenfields are predominantly delivered

Consequently, investments in the FLAPD region will most

based on a pre-sold basis, hereby reducing the risk

likely not be dependent on the presence of sufficient

for capital providers. Accordingly, the M&A transaction

demand, rather on the ability of deployers to secure

volume in the European data center sector has been

the necessary power and land. On the back of these

consistently moving around all-time high levels since

power and land challenges, secondary markets where

2021. With the past interest rate hikes in mind causing

(sustainable) power and land are more or less readily

a significant increase of capital, the total value of last

available are expected to receive increased investment

year’s M&A transactions decreased and fewer so-called

appetite. In Western Europe, cities such as Berlin, Barcelona,

‘mega-transactions’ closed in 2023. Nevertheless,

Milan and Madrid are amongst the markets currently

transaction multiples and prices in the infrastructure

harbouring rapid deployments of greenfield data centers.

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Expert Insights

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“Investments in the FLAPD region will most likely not be dependent on the presence of sufficient demand, rather on the ability of deployers to secure the necessary power and land.”

Furthermore, based on the ample presence of sustainable power and great government support, the Nordics appear to be an attractive region for lower latency dependent data centers such as AI-Training facilities.

Concludingly, where other markets might have experienced difficulties caused by a less favourable macroeconomic environment, the data center market continued to grow faster than ever. The FLAPD region’s attractiveness is once again proven by the uptake outpacing supply again in 2023. This supports the expectations for significant capital inflows into the region in the coming years. However, partially driven by the limitations of the FLAPD region, we see secondary European markets attracting exponentially growing capital inflows as well. Both equity and debt providers have great appetite to finance the data center market and hereby fuel society’s strong bet on the sector.

Biography Jan Willem van Roggen is a seasoned banker who has a successful career in the financial services industry.

With over three decades of expserience in banking, Jan Willem is currently heading the Commercial Real Estate and Infrastructure teams at NIBC Bank, which operate extensively across Europe. His teams possess extensive knowledge of the latest market trends and financing opportunities, allowing them to offer valuable insights and solutions to clients.

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Interview

TRENDS SHAPING THE DATA CENTER MARKET The rising demand for data center services continues to have an impact on the construction industry and society alike. For the seventh year, Turner & Townsend, a global consultancy business, released its Data Centre Cost Index (DCCI) that discusses emerging trends in the market. Luke Bartolo, Managing Director Netherlands, discusses how the Data Center market in Europe will evolve in 2024.

WRITTEN BY PIM KOKKE

Every year, Turner & Townsend conducts a survey for

lives and almost all of our daily activities. The perception

their Data Centre Cost Index (DCCI). In their latest edition,

of what has been once referred to as the ‘black box’ is

83 percent of respondents mentioned that data center

changing. In addition, we find an increase in both suppliers

construction has struggled to meet industry demand

and customers asking us how to build and operate data

in 2023. It is one of the challenges in the market that

centers with greater sustainability in mind, specifically

Luke Bartolo, Managing Director Netherlands at Turner

the reuse of residual heat from data centers to reduce

& Townsend, and his colleagues observe. “The surge

the reliance on traditional energy fuels.”

in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning development and the increasing demand for data storage

Supply chain

and therefore data centers, remains high. However,

The European market is no exception when talking

new and pending laws and regulations are putting

about the growth of data centers and the pressures

pressure on regional markets, impacting the availability

on its supply chain. Challenges such as the shortage of

of space for (new) constructions and the willingness of

qualified professionals has both an impact on the speed

authorities to even progress permit applications. Further,

of delivery and the ability to operate such large, technical

grid congestion in Europe is starting to take hold of the

facilities. Bartolo: “As an example, in Ireland, you see pace

markets causing further delays as the prioritization of

in the development of new locations. Professionals and

construction developments is hotly debated.”

contractors with a lot of pre-existing sector experience are engaged to accelerate the projects. In this way, the

Artificial Intelligence

supply chain remains rather small and is always stretched

The growth of AI and machine learning has been

to cover multiple projects. Only recently has the market

dominating news reels in recent months. The rising

been open to engaging with other professionals and

demand for AI services squarely puts the spotlight on

contractors with experience gained in other sectors such

data centers, and the need for more data storage. The

as nuclear, industrial or energy.”

Data Centre Thermal Management Market Analysis report of Omdia (2022) suggests that power demands for racks

Subsequently, the shortage of people and capacity leads

are soon expected to increase almost ten-fold. “People

to higher costs to build and operate. Moreover, the rising

are starting to realize how data centers support our daily

interest rates in Europe are challenging the financial

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markets which may influence further investments in the region and the business model of the industry. “You now see organizations shifting their attention to new locations outside of FLAPD* to improve their business model. For example, the Nordics and M3 (Madrid, Marseille, Milan) are growing but we also see a lot of developments in

EXPLORE THE DATA CENTRE COST INDEX

Warsaw, Istanbul and Berlin”, says Bartolo.

Project Management Consultancy In order to manage the construction phase of new facilities, Bartolo sees one major trend that will influence the market for the next few years. “Organizations are stepping away from engaging a general contractor in a traditional sense and are preferring to buy out packages

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN THE FULL DATA CENTRE COST INDEX OR GETTING TO KNOW TURNER & TOWNSEND’S NETHERLANDS BUSINESS? SCAN THE QR CODE TO DISCOVER ALL THE EMERGING TRENDS IN THE MARKET.

of work, and in doing so gain greater control over and ultimate trust in their supply chain. In certain circles this approach is known as Project Management Consultancy, an approach in which the client (or operator) strives for more flexibility and control over the project, to move forward at their own discretion and pace. We see this trend happening not only in the data center market but in other sectors where large construction projects are being executed.”

In summary, economic and market challenges have led data center operators to search for alternate development sites and employ alternative procurement strategies

SCAN THE QR CODE

to maintain greater control over their developments, during planning and construction, to ultimately realize their projects against a backdrop of already challenging business cases. In the Data Centre Cost Index (2023) of Turner & Townsend, 79 percent of respondents believed that the data center sector is recession-proof, an increase on last year of eight percent. This suggests that despite the challenges, the data center market in Europe is and remains booming. *Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris, Dublin

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ANNA GERMAN DATACENTER ASSOCIATION

Expert Insights

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THE STATE OF THE GERMAN DATA CENTER MARKET In recent years, the German data center market has

significantly reduce CO₂ emissions. German data centers

undergone significant transformation due to increasing

lead in utilizing renewable energy sources and operational

data processing requirements, the rise of AI applications,

efficiency, despite fiscal challenges. Their commitment to

and the general digitization of everyday life. This change

sustainability is further exemplified by their participation

is crucial for the country’s digital transformation and has

in the Climate Neutral Data Centre Pact, an industry-wide

implications for the economy, environment, and society.

initiative aiming to improve energy efficiency.

