Kao Data unveils report highlighting Slough’s data centre boom as model for UK’s digital and AI future
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18 February 2026
Kao Data, a specialist developer and operator of data centres tailored for AI and advanced computing, has released a new report detailing how Slough has transformed into Europe’s largest data centre cluster and the UK’s de facto AI Growth Zone (AIGZ).
The report, titled “The Quiet Revolution: How Data Centres Remade Slough and Secured the UK’s Digital Future,” underscores Slough’s hosting of over 675 MW of hyperscale data centre capacity, supporting more than 14,000 jobs and generating over £30 million annually in business rates, significantly boosting the local economy.
Find out more Portnox extends zero trust access to eliminate passwords from enterprise console applications
18 February 2026
Portnox has announced a major expansion of its Zero Trust Network Access solution, extending credential-free access beyond web and on-premises applications to include enterprise console-based applications.
Organisations can now eliminate passwords and credentials from administrative access via Remote Desktop Protocol, Secure Shell, Virtual Network Computing, and Teletype Network. This removes the attack vector responsible for 80 per cent of data breaches whilst maintaining the frictionless user experience that has defined Portnox ZTNA. As enterprises accelerate digital transformation to support hybrid work, cloud migration, and AI adoption, every new initiative expands the attack surface faster than security teams can adapt.
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Gigabit broadband remains top priority for UK councils as digital inclusion gains focus
16 February 2026
Consultancy firm FarrPoint has published its fourth annual survey of digital leaders at councils across England, Scotland and Wales, revealing that expanding the coverage of gigabit broadband remains the top priority for most local authorities, just as it was last year.
The report, UK Local Government Connectivity Survey 2026, found that most respondents chose gigabit broadband (1000Mbps+) as their number one priority, whilst getting 100% of their area covered by at least "superfast" (30Mbps+) connectivity continues to feature as the second-highest priority for councils, followed by the expansion of 4G mobile coverage. On the flip side, ensuring digital connectivity is aligned with net-zero targets has disappeared off this year's list of priorities. Project Gigabit aims to help extend gigabit broadband ISP networks to "nationwide" coverage (c.99% of UK premises) by 2032, focusing mostly on the final 10% to 20% in hard-to-reach areas. Some 89.6% of premises can already access such a network, with Ofcom forecasting between 91% and 97% by January 2028.
Find out more AI workloads set to exceed data centre capacity by 2027
13 February 2026
A majority of senior IT and data centre leaders expect AI workloads to outstrip current capacity by 2027, as demand grows faster than new infrastructure and power connections.
That is a headline finding from Salute's State of the Industry 2026 report, based on a survey of 200 senior IT and data centre professionals in the UK and the US. The study points to mounting pressure on operators as they plan AI and high-performance computing deployments whilst managing electricity constraints and a tightening labour market.
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