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Not long ago, bare metal servers were considered outdated—a relic of an earlier era in computing. But fast forward to 2025, and they’re back in the spotlight, thanks in large part to artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing (HPC). The raw power, isolation, and customizability of bare metal are proving essential for AI workloads, and DevOps teams are taking notice.As organizations prioritize performance, cost control, and data sovereignty, bare metal offers a powerful alternative to traditional cloud VMs. Especially for workloads like deep learning, inference, and GPU-intensive training models, bare metal can outperform virtualized environments and provide greater transparency into performance.In this blog, we explore how AI is driving the resurgence of bare metal, what this means for DevOps teams, and how to leverage bare metal effectively in your infrastructure strategy.Why Bare Metal Is Making a Comeback1. Performance Without OverheadUnlike virtual machines, bare metal doesn’t have a hypervisor layer, which means no resource contention or virtualization tax. This is critical for:AI model trainingGPU-intensive tasksReal-time analyticsLatency-sensitive applications2. Custom Hardware ConfigurationsAI use cases often require:High memory-to-core ratiosSpecialized GPUs (NVIDIA A100, H100, etc.)NVMe storageBare metal gives DevOps teams the freedom to tailor hardware to specific workloads.3. Predictable Cost and PerformanceWith fixed hardware, you get consistent throughput and latency—no noisy neighbors. This predictability is vital when optimizing ML pipelines and tuning performance.4. Data Sovereignty and SecurityFor industries handling sensitive data (healthcare, finance, defense), bare metal offers physical isolation, stronger compliance alignment, and lower risk of shared infrastructure vulnerabilities.AI Workloads That Benefit from Bare MetalBare metal is particularly well-suited for the following AI applications:Large Language Model (LLM) TrainingComputer VisionAutonomous SystemsSpeech Recognition and SynthesisRecommendation EnginesAI-Powered Simulation and ModelingThese workloads typically demand high-performance GPUs, fast I/O, and minimal interruptions—a perfect match for bare metal environments.How DevOps Teams Can Leverage Bare Metal1. Infrastructure as Code for Bare MetalModern DevOps teams can manage bare metal just like cloud:Use Terraform, Pulumi, or Ansible to provision servers.Tools like Tinkerbell, MAAS, and Razor automate physical provisioning.Combine with GitOps workflows for deployment automation.2. Kubernetes on Bare MetalRun containerized workloads with the performance of metal:Bare metal Kubernetes offers better GPU scheduling and less overhead.Tools like MetalLB, Cilium, and Rancher simplify networking and cluster management.3. Hybrid Cloud with Bare Metal EdgeBare metal at the edge provides compute close to users and devices:Ideal for autonomous vehicles, retail analytics, and smart factoriesEdge-native platforms like Equinix Metal, Packet, and Ridge support global bare metal deployments4. CI/CD for Hardware-Centric WorkloadsUse CI/CD pipelines to deploy to bare metal environments:Integrate GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, or Jenkins for automated builds and testsUse hooks for hardware provisioning, BIOS/firmware checks, and OS installationComparing Bare Metal and Cloud VMs for AI WorkloadsWhen evaluating infrastructure for AI, DevOps teams must weigh performance, cost, security, and scalability. Here's howbare metal serverscompare tocloud virtual machines (VMs)in key categories:PerformanceBare Metal: Offers the highest performance since there’s no hypervisor layer. Ideal for compute-intensive tasks like AI model training and real-time analytics.Cloud VMs: Generally provide good performance, but virtualization introduces overhead and potential resource contention.CostBare Metal: Typically comes with predictable pricing. You pay for dedicated hardware, which avoids surprise costs or billing spikes.Cloud VMs: Operate on a pay-as-you-go model, which is flexible but can result in unexpected charges during peak usage.CustomizationBare Metal: Provides full control over hardware configurations. You can specify GPU models, memory, storage, and networking to match AI workload needs.Cloud VMs: Limited to predefined instance types. Customization is minimal compared to physical servers.SecurityBare Metal: Offers physical isolation, reducing the risk of multi-tenant vulnerabilities. Preferred for sensitive workloads.Cloud