The colocation market is expected to more than double from 1.3 GW to over 3.3 GW within five years, with an annual

However, the industry faces several challenges, including

growth in available IT capacity of 15.6% between 2023 and

scarce land and electricity resources, increased operating

2029. Additional values and forecasts on the development

costs, and complex permitting processes. The growing

of the German data center market will be published in

demand for AI and high-density computing requires

the Data Center Impact Report Germany 2024 by the

continuous innovation in cooling technologies and energy

German Datacenter Association (GDA) in March 2024.

supply. Initiatives to use waste heat and develop district heating concepts underscore the industry’s commitment

At the heart of this transformation is the principle of

to the energy transition and urban development.

digital sovereignty, which emphasizes the ability to store

Therefore, the German data center market is at a

and process data within Germany’s borders securely

crucial juncture where pioneering solutions for energy

and reliably, adhering to national (e.g., the Federal Data

efficiency, sustainability, and digital sovereignty are vital

Protection Act) and European (GDPR) data protection

for maintaining Germany’s position as a digital nation.

standards. Achieving digital sovereignty is crucial for safeguarding the integrity and independence of vital systems, a cornerstone of national security.

The launch of the European Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) in September 2023 has underscored the importance of sustainability in this sector. As part of the EU Green Deal, the directive mandates that by 2026, new data centers must achieve a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) value of 1.2, highlighting the need for enhanced energy efficiency.

Data centers serve a dual purpose in both the economy

KLAFT 38

and climate policy by enabling digital economy growth and contributing to sustainability objectives. By optimizing processes through digital technologies, data centers can

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EU Focus

EU Focus

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STATE OF THE DATA CENTERS IN WESTERN EUROPE 40

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Given a lack of power and appropriate land available

at which the industry is delivering this year is remarkable

to data center providers looking to expand in Europe’s

Data Center design will evolve

The demand for AI

anyway, considering the market constraints faced by

Most of the hyperscale data centers planned for delivery

The demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) will create a

largest markets, CBRE expects the growth of the

operators. In fact, the supply base across the FLAPD

this year are likely to be pre-let to a single tenant or will

new chapter in the core-to-edge computing book. As it

colocation data center industry to taper off considerably

markets almost doubled over the five-year period from

be delivered with a single tenant in mind. Organizations

appears now, about 80-90% of the AI workload is used

this year.

2019-2023. Much of that capacity has been built in London

with AI-specific needs will only amplify the need for vastly

for the training and the remaining 10-20% for AI tuning

and Frankfurt.

greater amounts of capacity from providers given the

(adapting a general AI solution to the user’s situation

scale of the expected requirements.

and needs) and inference (applying the AI to new data

In the latest quarterly update of CBRE, they forecast that the new supply in Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris

As such, Frankfurt is expected to become the second

and Dublin (FLAPD) will be the second highest amount

FLAPD market other than London to surpass the 1GW

It is expected that data center design will evolve

of capacity delivered in a year. However, the forecasted

mark in terms of total capacity. CBRE believes the lower

accordingly. Concurrently, CBRE expects to see the

In time, as models mature and usage increases, this is

capacity represents a year-on-year decline when

expected growth of supply this year represents a relative

equipment required to power applications that are less

expected to shift. Mature, commonly used AI applications

compared to supply added to FLAPD in 2023 (472MW).

lull in delivery of supply as opposed to a sign of long-term

dependent on instantaneous connections with customers

with limited training needs may turn this percentage

weakness in the colocation data center market or an

located in a variety of European data center markets.

eventually around to 10%/90%. For now, the assumption

inability of providers to deliver.

To meet the coming demand, the FLAPD supply base

– an educated guess - can be made that it will move

- and take-up for that matter - are expected to grow

towards about a 60%/40% distribution for training versus

considerably in 2025. In all likelihood, the de facto

tuning and inference within the next five years.

Though CBRE doesn’t expect to see the new supply total to grow across FLAPD this year compared to 2023, the scale

at the device level to make decisions).

boundaries of FLAPD will need to expand further for demand to be met in future given how difficult it is for

FORECASTED FLAPD MARKET SUPPLY & TAKE-UP Year

Supply Added

Take-up

2023F

472

471

2022

337

384

Source: CBRE

providers to accommodate new requirements within the primary markets. As such, more deployments are more likely to be housed outside the largest data center development hubs in future.

FLAPD SUPPLY ADDITIONS NEW SUPPLY (MW) 2023 Q3 80

Frankfurt 9

London

50

Amsterdam 10

Paris

14

Dublin 0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80 Source: CBRE

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EU Focus

THE NETHERLANDS $909 BILLION

GDP

115

DATA CENTERS

#3

DESI INDEX

#14

INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX

876

AMOUNT OF IX-MEMBERS

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Most Connected Nikhef Housing • Nikhef Housing Equinix Netherlands • Equinix AM7 Equinix Netherlands • Equinix AM5 Digital Realty Netherlands • AMS 9 (Science Park) Equinix Netherlands • Equinix AM2 Largest Sites NorthC Datacenters • Datacenter Aalsmeer Equinix Netherlands • Equinix AM7

Digital Realty Netherlands • AMS 15 (Hoofddorp) NorthC Datacenters • Datacenter Almere Equinix Netherlands • Equinix AM8 Most Locations • Cellnex (25) • Digital Realty (12) • Equinix Netherlands (11) • Eurofiber Cloud Infra (6) • BIT (5) Cloud On-Ramps • Oracle Cloud (Equinix AM4) • Oracle Cloud (Digital Realty AMS8) • Google Cloud (Equinix AM3) • Oracle Cloud (Equinix AM4) • Oracle Cloud (Digital Realty AMS8) • Google Cloud (Equinix AM3) • Google Cloud (Equinix AM5) • Microsoft Azure (Equinix AM5) • Microsoft Azure (Digital Realty AMS8) • Amazon AWS (Equinix AM3) • Amazon AWS (Digital Realty AMS7) • IBM Cloud (Equinix AM1) • IBM Cloud (Equinix AM2) • IBM Cloud (NorthC Almere)

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EU Focus

EU Focus

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BELGIUM $530 BILLION

GDP

46

DATA CENTERS

#17

DESI INDEX

#27

INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX

57

AMOUNT OF IX-MEMBERS

46

Most Connected Digital Realty Belgium • Digital Realty Brussels BRU1 LCL Belgium • Main LCL Datacenter United • DC Antwerpen Tower Unix-Solutions • Datacenter Zaventem LCL Belgium • Antwerp Largest Sites KevlinX • Brussels Digital Realty Belgium • Digital Realty Brussels BRU1 Proximus • Net Center 1 Proximus • Net Center 2 LCL Belgium • Main LCL Most Locations • LCL Belgium (10) • Datacenter United (6) • GTT Belgium (4) • DC Star Belgium (3) Cloud On-Ramps • Google Cloud Region

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EU Focus

GERMANY $3.9 TRILLION

GDP

DATA CENTERS

409

DESI INDEX

#13 #18

INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX

1067

AMOUNT OF IX-MEMBERS

EU Focus

Most Connected Equinix Germany • Equinix FR5 Digital Realty Germany • Digital Realty DUS1 Equinix Germany • Equinix FR7 IPB Internet Provider in Berlin GmbH • CarrierColo Berlin Location B Equinix Germany • Equinix FR4, 6&6 Largest Sites Akquinet Germany • Akquinet Nor01 Colt Technology Services GmbH Germany • Colt Technology Services West Deutsche Telekom • Itenos FR1 euNetworks Group Germany • euNetworks Berlin Global Connect Germany • Global Connect HAM3 Most Locations • EXA Infrastructure Germany (30) • euNetworks Group Germany (22) • Digital Realty Germany (21) • Lumen Technologies Germany (15) • Deutsche Boerse (14) Cloud On-Ramps • AWS • Google Cloud • Microsoft Azure • Oracle Cloud • •

