Relton Booysen AGA(SA), SIMFO’s Post

Data Centres are now recognised as CNI in UK. In a major move for the tech industry, data centres in the UK have officially been classified as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). This marks a significant shift in how the UK views the importance of these facilities in supporting everything from business operations to national security. The UK government’s recognition outlines the vital role data centres play in powering services such as cloud computing, financial transactions, healthcare, and communication. With this new classification, data centres are now subject to stricter regulations and oversight, ensuring their resilience in the face of emerging challenges such as cyber threats, natural disasters, and global supply chain issues. As our reliance on digital technologies grows, this move ensures that our data infrastructure is safeguarded, resilient, and capable of supporting the UK's digital economy for years to come. For Very interesting read with some great insight from Douglas L. Dame Dawn Childs DBE FREng Peter Grimmond and Ian Jeffs, take a read: https://lnkd.in/e3xx2GHU #DataCentres #CloudComputing #Innovation

"The Engines of Modern Life" – Finally Recognized! The UK government has officially designated data centers as critical infrastructure—a pivotal recognition of their role in underpinning today’s digital economy. These hubs are the backbone of everything from cloud computing to AI, financial markets, and global communication. But what does this mean for the market? Will we see heightened investment in UK-based data centers,or stricter regulations around energy and sustainability? And how might this shift influence global players in where they build future capacity? As we enter this new phase, the potential ripple effects on investment, regulation, and operations could be substantial. The landscape is evolving, and it's time to watch closely. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eDpfj8AQ. #DataCenters #CriticalInfrastructure #DigitalEconomy #TechInvestments #Sustainability #UK #DCmarket #Expand #Expandgroup #Expandyourcareer

Google's recent investments in digital infrastructure and security in Africa mark a transformative step towards accelerating economic growth and deepening resilience. The introduction of #Umoja, a pioneering fibre optic route linking Africa directly with Australia, promises to enhance connectivity across the continent, from major urban centres to remote regions. This initiative strengthens Africa's digital backbone and demonstrates Google Cloud's commitment to innovation in the region. In addition to expanding connectivity, #Google's partnerships with African governments and organisations aim to bolster cybersecurity, support digital upskilling, and promote local innovation through AI and digital health initiatives. These efforts are set to empower businesses, governments, and communities across Africa, driving sustainable development and ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation reach every corner of the continent. Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q02GVFTb0. #Deimos #CloudPartner #GoogleCloudPartner

The Philippines' Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is advocating for an increased budget to enhance data center infrastructure in the country. This initiative aims to strengthen the digital economy and improve services across various sectors. By investing in robust data centers, the DICT seeks to ensure better data management and security. The proposal underscores the government's commitment to advancing technology and digital transformation in the Philippines. https://lnkd.in/ecfHuvjn #Philippines #DataCenters #ICT #DigitalEconomy #Infrastructure #Technology #DataManagement #GovernmentInitiative #DigitalTransformation #BudgetIncrease #UnderstandingEnterpriseTech #EnterpriseTechnologyNow #EnterpriseTechnologyToday

With data centers now recognised as critical national infrastructure, the UK government has prioritised them alongside sectors like energy, finance, and emergency services.  In a recent article, BBC highlighted that this new classification not only enhances their protection but also prompts a crucial focus on sustainable development, and physical fortification, helping to build resilient infrastructure. As data centers rapidly expand to meet increasing AI and cloud demands, they also present unique environmental and physical security challenges. At Critec, we continually seek new ways to safeguard them—combining robust strategies with innovative approaches that address both security and environmental impact. To know more read the full article published by BBC here - https://lnkd.in/e8F-exXe #security #securityindustry #data #datacenter #safeguard #criticalnationalinfrastructure #sustainable #development #securitychallenges #article

EU Digital & Tech is working on that! Maybe several years behind ? For the first time, Member States submitted to the Commission national roadmaps, detailing their planned actions to reach the #2030DigitalDecade targets. The Commission published country-specific and cross-cutting recommendations for every #EU Member State to address the identified shortcomings. In general, the Commission recommends to all Member States to take action in: a) Connectivity infrastructure b) Cybersecurity c) Sustainability d) Cloud e) Roadmaps. Member States have to review and adjust their national roadmaps before 2 December 2024. https://lnkd.in/diShsuKn

This week we submitted our response to the European Commission’s consultation on its White Paper "How to master Europe's digital infrastructure needs”. The White Paper is significant since it seeks to outline the EC’s vision for digital infrastructure and accompanying regulations. Unfortunately, it also represents a continuation of the so-called “fair share”-debate and the issue of network fees, which has been debated and rejected in the past. We encourage all stakeholders to read the White Paper and share their views in the consultation. Below are our key points and link to our submission: -The White Paper’s proposal to expand current regulations scope of application is based on a flawed premise of a “convergence” between connectivity and cloud services, What we see is actors taking advantage of new technologies and the flexibility, cost savings, and scalability of cloud computing infrastructure - not some fundamental change to existing markets that would motivate such proposal. -The proposed dispute resolution mechanism for interconnections lacks justification and represents the implementation of a “Fair Share” mechanism. The introduction of such mechanism would risk harming the Internet and its users, and was forcefully rejected in the Commission’s 2023 consultation. -The White Paper is narrowly focused on the perspective of large telecom operators and neglects important issues of competition and user demands. Full submission: https://lnkd.in/dec3s9a4

ICYMI: The policy seeks to accelerate the rollout of digital infrastructure to ensure fast, secure and reliable broadband connectivity in South Africa.

UK Classifies Data Centres as Critical National Infrastructure – A Smart Move! The UK government’s recent move to classify data centres as critical infrastructure is a forward-thinking decision that underscores the vital role data centres play in our digital economy and national security. With data volumes growing exponentially and the increasing reliance on digital services,recognising these facilities has never been more important. 🇮🇪 Ireland, with its thriving data centre industry, should be following suit. By endorsing data centres as critical infrastructure, we can enhance resilience, attract further investment, and ensure the security of our digital backbone. Let’s take proactive steps to protect our digital future! 💡 #DataCentres #CriticalInfrastructure #DigitalEconomy https://lnkd.in/eNdMuTj4

The rise of sovereign clouds in the #APAC region is reshaping the digital landscape. Learn how this trend could affect your business strategy and operations in this must-read article by Network World. https://lnkd.in/eFThKF-i #sovereigncloud