Featured in the LIT (Ladies in Tech) Newsletter Several new liquid cooling technologies are on the market, and even more manufacturers. This technology term deals with these cooling methods: D2C or direct-to-chip is one, and immersion is the other. We are going to discuss both. Both are considered closely coupled cooling methods that use liquid piped and moved via a CDU or coolant distribution unit (liquid mover). Now, let’s explain the jargon. Think of it this way: suppose you heat a pot of water on the stove. The water absorbs the heat from the burner. In a data center, the burner is the computer chips, and the liquid is whatever we use to cool. When you move the pan from the stove to another location, you have rejected heat from the stove. Or at least as much as you can fit in the water in the pan. Next, something will remove the heat from the water in the pan. It will either evaporate naturally (heat rises). Or we need to transfer it to something else that will absorb the heat from the water (chiller or some other means). If you move it to the sink, dump it, and change it out with cool water, you can return to the stove and absorb more heat from the burner.  In the above example, you are the CDU. But you get the idea. Basically, you are providing liquid pathways for heat. If you leave the burner on without a pot of water, your kitchen becomes hot. Data centers do the same.  The difference is that your home won’t shut off due to high heat, but computing equipment will.   Why liquid, you ask? We can answer this with a short precursor to data center cooling. The biggest thing to note is that we aren’t actually cooling. We are, in fact, removing heat -aka- heat rejection. The result is more excellent fluid. Computers generate heat. We remove that heat to cool the facility. We can reject the heat with water or air. Water is 3500% more efficient at absorbing heat for rejection. Other refrigerant liquids have greater or similar absorption properties and can absorb more heat without boiling.  To further increase efficiencies, the closer the liquid is to the heat source (the chip,) the more efficiently it absorbs heat. Cooling attached to or near the heat source is referred to as closely coupled cooling. In the above example with the stove, if you place the pot 3” above the burner, it will take longer to absorb the heat, and there will be heat loss between the burner and the bottom of the pan. Sitting directly on the burner (closely coupled) increases the heat absorption rate and removes accidental heat loss. Direct 2 Chip pipes the coolant through the server via hardware and tubes that attach directly to the processing chip. Clever name, huh!?! Immersion cooling is similar, but the entire server is submerged/immersed in a non-dielectric (won’t conduct electricity) liquid (another descriptive name). The fluid moves through the tank to a CDU and then to a chiller or other external heat rejection apparatus. The result is a cooler computer and computer room.  In both examples, we have rejected the heat away from the servers. The frequency in which this happens is called flux. As computers continue to generate heat, we must continue to reject it. Want to know about other technology terms? Email CarrieG@strategitcom.com

We are thrilled to introduce Emily Sullivan, PSP®, Business Development Director at CBRE, as this month's LIT Spotlight. Emily has carved out an impressive career in the data center and mission critical space, combining her passion for innovation with a deep commitment to fostering connections. In this Q&A, she shares her journey, the trends she's excited about, and valuable insights for women looking to make their mark in the industry. Let's meet Emily! Q: Emily, what sparked your interest in the data center/mission critical/tech industry?   A: The significant opportunities and growth driven by technological advances ignited my interest in the data center space. It is an environment of constant learning and innovation. As an added benefit, I quickly discovered that the industry is also home to some of the most talented and collaborative professionals.  Q: What's one industry trend you're excited about? A:  I am particularly excited about the future of AI and its potential to drive innovation across the data center industry. Key areas of impact include advancements in liquid cooling technologies, sustainability efforts, and enhanced support of uptime and operational efficiency.   Q: What is your favorite industry event and why? A: Pacific Telecom Conference (PTC) in Hawaii is my preferred conference as it offers the ideal platform to strengthen existing client relationships while fostering new connections. The relaxed atmosphere, enhanced by the scenic environment, encourages meaningful networking and facilitates discussions that might not occur in more formal settings.  Q: What role do women’s networks like LIT play in fostering professional growth? A: Women’s networks like LIT offer vital support systems by creating spaces where women can connect, share experiences, and empower each other throughout their careers. The feeling of solidarity - knowing that others have faced similar challenges - can be incredibly reassuring. These groups foster mentoring, coaching, and advocacy, allowing women to lift each other up, exchange valuable insights, and grow both personally and professionally. The collective wisdom shared in these networks is key to navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.   Q: How do you support other women in the tech/mission critical space? A: I support women in the mission critical space by actively listening to their needs, facilitating connections within my professional network, and serving as a resource by sharing relevant insights and expertise drawn from my experience.   Q: If you had to watch one movie for 24 hours straight, which would you pick? A: I can always watch the Princess Bride, but I am not certain that I could focus on any movie for 24 hours straight.  Q: What’s the app you can’t live without on your phone?   A: The Kindle app is one app I can’t live without on my phone. When I need a brain break, I read.  Q: What’s one word that friends or colleagues often use to describe you?   A: Haha! I am almost afraid to answer this one - you tell me! Q: If you could instantly learn a new skill, what would it be? A:  If I could instantly learn a new skill, it would be dog training. If you know, you know.  Thank you so much, Emily, for sharing your journey and wisdom with us! For anyone looking to connect with Emily and continue the conversation, find her on LinkedIn ! As we continue building a stronger community for women in data centers, tech, and mission critical industries, we can't wait to see more leaders like Emily thrive and inspire others. Stay tuned for more amazing stories in future LIT Spotlights! If you'd like to be featured in an LIT Spotlight, please email info@monarchtelecommarketing.com .