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Alibaba Cloud VMware

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EU Focus

EU Focus

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IRELAND $382.5 BILLION

GDP

70

DATA CENTERS

#5

DESI INDEX

#28

INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX

123

AMOUNT OF IX-MEMBERS

50

Most Connected BT Ireland • BT Citywest Data Centre Ireland Equinix Ireland • Equinix Dublin 1 Digital Realty • Digital Realty Dublin 1 Digital Realty • Digital Realty Dublin 2 Equinix Ireland • Equinix Dublin 2 Largest Sites Equinix Ireland • Equinix Dublin 3 EXA Infrastructure Ireland • EXA Drogheda Apple Ireland • Apple Cork Digital Realty • Digital Realty Dublin 1 Most Locations • Digital Realty Ireland (6) • EXA Infrastructure Ireland (6) • Amazon Ireland (4) • Equinix Ireland (4) Cloud On-Ramps • AWS • Google Cloud • Alibaba Cloud

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EU Focus

FRANCE $2.6 TRILLION

GDP

218

DATA CENTERS

#12

DESI INDEX

#36

INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX

634

AMOUNT OF IX-MEMBERS

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EU Focus

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Most Connected KDDI France • Telehouse - Paris 2 (Voltaire - Léon Frot) Digital Realty France • Digital Realty Marseille (MRS1, MRS2, MRS3) Equinix France • Equinix PA2 - Paris, Saint-Denis Equinix France • Equinix PA3 - Paris, Saint-Denis SFR SA France • SFR Netcenter Lyon-Venissieux Largest Sites EXA France • EXA Paris (Aubervilliers) CenterServ France • CenterServ Toulouse DataBank France • DataBank Toulouse (TLS1) Ielo-Liazo Services Sas France • Ielo-Liazo Services Salamandre Serinya Telecom France • Serinya Telecom Data Center Most Locations • Cogent Communications France (16) • SFR SA (11) • Equinix (10) • CenterServ (8) Cloud On-Ramps • AWS • Google Cloud • Microsoft Azure

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EU Focus

SWITZERLAND $748 BILLION

GDP

114

DATA CENTERS

#4

INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX

264

AMOUNT OF IX-MEMBERS

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Most Connected Digital Realty Switzerland • Digital Realty Zurich Equinix Switzerland • Equinix GV2 - Geneva West Equinix Switzerland • Equinix ZH4 - Zurich Colozueri.CH AG Switzerland • colozueri.ch Zurich Largest Sites NorthC Data Centers • Netrics Biel NorthC Data Centers • Netrics Münchenstein 1-2 Colt Technology Services Switzerland • Colt DC Zurich Swisscom Switzerland • Swisscom Bern-Wankdorf Anexia Switzerland • Anexia Glattbrugg Most Locations • Swisscom Switzerland (7) • Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke (CKW) AG Switzerland (7) • Orange Switzerland (6) Cloud On-Ramps • Google Cloud • Microsoft Azure • Oracle Cloud • OVHcloud • Amazon Web Services

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AUSTRIA $429 BILLION

GDP

72

DATA CENTERS

#10

DESI INDEX

#20

INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX

161

AMOUNT OF IX-MEMBERS

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EU Focus

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Most Connected Digital Realty Austria • Digital Realty Vienna (VIE1, VIE2) NTT Global Data Centres Austria • NTT Vienna Data Center (VIE1) DATASIX • DATASIX Vienna (VIE1) University of VIenna Austria • Vienna University Computer Center (Wien) Techno-Z Verbund GmbH Austria • Techno-Z Salzburg Largest Sites Huemer Group Austria • Huemer DC Energie AG Oberösterreich Telekom GmbH Austria • Energie AG Data PowerCube Techno-Z Verbund GmbH Austria • Techno-Z Salzburg T-Systems International GmbH Austria • Graz UPC Data Center upstreamNet Austria • upstreamNet DC Most Locations • EXA Infrastructure Austria (6) • Raiffeisen Informatik GmbH & Co KG (4) • Elektrizitätswerk Wels Aktiengesellschaft / IT & Tel (4) Cloud On-Ramps • Google Cloud • Microsoft Azure • Oracle Cloud • OVHcloud • Amazon Web Services • Alibaba • Rackspace Cloud • VMware • IBM Cloud

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LUXEMBOURG Most Connected LuxConnect Luxembourg • LuxConnect Bettembourg DC1 • LuxConnect Bettembourg DC2 BCE Luxembourg • Broadcasting Center Europe Kirchberg EBRC Luxembourg • EBRC Resilience Centre Luxembourg West • EBRC Resilience Centre Luxembourg South Largest Sites LuxConnect Luxembourg • LuxConnect Bettembourg DC1 European Data Hub Luxembourg • European Data Hub Luxembourg DC EBRC Luxembourg • EBRC Resilience Centre Luxembourg South EBRC Luxembourg • EBRC Resilience Centre Luxembourg East EBRC Luxembourg • EBRC Resilience Centre Luxembourg West Most Locations • EBRC Luxembourg (5) • Broadcasting Center Europe (3) • LuxConnect Luxembourg (2)

GDP

$71 BILLION DATA CENTERS

17

DESI INDEX

#8

INTERNATIONAL TAX COMPETITIVENESS INDEX

#6

AMOUNT OF IX-MEMBERS

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SAVE THE DATE

FEBRUARY

04 & 05

2025 ANNUAL EUROPEAN STRATEGY & NETWORKING SUMMIT

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EUROPE

AMSTERDAM RAI - FOR MORE INFO VISIT: WWW.KICKSTARTCONF.EU

Datacentered

Expert Insights

Expert Insights

STIJN DUTCH DATA CENTER ASSOCIATION

Datacentered

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION: ACTION OVER WORDS In the business world, it’s crucial to have a variety of people and ideas. It’s important for everyone at work to feel safe, important, and involved. Diversity and inclusion isn’t just something to aim for; it’s the key to doing well.

Data centers, the home of the digital economy and digital society, focus on improving this. The sector wants to bring in more different kinds of people and make sure everyone’s voice can be heard. They understand that to do this well, they need to pay attention to the unique needs of different places around the world.

A big goal in this is to get more women working in this field. Our ambition extends to improving this representation to a point where it reflects the diversity of our societies. This effort begins early, by getting young girls interested in tech careers while they’re still in school.

It’s not easy to make tech spaces like data centers more inviting for women. But trying to solve this problem can lead to growth and new ideas. When different kinds of people come to work, they bring their own experiences and ways of thinking. This variety can lead to more creative and innovative ideas.

This sector believes in taking action, not just talking. They know they must take charge and share their progress to really make a difference. The journey isn’t easy, but for a field that’s always changing and expanding, there’s every chance to succeed.

We believe that through collaboration and commitment, we can shape a future where diversity and inclusion are not only valued, but considered essential to our collective growth and success.

Let’s lead the way and do it.

GROVE 60

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IT’S A MAN’S WORLD But it wouldn’t be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl For this issue of Datacentered, we asked four professionals to share their thoughts about the representation of women in our

industry. The authors write about how to influence young women

for chosing a career in Tech and IT, their experience when they started working in the industry and stresses the importance

of abandoning traditional gender roles and recognizing that technical professions are accessible to everyone.

