Intelligent Data Centres Issue 19 | Page 6

NEWS Kao Data named as latest Foundation Partner of Infrastructure Masons ao Data, a specialist developer K and operator of advanced data centres for high performance computing, cloud, AI and enterprise, has announced it has become a Foundation Partner of Infrastructure Masons (iMasons). iMasons is a global, non-profit association that unites industry professionals and business leaders who represent over US$150 billion in digital infrastructure projects in over 130 countries. “I’m delighted to welcome Kao Data as an iMason Foundation Partner,” said Dean Nelson, iMasons Founder and Chairman. “Kao Data is closely aligned with the social investment values of iMasons, including promoting and driving sustainable digital infrastructure.” Additionally, Paul Finch, Interim CEO and COO, Kao Data, has joined the iMasons Advisory Council, contributing his insight and experience into data centre cooling, energy efficiency and sustainability, which have become an increasingly important focus in the sector over the last decade. He said: “It is a privilege to be appointed to the iMasons Advisory Council. Now, more than ever, our industry provides the foundations that ensure global businesses can continue to operate without interruption. As the world becomes more dependent on connected technologies, demands for digital services will only increase and with them, so will energy usage. Through technical excellence and innovation, our sector must work together and ensure that we design, build and operate data centres with greater energy efficiency, doing our part to minimise the impact of their emissions.” Vantage Data Centers acquires UK-based Next Generation Data (NGD) antage Data Centers, a V leading global provider of hyperscale data centre campuses, has announced it has closed its acquisition of Next Generation Data (NGD) from InfraVia along with the two founders of NGD. Cardiff marks Vantage’s sixth European market following its acquisition of Etix Everywhere and entrance into Berlin, Frankfurt, Milan, Warsaw and Zurich in February 2020. “The acceleration of Digital Transformation that continues to be at the forefront of our global economy emphasises the need for reliable data centre capacity that can scale quickly to meet skyrocketing demand,” said Sureel Choksi, President and CEO, Vantage Data Centers. “Vantage is excited to enter the UK market and is committed to growing around the world in locations that are most critical to our hyperscale and cloud customers.” The acquisition provides Vantage’s customers with access to Europe’s largest data centre campus, which is in the Cardiff Capital Region of South Wales. The campus totals 180MW, including an existing 72MW facility and 108MW of expansion capacity. Joining Vantage Europe is the NGD team, including former CEO, Justin Jenkins, who will serve as Chief Operating Officer of Vantage Europe and President of Vantage UK. 6 Issue 19 www.intelligentdatacentres.com