Mission Critical Facilities International (MCFI) , a Mission Critical Group company, has successfully delivered 20 MicroGENIUS™ microgrids to Alaska-based OTZ Telecommunications Company . These microgrids will provide off-grid power and high-speed connectivity to remote regions of the state. The innovative MicroGENIUS™ microgrids will power OTZ's 630-mile microwave network, bringing reliable energy and first-time connectivity to isolated villages from Coldfoot Camp to Kotzebue in northwestern Alaska. MCFI's microgrids are designed to operate for over a year without refueling, even in some of the planet's harshest environments, making them ideal for Alaska's extreme conditions. This project aims to bolster connectivity and create economic opportunities for the region. "We sought a partner who could deliver a reliable solution capable of withstanding one of the harshest environments in the world," said Kelly Williams, CEO of OTZ. "MCFI's expertise in designing mission critical infrastructure made them the ideal choice to help us achieve this milestone for Alaska." "Our MicroGENIUS™ solution exemplifies MCFI's commitment to innovation and resilience," said Matt Coffel, President of MCFI. "We're not only powering key industrial operations but also transforming connectivity for remote communities across Alaska, providing a foundation for long-term growth and development." With this project, MCFI continues to demonstrate its leadership in delivering sustainable, resilient power solutions for mission-critical industries in challenging environments. Read the full press release here .

DataBank has announced the development of a 480MW data center campus in Red Oak, Texas, expanding its capacity to meet the increasing demand driven by AI applications. The 292-acre "Red Oak Campus" in South Dallas will feature up to eight 2-story data centers, totaling 3.4 million square feet. Phase 1 will deliver 240MW of critical IT power by Q2-2026, potentially expanding to 480MW. This is DataBank's third major land acquisition in the past year, following developments in Atlanta and Northern Virginia. When fully developed, the three acquisitions will add more than 450 acres, 5.8M square feet of gross data center space, and 792MW of power to DataBank's portfolio, more than doubling its 2.7M square feet and 375MW of power before the acquisitions, and positioning it to capitalize on A.I.-generated colocation demand for years ahead. "We are excited to announce this significant investment in the Dallas area, which we consider one of the most attractive, long term, and permanent data center markets in the United States," said Raul K. Martynek, DataBank's CEO. "In combination with our Atlanta and Virginia campus expansions, we believe these three sites represent ideal locations for our enterprise, large technology, A.I., and hyperscale public cloud customers and position DataBank for significant future growth." The new campus will leverage DataBank's Universal Data Hall Design to support enterprises, hyperscale cloud providers, and AI applications needing high power and cooling capacity. Read the full press release here .

Applied Digital, a leader in high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure, announced a $160 million strategic financing deal from institutional and accredited investors, including NVIDIA and Related Companies. This investment solidifies Applied Digital's leadership in accelerated compute infrastructure, helping the company scale its cutting-edge data center and GPU cloud solutions. The new capital will bolster Applied Digital's ability to deploy transformative AI and HPC data centers, including developing one of the world's largest data centers and an additional 300MW of data center capacity. The company's innovative platform leverages advanced technologies such as closed-loop liquid cooling, providing hyper-efficient environments tailored for AI and HPC workloads. “Applied Digital was built on its ability to identify market demands, and we believe our collective philosophy, technical expertise, and long-standing industry experience have brought us to our current place of strength that will carry us and our hyperscale customers securely into the AI and HPC future,” notes Wes Cummins, CEO and Chairman at Applied Digital. “We’re proud of our strong relationship with NVIDIA, and the confidence that both they and Related Companies, along with institutional investors, have placed in us. Our team is eager to bring to market the vital capacity and contiguous, liquid-cooled IT environments that are tailor-made for AI, HPC, and other accelerated compute workloads.” As a Preferred NVIDIA Cloud Partner, Applied Digital continues to lead the market in digital infrastructure innovation, addressing the increasing demand for AI and HPC solutions. Read the full press release here .