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Interview

Interview

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PARENTS AND SCHOOLS MUST ENCOURAGE CHILDREN’S POTENTIAL With nearly three decades of experience in the data center

Regarding gender balance within her company, NorthC, she

industry, Alexandra Schless knew already from a younger

strives for parity. Although there are no female technical

age that she wanted a professional career in a business

engineers yet, recruitment always includes a call for

to business environment. During her economics study, she

female candidates. It's not about positive discrimination

gained interest in technological developments and its

but finding the best person for the job and reflecting

endless possibilities. As a young girl, she was encouraged

society accurately.

by her parents that she could achieve anything she set her mind to. It comes as no surprise that she found her

Schless also highlights concrete initiatives to inspire young

path in the data center sector, where she has held various

women for IT careers, such as establishing a data center

leadership positions.

training program in collaboration with the Alfa College in Groningen and the Dutch Data Center Association.

Schless emphasizes: "It starts early, with what one learns at

Additionally, NorthC participates in Girls’ Day, where young

home and in education. The sooner we get young people

girls are introduced to the world of technology and data

excited about the tech industry, the greater the chance

centers by their female colleagues. These initiatives aim

they will see the opportunities for a career path. The idea

to show young women that technical professions are

that technology is only for men is outdated and we need

accessible and to inspire them for careers in IT.

to communicate more often about the different roles women do have in the tech industry. Our world runs on

Alexandra Schless

technology; from mobile phones to digital collaboration

Chief Executive Officer,

and online business models. And data centers are an

NorthC Datacenters

important part of the backbone of our digital economy.”

She further stresses the importance of abandoning traditional gender roles and recognizing that technical professions are accessible to everyone. Furthermore if you have a passion for technology, there are various roles within IT companies that provide great career opportunities.

Parents and schools must encourage children's potential, or else they will opt for more obvious career paths. Therefore, we must excite children about IT and look beyond traditional professions.

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Interview

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HIGHLIGHT SUCCESSFUL FEMALE TECH LEADERS IN YOUR COMPANY Did you know that Albert Einstein’s first wife, physicist Mileva

more equitable future. Make them visible on stage and

Marić contributed significantly to his groundbreaking

at schools in front of female students. Arrange talks or

science? Or that in 1979, Judith Faulkner founded one of the

workshops where accomplished women in tech share their

largest tech companies in healthcare, Epic Systems? And

experiences. Hearing first hand stories can ignite passion

that three African-American mathematicians (Katherine

and motivation. Showcase diverse tech careers. Highlight

Goble Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan and Mary Jackson) were

not only traditional roles but also emerging areas like

essential to the success of early space flights by Nasa.

AI, cybersecurity, and data science. Let female students explore different paths. And when we are talking about

History is full of invisible women. Women who have

education itself: integrate tech education. Ensure that

made major contributions in STEM, and whose work has

technology-related subjects are part of the curriculum

gone unnoticed. I strongly believe in role models and

from an early age. Expose children at primary schools to

representation. Marian Wright Edelman said “You cannot

coding, robotics, and other STEM disciplines.

be what you cannot see”. We all need role models who can inspire us throughout our lives, be that as young women,

I am very much committed to being a STEM ambassador all

aspiring leaders or changemakers. Seeing women in

year round myself by participating in activities to increase

positions of authority, pursuing their passions, and making

the participation of girls and young women in science,

meaningful contributions ignites a sense of self-belief

technology and ICT in NL, like contributing to VHTO’s Girls

and motivation in women. When women are prominently

Day every year with partners Digital Realty and Dutch

present across various fields and platforms, it challenges

Datacenter Association, being a mentor for other women

gender stereotypes and biases that often hinder our

in tech and acting as a guest lecturer in primary education

advancement and recognition.

together with IMC Basis and Weekend School.

And we have some work to do. We are at an embarrassing

Remember, inspiring young women to become tech

28th place on the World Economic Forum Global Gender

leaders involves creating an environment where they

Gap Index 2023 as the Netherlands. The drop to the top

feel empowered, supported, and valued. There is a role

is even worse in STEM than non-STEM. The representation

for everyone in our industry to be a role model, mentor

from women across seniority levels in STEM is dropping from

or ally. Together we can contribute to a more and much

29,4% at entry point to 12,4% at C-suite level*. By showcasing

needed diverse and dynamic tech industry.

our diverse talents, contributions, and perspectives, we will normalize women’s leadership.

*Global Gender Gap Report 2023. (n.d.). World Economic Forum. https://www. weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2023/infographics-

Equally important as role models and representation

66115127a8/

is exposure. Highlight successful female tech leaders in various fields in your companies. Share their stories,

Lieke Hamers

achievements, and challenges. Stand by their side as their

Chief Technology Officer,

male ally. Recognizing and amplifying their achievements

DELL Technologies

is crucial for inspiring future generations and fostering a

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Interview

Interview

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EXPLAIN TO EVERYONE WHAT WORKING IN TECH ENTAILS What could be a good way to stimulate and enthuse

benefits which ultimately create convenience to our lives.

young women to go for a technical job..!? Finding the

Secondly, women working in tech could approach schools,

‘right’ job is an important step in one’s life, especially for

both elementary and secondary educational institutes to

young people. I would like to elaborate on what we can

arrange a field trip towards a tech company and/or data

do as a society to enthuse young women to broaden their

center in which women are working in technical positions.

horizon when it comes to a position in tech. I believe it is a good thing to go for a job that’s a good fit and one that

Then let them explain what working in tech entails, what

resonates with you.

the benefits are and how you make things possible for our society. Translate the work they do to what it brings

What would be a position in which a young woman sees

to our society and additionally what would happen when

herself working for eight hours a day? How is she going to

a certain system is not properly managed or maintained.

create a sense of being useful and to what extent she will

In other words, share the convenience, ease, functionality

utilize her talents and interest? Over the past decades the

and possibilities of tech and what women in tech make

world has changed significantly in terms of technology

possible.

and its functionalities. This has ensured the world has become ‘smaller’ and more connected, hence why we

Ulysses Ricardo

all have access to technology and applications anytime

Business Development Manager

and anywhere.

Iron Mountain

How did we make this possible? As a bridge between the above and how I see what we can do to stimulate and enthuse, I believe it would be good that women who are currently working in tech tell their story to young women for whom the field of job opportunities is still open. A visit to an elementary school for instance is a great first step.

They could then share what it is like to work in tech, why it is fun and what has been accomplished in our society due to tech over the past couple of years.

From there they could come up with examples of what’s needed from a technical perspective to create and maintain applications with all its possibilities and functionalities. Explain that because of this we enjoy the

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Interview

Interview

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ACTIVELY CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN IN TECH SHOULD BE OUR PRIORITY I fully support the idea of joint efforts to empower women

Let’s work together to overcome obstacles, challenge

in the technology sector. It is crucial that we recognize and

stereotypes, and build an inclusive and innovative tech

leverage the talent and perspectives of women, not only

sector where women can thrive fully. This sector is not only

from an equality standpoint but also to foster innovation

wonderful to work in but also has the potential to inspire

and progress. Actively creating opportunities for women

countless women. Calling all women in tech! Share what

to start and thrive in tech careers should be our priority.

makes our technical roles special and inspire other women

This includes providing access to education and training,

by being a shining example.

removing barriers, and offering mentorship and support.

Dami Munter As an employee of Schleifenbauer, a Dutch company

Team Leader Sales & Marketing,

specializing in the production of custom Power Distribution

Schleifenbauer

Units (PDUs) for Data Centers, I feel privileged to work in an environment that values diversity and inclusion. However, I am well aware that this is not the case for many women in the tech world. The gender gap remains a challenge and hinders the industry from fully realizing its potential.