VMs: Operate in multi-tenant environments, which can introduce security and compliance concerns depending on the application.GPU FlexibilityBare Metal: Enables custom GPU configurations, including advanced setups like multi-GPU interconnects or dedicated PCIe lanes.Cloud VMs: Provide access to GPUs via fixed instance types, which may limit configuration flexibility.ScalabilityBare Metal: Hardware provisioning can take longer, which impacts scalability for dynamic workloads.Cloud VMs: Highly scalable with near-instant provisioning, ideal for bursty or unpredictable workloads.Common Bare Metal Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them1. Provisioning DelaysSolution: Use APIs and IaC tools to automate setup2. UnderutilizationSolution: Consolidate workloads and use container orchestration for efficiency3. Monitoring and LoggingSolution: Integrate with Prometheus, Grafana, and ELK Stack to maintain visibility4. Scalability LimitsSolution: Combine bare metal with cloud-native autoscaling in hybrid architecturesBare Metal Providers to Watch in 2025DedicatedNodes: Custom bare metal with edge locations and GPU configurationsEquinix Metal: API-driven global bare metal infrastructureOVHcloud: High-performance, cost-effective hardware in Europe and North AmericaPhoenixNAP: Specialized GPU and AI-ready serversOracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Bare Metal: Integration with high-speed networking and block storageThe DevOps Mindset for Bare MetalTo succeed with bare metal, DevOps teams should:Embrace automation at every layerTreat infrastructure like code, even if it’s physicalMonitor resource consumption rigorouslyBuild modular, portable deployment workflowsStay on top of firmware, OS, and driver updatesFuture Trends: AI + Bare Metal + EdgeComposable Infrastructure: Dynamically assemble compute, storage, and GPU resourcesAI Workload Scheduling: Advanced schedulers optimize GPU clustersLiquid Cooling: Reduces power consumption and improves densityAI on ARM Servers: Low-power, high-efficiency alternatives to x86-based hardwareAI isn’t just transforming software—it’s reshaping infrastructure priorities. As DevOps teams strive to meet growing demands for speed, scale, and intelligence, bare metal offers a compelling solution.By combining the best of both worlds—cloud-like automation with physical performance control—bare metal is shedding its legacy image and becoming a strategic asset in the age of AI.DevOps teams ready to embrace this evolution will gain a competitive edge in deploying smarter, faster, and more secure infrastructure.Stay tuned as we explore the next frontier: where bare metal meets AI at the edge.

When discussing global data center growth, the conversation often centers around hotspots like Northern Virginia, Frankfurt, Singapore, or Dublin. But quietly, efficiently, and sustainably, the Nordic region has emerged as one of the most powerful players in the digital infrastructure space.Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland are attracting hyperscalers and colocation providers with their renewable energy surplus, cool climates, political stability, and advanced digital infrastructure. The Nordics offer a model of sustainable and cost-effective data center deployment that many other regions are beginning to study—and envy.In this blog, we’ll explore why the Nordics have become Europe’s silent data center powerhouse, highlight major developments, and examine how their approach could influence global trends in energy-efficient digital infrastructure.Why the Nordics Are Ideal for Data Centers1. Abundant Renewable EnergyThe Nordics are powered by nature. Hydroelectric power dominates in Norway and Iceland, while Sweden and Finland utilize wind, hydro, and biomass. This makes carbon-neutral and even carbon-negative data center operations possible.Norway: 98% of electricity from hydroIceland: 100% renewable (hydro + geothermal)Sweden: Strong mix of hydro, wind, and nuclear2. Naturally Cool ClimateThe cold weather significantly reduces the need for mechanical cooling. This leads to energy savings, reduced PUE (power usage effectiveness), and lower operational costs.3. Political and Economic StabilityThe Nordic countries rank among the most politically stable and least corrupt in the world. This ensures long-term investment security for hyperscalers and enterprise operators.4. High-Speed ConnectivityThe region is well-connected via subsea fiber cables to mainland Europe, North America, and Asia. This includes the Arctic Connect project, which will provide low-latency connections