T5 Data Centers is significantly expanding its footprint in Atlanta by developing a new data center campus in South Fulton County, Georgia. The newly acquired 91-acre site in Palmetto is already zoned for data center use and will be scalable to support up to 300 megawatts (MW) of power capacity. This expansion, known as ATL IV, will play a vital role in bolstering the region's tech infrastructure and meeting the growing demands for high-performance cloud services. ATL IV will feature advanced AI capabilities and liquid cooling technology, aligning with T5's commitment to innovation and sustainability. The new campus will cater to hyperscalers and large enterprises with demanding computational needs, offering a future-ready environment designed to support their growth. T5 says that by providing liquid cooling to the rack, it is setting a new standard for energy efficiency and sustainability in data center construction and operations. ATL IV will benefit from robust electrical and network infrastructure strategically located near other major data center hubs, ensuring exceptional connectivity and low-latency data transmission. An onsite electrical substation, expected to be operational by 2026, will provide efficient and redundant power to the facility. The development of ATL IV marks a significant step forward in T5's broader mission to expand its data center footprint across the U.S. and Europe. Read more here .

In a significant move for the data center industry, Blue Owl Capital, Chirisa Technology Parks (CTP), and PowerHouse Data Centers have announced a joint venture (JV) to develop large-scale AI/HPC data centers for CoreWeave. This partnership, which has the potential to deploy up to $5 billion in capital, marks the first phase of a major initiative aimed at supporting CoreWeave and other hyperscale and enterprise data center customers across the United States. The JV is designed to provide a flexible and innovative capital solution, enabling the rapid development of new AI/HPC capacity. The initial 120MW of capacity under the program will be delivered for CoreWeave in 2025 and 2026 at CTP's 350-acre campus near Richmond, VA. Further deployments are also planned for sites in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Kentucky, and Nevada, including both brownfield and greenfield campuses. The JV is positioned to play a crucial role in meeting the growing demands of the AI and hyperscale markets, with Newmark serving as advisor to the partnership. As the initiative progresses, it is expected to make a substantial impact on the development of cutting-edge data center infrastructure across the country. Read the full press release here .

After a slowdown in 2023, data center mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are on the rise again, with 2024 potentially set to surpass $40 billion in deal value. According to Synergy Research Group, the industry is nearing the record highs seen in 2021, driven by strong demand for data center capacity and a significant influx of private equity. While 2021 and 2022 saw peak deal values around $50 billion, 2023 experienced a sharp decline to $26 billion. However, 2024 is already showing signs of recovery, with $36.7 billion in deals closed and an additional $7.1 billion pending. A pipeline of over $20 billion in potential deals could increase this year's total. “There has been an inexorable rise in the demand for data center capacity, driven by cloud services, social networking and a range of both consumer and enterprise digital services. The rise of generative AI is adding a further boost to demand. Specialist data center operators have either not been able to fund those investments themselves, or they were not prepared to put their balance sheets at risk,” said John Dinsdale, a Chief Analyst at Synergy Research Group. “Meanwhile, data centers are very much being viewed as long-term safe havens for investments, even during turbulent times, which has caused a huge influx in private equity. We do not anticipate that picture changing any time soon.” Since 2015, Synergy has tracked 1,381 data center M&A deals, totaling $276 billion in value, highlighting the sector's growing importance and investment appeal. Read the full press release here .

The International Data Center Authority (IDCA) has announced the addition of Mark Gusakov as Chief Certification Officer. With an extensive background that includes leadership roles at Uptime Institute, Rittal and Data Inventions, Gusakov brings deep expertise in digital infrastructure and a passion for advancing industry standards. He also serves on the Advisory Board of Nomad Futurist and chairs its Governance Committee. “After being heavily vested in a wide variety of applications serving the digital infrastructure industry for over two decades, my latest experiences have brought me to the conclusion that the future belongs to the vision IDCA is depicting and supporting for our industry", stated Mark Gusakov on the occasion of his joining. "Collaborative compliance standards are critical to a modern, holistic, and effective set of open standards that address AI, application, and Cloud needs, to bring transparency and enable simplified decision-making for end-users,” he continued. "The IDCA approach is game-changing and necessary. There is nothing else like it. IDCA is the Digital Infrastructure benchmark of excellence we have been waiting for." IDCA is known for establishing comprehensive, unbiased standards that serve as benchmarks for information management, data delivery, and digital infrastructure. With certifications spanning data centers, cloud, and IT operations, IDCA continues to lead the industry in providing the most advanced training and validation for professionals worldwide. Read the full press release here .