When I started at Schleifenbauer in 2017, I was the only woman in a predominantly male environment. But with the company’s growth, this balance has significantly improved.

Currently, 40% of our workforce is female. These women were not only selected for their ambition to learn the trade but also for their unique contributions to our team.

The result is remarkable; our female colleagues work with precision and efficiency, leading to significant growth in our PDU production capacity and an increase in quality.

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Event

KICKSTART EUROPE HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE OF DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE Traditionally, a year of events starts with the Kickstart Europe Conference in Amsterdam in which the latest trends in our industry are addressed.

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY PIM KOKKE

In our digital infrastructure industry, there are a few

and expanding your network on the conference day

events that grab everyone’s attention. Your LinkedIn feed

easier. Besides networking, Kickstart Europe is a great

is covered with posts from your peers. The message?

opportunity for gaining more insights about the industry.

They are going to Amsterdam for the Kickstart Europe

In the morning program, Kevin Restivo (CBRE) presented

Conference: one of the largest strategy and networking

the European Market Outlook, in which he addresses the

events for the data center, cloud and connectivity industry.

major developments in the largest markets. For example,

From all over Europe, c-level executives come together to

the top-4 markets (Frankfurt, London, Amsterdam, Paris)

gain insights about the latest developments in the industry.

are still growing but there are concerns about supply and demand. Other challenges are difficulties with offering

European Outlook

enough capacity and the rising rental rates for facilities.

For the first time, the event was sold out. Therefore, the

One of the strongest demands was measured in Frankfurt

welcome evening (900+ persons) is a great start for

and London. Interestingly to note is that Milan has become

catching up with your peers, which makes networking

the largest secondary market in Europe.

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Energy & Public Perception Another often mentioned topic during Kickstart Europe was sustainability and the energy consumption of the data center industry. For example, Dick Theunissen (managing director EMEA, EdgeConneX), Eugene Bergen Henegouwen (President, Equinix EMEA) and Olivier Micheli (CEO, DATA4 Group) discussed the largest challenges on this matter.

During the conversation, it was mentioned that the industry already takes a lot of steps (e.g. efficient cooling) to lower their carbon footprint.

Moreover, the public perception on the industry was briefly discussed. One of the questions remains how to change this perception. An answer that was given by most of the visitors is that the industry must repeatedly clarify the positive impact of data centers for the economy.

Furthermore, by continuously becoming more energy efficient, the industry can take a leading role in the energy transition.

Save the Date In 2025, Kickstart Europe will be back in Amsterdam on February 4 and 5. Want to receive more information about Kickstart Europe, please visit the website: https:// www.kickstartconf.eu/

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Expert Insights

Expert Insights

NIEK LEGRAND

Datacentered

THE NEW EU ENERGY EFFICIENCY DIRECTIVE IS OUT! On March 14, 2024, the EU Commission adopted the first

multidisciplinary team within your data center that meets

delegated acts on data centers in accordance with Articles

regularly is also advisable. Dividing the reporting work

12 and 33 of Directive (EU) 2023/1791. These documents

among team members facilitates broader support and

have been formally submitted to the European Parliament

helps ensure all necessary data is collected.

and the Council for the scrutiny period. The delegated act outlines the information and key performance indicators

This approach allows for easier identification of missing

to be reported. Additionally, it establishes the initial set

data and facilitates the necessary actions to source it. For

of sustainability indicators that will be used for rating

instance, the Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE) requires

data centers.

accurate water consumption measurement, which may necessitate installing water meters if they are absent to

The new regulation intends to increase transparency

enable you to report on this. Additionally, it’s important

and potentially promote new designs and efficiency

to consider that individual EU countries may impose

developments in data centers, which can reduce

additional measures when implementing the directive.

energy and water consumption and promote the use of

For instance, Germany already has legislation in place

renewable energy, increased grid efficiency, or the reuse

for maximum PUEs, while the province of Noord Holland,

of waste heat in nearby facilities and heat networks.

which includes all data centers in Amsterdam, requires an assessment of new data centers with a PUE of 1.16

Preparing for the Reporting Deadline

unless the heat is reused.

The first reporting deadline is September 15, 2024, which is just a few months away, so time is of the essence.

Exploring Renewable Energy Factors

Understanding the content of the directive, its regulations,

Furthermore, the EED provides an opportunity to delve

and annexes can seem daunting. It’s a lot to ask for

deeper into standards such as the Renewable Energy

and will take time and effort. On a reassuring note, the

Factor (REF), which describes the percentage of a

initial requirement is for reporting purposes only, with no

renewable energy over total data center energy. This

performance requirements (yet). Nonetheless, the Energy

standard, developed by a data center working group,

Efficiency Directive (EED) presents an excellent opportunity

could work equally well for various industries beyond

to assess energy efficiency in data centers and prepare

data centers.

for improvements. As an advocate for using standards to professionalize our industry, it’s music to my ears that

As I write this column while enroute to Prague, I am

the EU is utilizing the EN 50600 series of standards. As we

wondering what the REF of my transportation mode is. I

approach the September 15 reporting deadline, adopting

suspect my car has a REF of 1, while I believe the plane’s

a strategic approach to data collection is crucial.

REF is closer to 0. As we progress towards greener energy consumption, I want to enhance the REF by introducing

VAN DER PAS 80

Recommended Practices and Team Collaboration

a new category. Guarantees of origin are currently used

I suggest starting with the first recommended practice

to indicate how much energy is green. However, it’s

of the EU Code of Conduct, the EU Taxonomy Framework,

important to note that this energy isn’t always generated

and the Maturity Model EN 50600-5-1. Establishing a

simultaneously with consumption. It would be preferable

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Expert Insights

Datacentered

if each megawatt-hour (MWh) used was also generated from green sources at that exact moment. A potential

“The EED provides an opportunity to delve deeper into standards such as the Renewable Energy Factor (REF), which describes the percentage of a renewable energy over total data center energy.”

solution involves linking blockchain-based tokens to each MWh of green energy produced. Although this technology is in its infancy, it could incentivize the creation of a greener electricity grid.

The concept of real-time green energy production and consumption, coupled with an accountable system, warrants further exploration. With adequate support, we could revise ISO/IEC and EN REF standards to reflect this improvement. and contributions are welcomed as we shape the future of data center standards.

Driving Positive Change In summary, implementing the EU Energy Efficiency Directive requires proactive measures and collaboration within the data center industry. By adhering to standards and embracing innovations, we can drive positive change toward a more sustainable future.

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Analyses

Analyses

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Cooling in data centers is always one of the most key topics in the industry. Especially when combined with the steps data centers have to take in order to become energy efficient. One of the latest cooling methods that have caught the eye is Liquid Cooling.

Therefore, we asked the STULZ Group to share insights about this method and what data center operators need to consider if they want to use liquid cooling.

MORE THAN JUST COOLING

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Analyses

HOW DOES LIQUID COOLING WORK IN DATA CENTERS?

Analyses

Datacentered

WHAT DO DATA CENTER OPERATORS NEED TO CONSIDER IF THEY WANT TO USE LIQUID COOLING?

Liquid Cooling is an application that primarily targets high heat loads

According to STULZ, the assumption is that data centers need a higher

or higher IT densities per rack while air cooling has a lower heat load.

complexity of the infrastructure for the building and the installation.