to East Asia via the Arctic route.5. Incentives and Government SupportGovernments in the Nordics actively support the data center industry through:Lower energy taxes for data centersFast-track permittingInvestment grants and land development assistanceKey Country HighlightsSwedenSweden is one of the top data center markets in the Nordics thanks to its robust power grid, strong sustainability profile, and fast-track permitting for hyperscale facilities.Notable Projects:Facebook’s massive data center campus in LuleåEcoDataCenter in Falun, powered entirely by renewable energy and recycling heat to nearby homesNorwayWith the world’s cleanest electricity grid and deep fjords that enable subsea cable landings, Norway is becoming a hub for green, large-scale compute infrastructure.Notable Projects:Green Mountain’s underground data center in a former NATO bunkerBulk Infrastructure’s N01 campus in Kristiansand, connected via subsea cables to the U.S. and UKFinlandFinland's strategic location between Europe and Asia, along with its excellent power infrastructure, makes it an attractive site for latency-sensitive operations.Notable Projects:Yandex and Equinix data centers in HelsinkiPlans for large-scale AI and HPC facilities near the Russian borderDenmarkDenmark has drawn hyperscalers like Apple, Facebook, and Google, largely due to its green power grid and strong data privacy regulations aligned with EU GDPR.Notable Projects:Apple’s $1 billion data center campus in FoulumFacebook and Google facilities powered by on-site solar and windIcelandIceland offers 100% renewable energy and nearly year-round free cooling. It’s ideal for energy-intensive workloads like blockchain, AI training, and archival storage.Notable Projects:Verne Global’s data center in Keflavík, optimized for HPC workloadsAtNorth’s sustainability-focused colocation campusesSustainability LeadershipThe Nordics are setting the global bar for green data center practices:Ultra-low PUE scores as low as 1.07Carbon-negative options through grid feed-in and heat recyclingCircular economy principles, including waste heat used to warm buildingsData center transparency, with most providers publishing real-time energy metricsThese practices align with the environmental goals of hyperscalers like Google, AWS, and Microsoft, who are looking to decarbonize their infrastructure portfolios.Challenges Facing the NordicsDespite their advantages, the Nordics face some limitations:1. Distance from Major Population CentersCompared to central Europe or North America, the Nordics are farther from many end users, making them less ideal for latency-sensitive workloads.2. Harsh Terrain and LogisticsIn rural or Arctic areas, construction is more complex and dependent on specialized logistics and seasonal weather conditions.3. Limited Workforce AvailabilitySome rural zones may lack skilled data center technicians, requiring training programs or talent relocation.The Nordics as a Model for the FutureAs sustainability, energy efficiency, and resilience become top priorities in digital infrastructure, the Nordic model is gaining global attention. Their approach offers several lessons:Green by design: Build where clean energy is abundant, not just retrofitted.Holistic site selection: Consider climate, tax, grid, and geopolitical factors.Community integration: Recycle waste heat, support local infrastructure, and provide public transparency.These principles are influencing site strategies in North America, Asia, and the Middle East, where environmental pressures are growing.The Role of the Nordics in a Multi-Cloud WorldIn today’s distributed cloud landscape, the Nordics serve as:Archival and cold storage hubs for compliance-heavy industriesAI and HPC compute centers where energy efficiency is crucialDisaster recovery sites thanks to low natural hazard riskSustainable nodes in global multi-cloud and hybrid strategiesThe Nordic countries may not shout the loudest, but their impact on the data center world is profound. With unmatched sustainability credentials, stable infrastructure, and forward-thinking governments, the region is quietly powering the backbones of cloud, AI, and global connectivity.As digital demands continue to soar, the world may start looking north for inspiration—and investment. For operators seeking a truly sustainable and future-proof location, the Nordics are no longer just an option. They’re a blueprint.Stay with us as we explore the next evolution of data center growth—from Arctic bunkers to AI-ready campuses—shaped by the cool, clean, and quietly revolutionary Nordics.

