Data Center News Roundup: Ransomware Attack Hits Tietoevry DCs, Industry Joins AI Research Pilot

With data center news moving faster than ever, we want to make it easy for industry professionals to cut through the noise and find the most important stories of the week.

The Data Center Knowledge News Roundup brings you the latest news and developments across the data center industry – from investments and mergers to security threats and industry trends.

To keep up to date with all things data centers, subscribe to the Data Center Knowledge newsletter to get content straight to your inbox.

Data Center Cyber-Attack 

Finnish cloud and IT services company Tietoevry said restoration work is progressing after a ransomware attack at one of its data centers impacted numerous customers in Sweden. 

On January 20, Tietoevry issued a warning that one of its data centers in Sweden had been subject to a ransomware attack. 

Among the impacted customers was Sweden’s central bank, which filed a police report after some of its IT systems were rendered inaccessible following the attack. 

As part of the fallout, movie-goers have been unable to buy tickets from Filmstaden online, hospitals’ healthcare records systems have been disrupted, and universities have been unable to access staff databases. 

In an update on Thursday (January 25), Tietoevry said it “continues to work around the clock” to restore services for impacted customers. 

Related:5 Things You Can't Automate In Your Data Center

NAIRR Pilot Program 

Across the Atlantic, the US National Science Foundation (NSF) has launched a new pilot program that aims to strengthen access to the critical resources necessary to power AI innovation. 

The National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource (NAIRR) pilot program is tasked with creating a shared AI research infrastructure that will provide US-based researchers and educators with access to advanced computing, datasets, models, and software. 

The NAIRR program has been formed through a partnership between the NSF and 10 other federal agencies, along with 25 private sector, non-profit, and philanthropic organizations, including AWS, Intel, Meta, Microsoft, Google, AMD, IBM, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, NVIDIA, and OpenAI. 

“To continue leading in AI research and development, we must create opportunities across the country to advance AI innovation and strengthen educational opportunities, empowering the nation to shape international standards and igniting economic growth,” said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan. 

New Data Center Developments 

In construction news this week, the city of Eagle Mountain in Utah will soon be home to another data center after Denver-based Tract confirmed it has acquired more than 668 acres of land west of Utah Lake. 

Related:Electricity Demand at Data Centers Could Double in Three Years

The facility will be the latest addition to the growing tech hub of Eagle Mountain, joining Meta, which is in the process of expanding its campus, and Google, which also acquired a 300-acre parcel in Eagle Mountain. 

In Europe, Maincubes is expanding in Germany with its newest data center in Frankfurt. According to the company, FRA04 is designed to meet the growing infrastructure demands of high-performance computing and artificial intelligence environments.

Eviden has been awarded a contract by the Jülich Supercomputing Centre in Germany to build the modular data center to host the Jupiter supercomputer, Europe’s first exascale system.  

Under the terms of the deal, Eviden will bring together around 50 pre-built modules – including 20 IT containers, 15 power feed containers, and 10 logistic containers – over 2,300 sq.m to form a complete turnkey data center. 

Elsewhere, the Goodman Group has outlined its expansion strategy in Asia-Pacific as it seeks to strengthen its foothold in the region's burgeoning data center market. 

The company said it has entered into agreements to deliver up to 1,000 MW of power in Japan and has started the construction of a new 50 MW data center in Tsuen Wan in Hong Kong. It also opened a new regional office in Singapore recently to support the growth of its data center business in the region. 

The news comes as AWS is reportedly planning to invest $15.2 billion to expand its cloud computing infrastructure in Japan. 

In India, meanwhile, a joint venture between Digital Realty has unveiled its inaugural data center project in the country. The 10-acre MAA10 facility in Chennai was developed in partnership with Brookfield Asset Management and Reliance Industries. 

Thirst For Power 

A new report from the International Energy Agency (IEA) this week indicates that global electricity demand from data centers, cryptocurrencies, and artificial intelligence could more than double over the next three years, adding the equivalent of Germany’s entire power needs. 

There are more than 8,000 data centers globally, with about 33% in the US, 16% in Europe, and close to 10% in China, with more planned. 

Overall global electricity demand is expected to see a 3.4% increase until 2026, the report found. The increase, however, will be more than covered by renewables, such as wind, solar, and hydro, and all-time high nuclear power.  

Other Great Reads on DCK This Week 

Modular Data Centers: When They Work, and When They Don't. While modular data centers present exciting possibilities for the industry, they aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. Explore the scenarios where they truly shine. 

A Guide to Cloud Resilience: Maximize Security, Minimize Downtime. Ensuring robust cloud resilience is crucial for business continuity and security. This guide provides a roadmap for the implementation of several key cloud resilience strategies. 

TSMC's Second Factory in Arizona Delayed as US Grants Remain in Flux. Executives said the chipmaker's second plant in Arizona will now open in 2027 or 2028. 

Hewlett Packard Enterprise Announces Hack in an SEC Filing. Cloud services firm said it was notified of a breach that allowed hackers to steal emails from its security employees. 

Cloud and Edge Computing Trends and Predictions 2024 From Industry Insiders. IT leaders and industry insiders share their cloud computing and edge computing trends and predictions for 2024.