The substitution starts with a higher heat load (50 kW), otherwise the

In the case that Immersion Cooling is used, installers must ensure

cooling solution coexists. However, there will always be a need for air

that the servers are compatible with the Liquid Cooling solutions as

cooling with liquid cooling (direct-to-chip: 20-30% and immersion

some plastics/rubbers will dissolve in the coolant. Especially regarding

5-10%).

handling of the liquid, data center operators must consider other safety standards.

There is also a difference between liquid cooling solutions: Direct and Immersion Cooling. Direct Cooling will directly cool the (hot spots)

Coexisting cooling systems

CPUs, GPUs and memory banks. This will depend on the application and

As previously mentioned, there will always be a demand for air cooling.

partially air-cooling rest of components. On the other hand, Immersion

Therefore, data center operators are looking at how both cooling

(or Immersive Cooling) refers to the direct cooling of whole servers

processes (air and liquid) can be combined. For the future of Liquid

and air cooling of the room through the heat generated by the tank.

Cooling in data centers, STULZ expects two different approaches:

One question that needs to be addressed is how liquid cooling

1. Data Center on Greenfield site with a focus on liquid cooling

contributes to more sustainable data centers. STULZ: “Liquids have better heat transfer than air and are therefore more efficient, thus, you

Depending on the DCLC or Immersion Cooling technology used, there

can dissipate higher heat loads on the same footprint. For example,

will still be a need for air cooling here.

to keep a chip at a working temperature of 75°C you may need a supply air temperature of 25°C, while with direct chip cooling around

2. An existing Data Center that is supplemented with liquid cooling

40°C supply air temperature and 50°C liquid temperature could be sufficient. In this case you could use free cooling even in warmer

In this case, STULZ expects that two separate areas will be part of a

regions, which is even more efficient.”

future data center: one Liquid Cooling part and one air-cooled part, depending on the application and the used IT equipment. Because

Furthermore, data centers who use Liquid Cooling are able to reach

of this, two independent cooling infrastructure water loops have to be

a lower PUE. This is because the heat recovery can be more efficiently

established. In the case that a liquid direct to chip (DLC) application

applied using Liquid Cooling due to the higher temperature and better

is used, a secondary water loop feeding the cold plates within the

heat transferability of liquids.

servers, has to be established. This is typically done using a coolant distribution unit (CDU) as the interface between the primary (building

More information about Liquid Cooling can be found at the website of STULZ.

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chilled water loop) and the secondary (server cooling loop).

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Energyy Market Update

Energyy Market Update

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ENERGY MARKET UPDATE

Stroomkr8 is an independent energy consultancy company. They support their clients on all kinds of energy sourcing activities, from strategic/conceptual matters to daily and operational practice. They buy and sell energy for their clients in 17 different countries with a team of highly experienced colleagues within both supply companies and consultancy.

More information: www.stroomkr8.nl

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Energyy Market Update

Energyy Market Update

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Resulting effect

EUA

The combination of the mild winter and the solid supply

The EUA market started the year with a strong decrease,

It may be too early to tell, but some market players are

happy to provide a view on the market developments

of gas resulted in maybe even more important aspects.

beginning just below 80 EUR/ton and reaching 50.5 EUR/

already suggesting that EUA prices will rebound towards 70

during Q1 of this year, and to shed some light on the

Firstly, some nervousness faded away, and secondly and

ton end of February. During March the prices increased,

EUR/ton, due to approaching the second half of the year,

opportunities in the markets.

more concretely the EU storage levels for gas remained,

reaching its highest level in more than five weeks, due

where compliance season, healthier industrial activities

and still are, very healthy. This means that markets have

to rising energy prices resulting from gas production

and winter temperatures come into play.

confidence in being able to fill the storages during summer

disruptions, forecasts of lower temperatures (except in

Now that we’ve come to the end of March we can start

time in preparation for the next winter, which results in

Northern Europe) and an unplanned outage at a French

A firm rejection of the psychological limit of 50 EUR/ton

looking back at the winter 2023-2024. Although ‘winter’

lower risk premiums, hence lower future prices.

nuclear unit.

is a strong signal to sellers, perhaps indicating that we

might be a bit of an exaggeration. Temperatures stayed

Since the correlation between natural gas prices and the

well above normal (i.e. long-term average over the period

power prices is still strong, the same goes for electricity;

1991-2020) with a record for February in the Netherlands:

during Q1 many European forward prices for several years

with an average temperature of 8.2°C against the normal

decreased, and they have fallen to levels that many

3.9°C, it was the mildest February since measurements

would not have thought possible 12 months ago. We can

began in 1901 (source: KNMI).

even say that prices have come down to historic prices,

Energy plays an important role for your business, and for the business of your customers. We’re therefore

Winter period?

realizing that both spot and Y+1 prices have been higher

Supply of gas

in the first decade of this millennium.

have reached a bottom for the time being.

EUA EUR/tonne

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At the same time we’ve seen solid gas supplies to Europe.

Not only from our traditional supplier Norway, showing

Increasing impact solar production

some occasional hiccups by the way, but also of LNG,

Another striking development is seen in for example

mainly coming from the USA. This resulted in a slightly

the Netherlands. More and more solar panels are being

downward trend for the gas spot price and a downward

installed, both among solar farm developers and on

70

trend on the Year+1 prices for gas as well.

rooftops on the houses and other real estate. The

60

production of these solar panels is being added to

50

the traditional power production, and on days when a

“ MARKETS HAVE

fair amount of both wind energy and solar energy are generated, we see more and more hours with negative prices. Mid-March we already had witnessed 24 hours

CONFIDENCE IN BEING ABLE TO FILL STORAGES DURING SUMMER TIME

with negative prices this year., which traditionally is being

90 80

40 Jun ‘23

Jul ‘23

Aug ‘23

Sep ‘23

Oct ‘23

Nov ‘23

CO2 EUA spot EUR/tonne

considered as winter season with higher prices.

Realizing that 2023 showed slightly over 300 hours with negative prices, against 85 in 2022, and that spring and summer still have to come, this certainly is a development, and an opportunity, to watch closely.

90

Dec ‘23

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Jan ‘24

Feb ‘24

Mar ‘24

Datacentered

Energyy Market Update

Conclusion Against all odds we’ve seen the markets coming back to

Finally, if you already have defined a strategy, and within

historic levels. Looking at the speed at which this happened,

that strategy you still need to take some steps, this could

we should not be surprised if a strong correction will be

be an interesting moment and window of opportunity to

seen as soon as unforeseen events take place. Traders

start hedging these parts.

see their previous expectations not come true. At the same

Energyy Market Update

Datacentered

POWER SPOT MARKET (GE+BE+BL+FR+UK) EUR/MWh

GBP/MWh

360

160

240

120

120

80

0

40

-120

0

-240

-40

time markets are getting less predictable as renewables become larger in volume. No room for ad hoc decisions or trusting the markets will guide you. More than ever a balanced strategy should be determined, based on the needs and dynamics of your company and your clients.

Make that plan and stick to your strategy.

