Mission Critical in the EMEA & APAC Markets: Doing More With Less

As the demand for data centres continues to expand globally, especially in the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) and APAC (Asia-Pacific) regions, companies are focusing on smarter, more efficient solutions. Whether it’s the rise of edge computing or the need for strategic partnerships, businesses are being challenged to "do more with less" while maintaining high standards of reliability, scalability, and security.

Hyperscale vs. Edge: Divergent Client Needs

The requirements for hyperscale and edge data centres vary depending on the type of services offered and the markets being served. Hyperscale facilities, designed to support large-scale cloud services, are focused on raw processing power, storage capacity, and global reach. In contrast, edge facilities prioritise reducing latency by bringing computation and data storage closer to end-users, which is particularly important for applications like gaming, streaming, and AI.

Edge data centres are often needed to meet the rising demand for capacity and service efficiency in densely populated urban areas. These facilities aim to bring latency-sensitive services closer to the consumer, improving the overall performance of mobile and gaming applications. In regions like EMEA and APAC, where mobile connectivity and real-time services are critical, the deployment of edge solutions is growing rapidly.

When it comes to security, the approach remains consistent across both hyperscale and edge data centres. A layered security strategy is employed to align with the client’s global standards. However, edge data centres, especially those located in shared colocation facilities, face unique challenges since multiple customers share the same space. This increases the need for enhanced security protocols to ensure that each tenant’s operations remain secure.

Rising Demand for Edge Data Centres

In the EMEA and APAC markets, the demand for edge data centres has been growing, driven by the rapid expansion of mobile technology, gaming, and AI applications. These services require low-latency data processing, which is best achieved through edge computing. In particular, the increasing popularity of mobile-based applications and the need for faster data access in real-time gaming have fueled the need for distributed data centres closer to the end-users.

This trend is mirrored in industry reports such as the CBRE Global Data Centre Trends 2023, which highlight how densely populated cities in these regions are experiencing a surge in smaller, distributed data centres. These facilities not only address the need for reduced latency but also provide the flexibility to process data locally, which is crucial for applications like streaming, AI, and autonomous systems.

Strategic Partnerships: The Key to Consistency

In the highly competitive data centres market, establishing strategic partnerships is critical for maintaining consistency and quality across multiple projects. Forming strong alliances with partners ensures a smoother delivery process, particularly in mission-critical industries. These partnerships bring expertise across different regions, helping to standardise project outcomes and ensure technical excellence.

Without strategic partnerships, companies are likely to face challenges such as inconsistent project quality, a lack of standardisation, and increased internal resource strain due to the need to frequently onboard new partners. By relying on trusted, experienced partners, companies can minimise the risks of inconsistent deliverables and project delays. A collaborative approach helps maintain alignment with clients' global standards, ensuring that each project meets high-quality standards regardless of the region.

Understanding Regional Economics and Ecosystems

One of the most significant challenges for data centre projects in the EMEA and APAC regions is navigating the complex and varied economic landscapes. These markets encompass a wide range of regulatory environments, resource availability, labor markets, and cultural differences, all of which can impact the execution and success of a project. Each country, and even regions within countries, has its own unique set of regulations governing construction, energy consumption, and environmental compliance. For example, certain European countries have stringent sustainability requirements for energy use and emissions, while some APAC countries may have more relaxed standards but face greater challenges in terms of resource availability and infrastructure reliability.

The availability of materials and skilled labor also differs widely from one region to another. In some APAC markets, rapid urbanisation has led to resource scarcity and higher costs for materials like steel and concrete, which are essential for data centre construction. Conversely, in certain EMEA regions, abundant renewable energy resources, such as wind or solar, provide opportunities for data centres to integrate sustainable power solutions. This creates an opportunity to not only meet local regulatory requirements but also enhance long-term operational efficiency. Understanding these dynamics is critical to developing cost-effective, compliant, and resilient data centres.

Cultural factors also play an essential role in how projects are executed. Business practices, decision-making processes, and communication styles can vary significantly across the EMEA and APAC regions. In certain countries, obtaining the necessary permits and regulatory approvals may require extensive negotiation with local authorities, while in others, a clear regulatory framework simplifies the approval process. Similarly, local partnerships may be required to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and ensure smooth project progression.

In these diverse markets, it is crucial to support clients by leveraging both internal expertise and strategic partnerships. These partnerships allow businesses to tap into local knowledge, ensuring that projects are adapted to specific regulatory, economic, and cultural contexts. For example, a strong regional partner might have established relationships with government officials or suppliers, helping to mitigate delays and ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Optimising Resources for Success

In an industry where efficiency and scalability are paramount, companies operating in the EMEA and APAC data centre markets must focus on doing more with less. This is driving the shift toward edge computing and smaller data centre footprints. By deploying edge facilities, companies can provide enhanced services with fewer resources, reducing the need for large, centralised data centres while still meeting the demands of urban populations.

Sustainability is also playing an increasingly important role in data centre design and operation. As companies seek to reduce their environmental footprint, there is growing pressure to adopt greener technologies and practices. Industry reports emphasise the importance of incorporating sustainability into data centre operations, particularly as regulations and consumer expectations push for more environmentally responsible solutions.

TEECOM Can Help

At TEECOM, we understand the complexities of the EMEA and APAC data centre markets and are committed to helping our clients navigate these challenges. With decades of experience and a proven track record in mission-critical infrastructure, we offer expert guidance in optimising data centre performance through strategic partnerships, tailored design solutions, and a deep understanding of regional nuances. 

From hyperscale, colocation, and edge data centres to industrial and manufacturing facilities, we establish efficiencies across projects by maintaining a programmatic approach. We develop consistency across multi-facility expansion portfolios with thorough technology standards and documentation. Our mission critical subject matter experts incorporate capacity forecasting, lifecycle expenses, and operational profitability as we drive designs forward. Our dedicated international teams adapt to regional codes and localise designs to meet site-specific requirements.

Whether you’re looking to deploy edge facilities, enhance your security measures, or improve operational efficiency, contact us to see how we can help.