Connectbase, a leading global platform for buying and selling connectivity, has announced a strategic partnership with Eurofiber, a prominent provider of open digital infrastructure in Europe. This collaboration brings Eurofiber’s expansive 70,500 km fiber optic network into Connectbase’s Connected World platform, enabling seamless real-time quoting across key European markets. Eurofiber, known for its robust infrastructure across the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, will now be able to showcase its network to Connectbase’s ecosystem of over 300 global network providers spanning more than 150 countries. This partnership is designed to meet the rising demand for connectivity in Europe by offering a more efficient way to access and promote fiber services. "We are thrilled to partner with Connectbase and be part of their solution-oriented ecosystem," said Rhoderick van der Wyck , Eurofiber's Managing Director of International Business. "Together, we can fulfill our mission of continually extending our fiber and cloud connectivity for all secure and business operational-critical traffic." For Connectbase, adding Eurofiber strengthens its marketplace by giving global buyers direct access to high-quality European network options. "Eurofiber is a highly respected brand within the European markets," said Connectbase VP of EMEA Edison Smith . "It’s exciting that they have chosen to partner with Connectbase. We are seeing significant increases in demand for connectivity in Europe and adding another high-quality network provider like Eurofiber will be a great addition for our global buyers.” This collaboration is a significant step forward for both companies, as they will collaborate to simplify the process of sourcing reliable connectivity in a rapidly evolving market. Read the full press release here .

South Reach Networks (SRN), a top telecommunications provider in Florida, has launched an enhanced product suite aimed at supporting the growing Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) industry along the state’s East Coast. The updated offerings cater to connectivity providers and Homeowners Association (HOA) operators, enabling them to meet rising demand with custom interconnect solutions. This launch follows SRN’s recent collaboration with Windstream Wholesale, expanding the Beach Route Dark Fiber Alliance by 360 miles from Jacksonville to Miami. With nearly 1,400 fiber miles now spanning from Ashburn, VA to Miami, SRN’s extended reach allows it to deliver these new services to a broader customer base. As Florida’s residential growth accelerates, FTTH and triple-play providers require seamless connections to HOA communities and key peering points. SRN’s flexible infrastructure offers economical solutions by integrating fiber interconnects into its long-haul network, helping operators expand quickly and cost-effectively. “SRN’s network infrastructure products have been optimized to support these specific needs, allowing the flexibility to tailor custom interconnect solutions,” states Mike Sevret, President of South Reach Networks. “In addition to the longhaul fiber extension via the Beach Route and new FTTH Interconnect solutions, SRN is on net into over 13 strategic data centers/subsea cable stations and is establishing critical tie-ins with over 20 additional data centers that are in clear proximity to the existing SRN fiber network. These updates are a testament to SRN’s strong growth and support of key verticals that include FTTH, data centers and subsea cable operators.” With nearly half of Florida homes governed by HOAs, SRN’s strategic approach offers operators ready-built infrastructure to streamline network rollouts, reducing costs and deployment times. Read the full press release here .

Edged Data Centers is continuing its rapid North American expansion with a new ultra-efficient data center in New Albany, Ohio, located in the thriving tech hub known as the Silicon Heartland. The upcoming facility, set to be completed by July 2025, will deliver 24 MW of critical capacity, with a strong focus on sustainability through waterless cooling systems and industry-leading energy efficiency. Designed for high-density AI workloads, the New Albany center will save nearly 95 million gallons of water annually – a crucial benefit given the area’s growing water scarcity issues. Edged's use of cutting-edge cooling technology supports densities of up to 200 kW per rack, making it ideal for the demands of generative AI and other advanced computing applications. “We are on a mission to build data centers for positive impact. We are thrilled to be partnering with the New Albany community to support their thriving digital economy in a way that is sustainable and conserves precious local resources.  Our highly differentiated platform of technologies is optimized for energy efficiency, water conservation and top-tier performance,” said Bryant Farland, Chief Executive Officer for Edged. The facility aligns with the community’s values, focusing on environmental sustainability while contributing to local growth. Part of a larger North American expansion, this facility joins Edged’s growing network of sustainable data centers under construction in key cities like Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Phoenix. As Edged continues to push for greener digital infrastructure, the New Albany center is a significant step forward in their mission to build a global network of environmentally responsible data centers. Read the full press release here .