POWER FORWARD MARKET Y+1 (EU) EUR/MWh

GBP/MWh

160

160

140

140

120

120

100

100

80

80

60

60 Jun ‘23

Jul ‘23

Aug ‘23

Sep ‘23

NL Base Y+1 EUR/MWh

Oct ‘23

Nov ‘23

GE Y+1 Base EUR/MWh

Dec ‘23

Jan ‘24

Feb ‘24

UK Y+1 Base GBP/MWh

Mar ‘24

Jul ‘23

Sep ‘23

GE spot base EUR/MWh

BE spot base EUR/MWh

Nov ‘23 NL spot base EUR/MWh

Jan ‘24 FR spot base EUR/MWh

Mar ‘24 UK spot base EUR/MWh

“MARKETS ARE GETTING LESS PREDICTABLE AS RENEWABLES BECOME LARGER IN VOLUMES

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Expert Insights

NATASCHA

Expert Insights

Datacentered

KEY ISSUES AT PLAY WITHIN THE DATA CENTER MARKET IN WESTERN EUROPE AND HOW TO ANTICIPATE THESE ISSUES?

EVERSHEDS SUTHERLAND

As outlined in my previous columns, the Netherlands

be tough – how do you tackle a variety of challenges such

and other European countries have recently faced

as zoning regulations, grid constraints and demanding

implementation of various European legislation directed

stakeholders all at the same time? Local knowledge and

at data centers. Implementation of this legislation has

early contacts are key.

affected the data center market in Western Europe, with regulatory constraints related to environmental impact

Last but not least: power. To overcome current and future

being one of the key issues at play.

grid limitations and at the same time replace fossil fuels with renewable sources, developers of data centers should

Increasingly, data center operators and developers need

find alternative power solutions that are both reliable and

to be flexible on a domestic level in order to comply with

sustainable. There is still a lot to assess but different fuel

a variety of environmental regulations. As an example,

sources such as natural gas, hydrogen, Small Modular

the Netherlands have strict environmental regulations at

Reactors and even wind and solar are being investigated.

both municipal and provincial (regional) level that even

Although this may seem something for the far future, for

go beyond applicable national European legislation. These

the sector a transition towards on-site power generation

domestic regulations which focus on sustainability (PUE,

ultimately seems inevitable.

waste heat recovery, water usage, power management) are rapidly evolving and can impose significant limitations.

Biography

These sector wide restrictions result in substantial costs,

Natascha Geraedts is a Partner at Eversheds Sutherland

as they force the market to constantly apply the latest

and part of Eversheds’ renowned Global Datacenter and

technology with the best environmental results. In

Digital Infrastructure team. Natascha started her career

addition, environmental regulations force managers to

at the Council of State and has over 20 years’ experience.

early anticipation and adaptation and even reconsider

Natascha is seen as the “go to expert” in the Dutch market

operational strategies. Early alignment with legal and

for her knowledge in the data center sector and data

technical advisors has become crucial in this highly

center developments. Natascha frequently speaks and

competitive market.

publishes on environmental and regulatory aspects of data centers and she has been a yearly speaker at the

Scarcity of land and limited availability for suitable

Kickstart Europe Conference since 2021.

locations are another key issue. Owing to its advantageous geographic location and favourable climate, Belgium and

GERAEDTS 94

the Netherlands are a popular region to develop data centers and to further expansion of existing data centers.

Suitable land is however less and less available. Finding the right location in dense and populated countries can

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NIS2

NIS2

Datacentered

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE NIS2 DIRECTIVE? Data centers will therefore need to take measures to protect themselves against cyber attacks. In this white paper, the Dutch Data Center Association (DDA), Secior, Honeywell and ATS Global explain what the NIS2 Directive will mean for your organization and what implications it will have. In addition, you will read which steps you can take to increase the cyber resilience of your data centers.

Data centers play a crucial role in our modern society. They are responsible for storing, managing, and processing large amounts of data used by governments, businesses, and citizens. Without data centers, our digital world and economy would not function. Because of the above facts, data centers are now among the most critical infrastructure, just like hospitals and utilities. Because of this, it is important to emphasize that data center cyber security is critical to security and trust in our digital society.

The crucial position of data centers and suppliers within the digital ecosystem ensures these organizations will have to comply with the NIS2 Directive as of January 1, 2025. The European Union directive is the successor to the original NIS (Network & Information Security) and was put into effect to ensure the cyber security of organizations,

ARTICLE WRITTEN BY PIM KOKKE

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which belong to the critical infrastructure.

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NIS2

NIS2

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What is the NIS2 Directive?

The first Network and Information Security Directive (NIS)

The full name is “Directive (EU) 2022/2555 of the European

The industries already covered by the original

In addition to these original NIS industries, nine more

was EU’s-wide cyber security legislation, and its specific

Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on

NIS legislation are:

sectors were added to the NIS2 legislation:

goal was to achieve a high common level of cyber security

measures to ensure a high common level of cyber security

in all Member States. Although it increased the cyber

in the Union, amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 and

security capabilities of member states, its implementation

Directive (EU) 2018/1972 and repealing Directive (EU)

proved difficult, resulting in fragmentation at different

2016/1148 (NIS 2 Directive).”

Healthcare

Food and beverages

Transportation

Networks

Infrastructure for banks and financial markets

Platforms

Digital infrastructure

Waste

Water suppliers

Space

Energy

Data centers

Digital service providers

Government

levels in the internal market.

The upgrade from NIS to NIS2 as new European cyber To cope with the growing threats of digitization and the

security legislation is applicable from 2023. SMEs, who

wave of cyber-attacks, the European Commission has

do not provide B2B ICT services, appear to be exempted

put forward a proposal to replace the NIS Directive to

for now.

strengthen security requirements, address supply chain security, streamline reporting requirements, strengthen

NIS2 was developed to better secure the essential chain

oversight measures and more strict enforcement

of companies and institutions. . Everyone in a chain must

requirements, including harmonized sanctions across

start complying with NIS2. This new legislation is the perfect

the EU.

basis for any organization. So even if an organization is not required to comply with it (because it does not fall

The proposed expansion of the scope of NIS2, by effectively

under the “critical infrastructure” category), NIS2 as a

requiring more entities and sectors to act, would help

guide is recommended for every organization.

raise the level of cyber security in Europe in the long-term.

Within the European Parliament, the dossier was assigned to the committee on Industry, Research and Energy.

The full name is “Directive (EU) 2022/2555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on measures to ensure a high common level of cyber security in the Union, amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 and Critical manufacturing

Directive (EU) 2018/1972 and repealing Directive (EU) 2016/1148 (NIS 2 Directive).”

The upgrade from NIS to NIS2 as new European cyber

Postal services

security legislation is applicable from 2023. SMEs, who do not provide B2B ICT services, appear to be exempted for now.

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NIS2

NIS2

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What are the implications of NIS2?

One of the consequences of NIS2 is that there will be tighter scrutiny of governance. Failure to properly implement this

The new rules introduced for the first-time are explicit

regulation is going to have large consequences. Also, more

governance requirements that require the board of the

inspections and audits will be performed by regulators. If

entities falling within the scope of the NIS2 to approve and

this shows that organizations are not compliant, various

oversee measures for managing cyber security risks. It

fines can be imposed. In addition, more will be expected

also requires the board to undergo cyber security training.

of the organizations themselves. For example, many organizations have a duty to report when an incident is

Minimum security elements

detected, similar to the GDPR. This report must be posted

As for the management of cyber security risks themselves,

within 24 hours, followed by a final report one month later.

the proposed revision maintains the open standard that

Cyber threats must then also be reported.

“appropriate” and “proportionate” measures must be taken given the state of technology and the risk involved.

