DataQube has secured 26million Euros from French investment management company, RGREEN INVEST to develop a 5G-ready self-contained edge data centre system that is sustainable, affordable and fully operational within a 6-month timeframe.
DataQube’s person-free layout offers a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to legacy edge computing infrastructures because the energy transfer is dedicated solely to powering computers. Moreover, feasibility studies have demonstrated that DataQube cuts down power consumption and C02 emissions more than 50% due to its ability to support a greater IT load per sqm. The novel solution also features a range of cooling options, including next generation immersive cooling in its core internal infrastructure that permit further consumption and emission savings. The system’s optimal use of space combined with its augmented IT capacity also makes for a smaller physical footprint since less land, less power and fewer raw materials are needed from the outset, setting a new standard in the industry.
DataQube is also 5G-enabled to deliver high-performance, low latency and interconnectivity capabilities at the edge in a robust, standalone unit that is scalable, customisable, and configurable in line with end customer requirements. Moreover, DataQube’s flexible and person-free design architecture supports large-and small-scale projects, from a single pod of less than 1kw to a module size of 1mw. This enables a robust, standalone, and diverse IT solution to be delivered at the edge with resilient infrastructure, high performance compute (HPC), lowest PUE and intelligence-based security technology. DataQube is also buildable in line with any configuration, shape (L or E shapes for example), and size requirement, with the option of curved corners, if needed. This removes the need for an infrastructure overhaul in many instances, which reduces install times lead-times and raw materials needed.
The DataQube story
Before 5G networks can be rolled out at scale and the digital services they are expected to support can go mainstream, significant investment is needed to overhaul existing telco infrastructure to incorporate the necessary IT and cloud computing infrastructure for seamless data processing. The carriers and telco companies need an affordable means of achieving this with minimal disruption to their subscribers and network services. Current options are limited to traditional data centres, containerised data centres or purpose-built on premises facilities, all of which require real estate and huge upfront capex.
By far the biggest challenge for telco companies are existing equipment layouts, which are complex due to the required data backhaul, making them both complicated and expensive to replace. Any disruption to coverage can have serious repercussions on commercial cellular services as well as IoT applications (access control, CCTV, smart production lines, smart factories, smart infrastructure etc) reliant on cellular connectivity.
DataQube has been designed in such a way that existing equipment and infrastructures (baseband units for example) can remain in situ, thus removing the need for an equipment overhaul. Unique to the DataQube system is its ability to take on multiple shape and configuration formats (U, F, L etc.) and the necessary HPC needed for cloud computing can be deployed around preinstalled infrastructure in person-free units that are sterile and secure. DataQube is the only data centre provider able to offer such a scalable and flexible solution that can deployed with minimal technical risk and/or disruption to service, making it a highly compelling proposition from both capex and sustainability perspectives.
Innovative qualities
DataQube comprises two innovative elements:
- Its ability to take on multiple shape and configuration formats in line with existing equipment/infrastructure setups
- Its person-free layout which maximises IT load per sqm in sustainable way by reducing the amount of cooling infrastructure needed, thus lowering overall PUE from day one.
Unlike other edge data centre systems DataQube can take on multiple shape and configuration formats in line complex preinstalled equipment layouts. Any shape is possible and curved corners are feasible if the location and/or building type dictates this. The necessary HPC needed for cloud computing and interconnectivity between IoT devices and different data clusters can be deployed around existing telco equipment, thus the raw materials needed. DataQube is the only data centre provider that has developed such a scalable and flexible solution that can deployed with minimal technical risk and/or disruption to service. Each DataQube unit is pre-supplied with the necessary server racks, power network cabling thus simplifying overall installation. The required HPC can be built and configured offsite and slotted into DataQube, “self-assembly style” which cuts back on transport costs, fossil fuel consumed etc.
DataQube’s person-free design and scalable architecture makes the system easily adaptable to meet the requirements of a range of user cases. Its stand-alone modules system can house HPC servers and cooling infrastructures typically associated with hyperscalers in a sterile edge environment. Individual units are configurable to enable chilled water and/or DX cooling mechanisms and/or hot and cold aisle containment that can be powered by conventional fuel sources, roof-mounted solar panels, or a combination of both, thus optimising overall energy usage.
Over and above these commonly deployed temperature control methods, DataQube also supports immersive cooling technology. This cutting-edge liquid cooling technique significantly reduces heat and noise discharge which in turn reduces overall power consumption. Not only that, any surplus energy may be reused for district heating, making the system truly sustainable.
The DataQube team
DataQube concept was born out of a recognised need identified by a syndicate of industry experts who understood the impact 5G, IoT and AI will have on data analysis and storage methods. As digital services and automation gain foothold, existing data centre infrastructures will be unable to cope with the vast amounts of data generated and an alternative approach to edge computing is needed if processing is to be seamless, accurate and sustainable and the industry is to become carbon neutral. The team collectively has over 80 years’ experience in digital infrastructures and have long standing relationships with key suppliers in the data centre supply chain.
David Keegan: CEO
A highly skilled, dynamic, qualified, and proven senior C-Suite executive with a demonstrable record of delivering data centres and technology solutions having designed, built, and managed more than 40m sq. ft. ($20bn) of data centre white technical space globally. These projects are from brownfield traditional build (ware- house type facilities), retrofit existing buildings, modular build, edge facilities with supporting technology solutions. Well rounded, operationally strong, financially aware, commercially astute, with excellent influencing and communication skills, capable of fully motivating all team members. Having the gravitas and reputation to act as a figure head for the business, and provide clients, stakeholders, investors and business partners with the appropriate reference points and confidence.
Tim Williams: Finance director
A proven CFO, most recently instrumental in the 100% sale to private equity of the world’s leading tall women’s fashion retailer Long Tall Sally following the successful turnaround of the company through both international acquisition and organic growth. Historically career has predominantly focussed on omni-channel retail both from client and service sides with roles covering Finance, IT and Operations at Innovations catalogues, the Cotswold Company and Just Data Systems. More recently focusing on portfolio FD work before starting with DataQube.
Steve Pass: COO
Steve has a unique combination of strong commercial, operational and change expertise; with a persistent, rigorous focus on the end game and delivering measurable business results. Specialising in Data Centres, Cloud, Security, and the applications / IT solutions contained within. Steve has decades of experience covering the full life cycle of a data centre, from design & build, operate/transform and exit/decommission as well as in-depth understanding of Digital Transformation, Cloud solutions and technology debt / cost management.
Philippe Rechsteiner: CFO
Philippe has over 25 years’ experience as a skilled business strategist. Before joining DataQube he was employed as Group CFO of Etix Everywhere where he sparked an impressive recovery that led to the firm’s acquisition by Vantage Data Centres Europe in February 2020, and during his time there, he also closed a jumbo multi-currencies credit facility. Philippe received his MBA in Finance and Banking and a Master of Arts in International Business, Trade and Tax Law from the University Paris X.