In addition, the NIS2 also forces you to sit down with

What is new is the addition of a few minimum basic

suppliers. Because what if there is a cyber incident at one

security elements that must be observed in any case.

of your suppliers? Cyber criminals can also attack your organization through the network of one of your (external)

Minimum security elements

partners. The way suppliers and partners have arranged

Regarding cyber security risk management itself, the

their security therefore directly affects your own security.

proposed revision maintains the open standard that,

These include the following measures:

Importantly, the proposed NIS2 Directive, unlike the

Here too, risks must be identified, and agreements made.

given the state of the art and the risk present, “appropriate”

•

Risk analysis

current NIS Directive, introduces explicit requirements for

Who is liable for the (lost) costs in the event of a cyber

and “proportionate” measures must be taken. What is

•

Incident handling

managing third-party risks in supply chains and supplier

incident? Also, this must be regulated in contracts.

new is the addition of a few minimum basic security

•

Business continuity (backups, etc.)

relationships. This addresses one of the most important

elements that must be provided for in every case.

•

Supply chain security

cyber security challenges today.

•

Apply security in acquiring, developing, and

Because cyber security is a specific discipline, it is advisable to use the expertise of a legal service provider specializing in it when making contractual arrangements.

maintaining IT/OT systems, vulnerability management

The proposal provides that the European Commission

Policies and procedures to assess the effectiveness

will determine the technical and methodological

of cyber security measures.

specifications of the minimum requirements and provides

•

Basic cyber hygiene and cyber security training

that entities can (and certain Essential Entities: must)

•

Cryptography and encryption (if applicable)

demonstrate compliance by obtaining cyber security

•

HR, access control & asset management security

certification pursuant to the recent EU Cyber Security

•

Multi-factor authentication where possible in the

Act (CSA).

•

organization

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NIS2

NIS2

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Useful tips for NIS2 Reporting

Higher penalties

Reporting requirements are also extended. For example,

The most salient element of the package of new measures

all essential and major entities will be required to report

is that EU member states may impose significantly higher

on incidents that significantly impact the delivery of their

administrative fines of up to at least €10 million or 2% of

services.

total global turnover (at company level) with the intention that these will also be more rigorously enforced.

Within 24 hours of becoming aware of an incident, the entity must provide an early warning to the national

Data centers and NIS2

Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT). Also,

Because of NIS2, data centers will be labeled as critical

within 72 hours, these entities must submit an incident

infrastructure. As described in the previous chapters,

report including the severity and impact of this incident.

this means that additional requirements are imposed

Finally, no later than one month after submitting the

on data centers to improve their cyber resilience. Cyber

incident report, organizations must submit a final report

resilience indicates the extent to which an IT environment

that includes the following:

is free from danger or damage that is caused by failure

•

A detailed description of the incident, including its

or breakdown of IT or by misuse. Therefore, it is necessary

severity and consequences.

to continuously improve the overall level of cyber security,

The type of threat or root cause that likely led to the

which will improve cyber resilience.

•

STEP 1: Determine which systems are covered by NIS2

incident.

•

Applied and ongoing mitigation measures.

•

Where appropriate, the transboundary impact of Deciding what your Operational Technology (OT) and IT systems are within scope for NIS2 is the initial step towards

the incident

successful compliance. Key questions include: •

What essential services is the organization providing?

•

Does or might the organization fall within the scope of NIS2?

•

What new requirements would need to be implemented by the organization within the scope of NIS2?

•

If the organization is not itself does not fall directly under NIS2 scope, does it deal with suppliers or customers to which the new rules apply?

•

What obligations should organizations attribute to their suppliers or business customers in their contractual arrangements?

As a result, understanding the regulatory requirements will be important for organizations not directly affected by the new Act. It will also be important to determine whether any additional local IT/OT security regulations need to be adopted because of any national regulations.

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NIS2

STEP 2: Adopt cyber security risk management measures

NIS2

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STEP 3: Document all cases for compliance

Risk-based cyber security management systems of

During this step, references can be made to measures

Compliance requires substantiation of your organizational

essential and important entities within the scope of NIS2

taken earlier, for example. From ISO 27001 or other

measures. If there is for instance no documentation of

will be required to take appropriate technical, operational,

certification, the necessary measures and reports are

your cyber security measures, then there is no proof of

and organizational measures to manage the risks

already in place for encryption, for example. In addition

compliance. Auditors can ask for a wide range of evidence

posed to the security of the IT/OT assets. They also need

to building management systems, and the buildings

when assessing organizations compliance with NIS2. This

to prevent or minimize the impact of incidents. Such

themselves, OT and Internet of Things (IoT) applications

step can be overwhelming especially for organizations

measures must take a risk based approach to protect

can also be added to the scope of the measure inventory.

that are just starting their compliance journey.

For example, the rise of IoT often makes it easier to use

A holistic governance system can not only aid in tracking

You can divide these measures into several parts:

sensors. But not all sensors have the same level of security

progress and improving documentation, but it can also

•

Inventory information systems

built in. As a result, an incident could occur within your

provide a multi-disciplinary perspective and a solid

•

Making a threat analysis

organization.

framework of how companies can manage cyber threats

•

Investigate which threats impact your business

pro-actively and work towards counteracting cyber

operations

threats both now and in the future.

networks and systems, and their physical environment.

•

Prioritize security risks

•

Draw up a security plan; control and mitigate

•

Update plan frequently (e.g., 1x per quarter)

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Lifestyle

Lifestyle

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ADVERTISING SPACE As we all know, there have been incredible changes due to the arrival of the internet and artificial intelligence.

When almost all is digitalised, advertisements sure aren’t left out. Therefore, Datacentered presents you a brief selection of sparkling advertisements from the eighties and nineties.

PRODUCTION: RHODÉ KOELEWIJN & NIENKE VAN EIJK

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Adventures in

Adventures in the Cloud World With Bella & Nini

e just around the corner, if you happen to live ers, Bella and Nini. One day, as they’re playing net connection shuts down. No more internet. dventure to the bizarre world of the cloud, ars, snakes, and robots along the way. the answer in the cloud?

With

Bella & Nin i

SUBSCRIBE TO DATACENTERED Get your industry insights, research and more with a yearly subscription on DATACENTERED.

ADVENTURES IN THE CLOUD WORLD Digital Realty announced the launch of its children’s

‘Adventures in the Cloud World’ is now available in six

book, ‘Adventures in the Cloud World’ created by Melissa

different languages and aims to build children’s curiosity

Scholten. The book, aimed at children aged 6 to 12, follows

around connectivity in a creative and accessible way.

Bella and Nini’s adventures to Cloud World as they seek to

It demonstrates the importance of data centers and

better understand the internet after their Wi-Fi turns off at

encourages children – especially young girls – to pursue

home and their VR glasses won’t work. In the Cloud World,

science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)

they meet JB, a programmable machine that processes

subjects in their education, potentially leading to careers

information, who explains how data centers work and asks

in STEM industries.

The magazine about data centers, cloud and connectivity appears four times a year.

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2024

Digital

Dome, Brussels - June 10 & 11

Xchange Ideas Xcelerate your Business Xpand your Network

DigitalX is the C-level strategy & networking conference for the Belgium Data Center and Digital Infrastructure industry. Based in Brussels, DigitalX provides a platform for thought leaders and industry Xperts to establish plans for the future of the digital industry.

WELCOME EVENING - Monday June 10 CONFERENCE DAY - Tuesday June 11