The Rise of Rural Digital InfrastructureIn 2025, the data center industry is no longer confined to the dense, high-cost footprints of major metropolitan areas. As demand accelerates for AI training, cloud services, content delivery, and real-time applications, operators are pursuing new frontiers: rural regions with scalable, cost-effective, and energy-efficient potential.These areas—once considered edge outposts—are now central to long-term infrastructure strategies. With abundant land, access to renewable power, pro-growth tax incentives, and expanding fiber networks, rural America is evolving into a core engine for digital infrastructure. This report explores six rural hotspots that are leading the charge and attracting billions in investment this year.1. Rural VirginiaExpanding Beyond AshburnAshburn remains the data center capital of the United States, but neighboring rural counties are emerging as high-potential alternatives. Regions such as Prince Edward, Mecklenburg, Pittsylvania, and Halifax now offer operators access to the same Northern Virginia fiber ecosystem at a fraction of the cost.What Makes It Attractive:Direct proximity to Ashburn's robust fiber backboneSignificantly lower land acquisition and utility costsAggressive state and county-level tax incentivesAccess to solar and biomass energy developmentsKey Developments:Microsoft’s Boydton campus, now exceeding $1 billion in investmentPre-zoned data center parks designed to accelerate constructionPower capacity upgrades through Dominion Energy partnerships2. The DakotasThe Frontier of Renewable Edge ComputingNorth and South Dakota are fast becoming renewable energy powerhouses for the digital economy. These states combine minimal natural disaster risk with some of the lowest power rates in the country—driven by massive wind generation capacity and underutilized grid infrastructure.What Makes It Attractive:Among the lowest commercial electricity costs in the U.S.National leaders in wind energy generation and land availabilityNaturally cool climates that reduce mechanical cooling costsSupportive rural broadband initiatives and fiber expansionKey Developments:Applied Digital's advanced data center in Ellendale, powered by renewablesEmerging fiber partnerships between state governments and private ISPsGrowing interest in modular and edge deployments from AI firms3. Rural TexasFrom Oil Fields to Fiber FieldsWhile Dallas, Houston, and Austin are well-established tech hubs, rural Texas is powering a new wave of digital infrastructure. West, East, and Central Texas counties are leveraging their energy independence, business-friendly policies, and massive tracts of land to welcome hyperscale and AI-focused deployments.What Makes It Attractive:Independent ERCOT grid enables customized power agreementsTexas leads the U.S. in installed wind and solar capacityStrategic central location between coastal data corridorsFavorable permitting environment and low development overheadKey Developments:Lancium’s renewable-powered data campus in East TexasMeta’s land and power procurement in West TexasStatewide expansion of modular edge and AI compute clusters4. Northern NevadaSilicon Valley’s Scalable NeighborJust across the border from California, Northern Nevada offers a compelling mix of proximity to the Bay Area, lower costs, and renewable energy options. With no corporate or personal income tax, it has become a prime destination for cloud providers and enterprise operators seeking scale without the overhead of California regulation.What Makes It Attractive:Favorable tax environment and low cost of doing businessStrong availability of geothermal and solar energy sourcesClose to major tech markets including Silicon Valley and SacramentoSignificant investment in data center-ready industrial parksKey Developments:Apple’s $4 billion Reno facility expansionGoogle and Tesla activity at the Tahoe-Reno Industrial CenterSwitch’s SUPERNAP Las Vegas mega campus continuing to grow5. Rural GeorgiaThe Southeast’s Infrastructure EngineGeorgia has made strategic investments in rural broadband, clean energy, and workforce development, positioning it as a fast-rising player in the Southeast data center landscape. Counties outside Atlanta—such as LaGrange, Dublin, and Douglas—are now welcoming major projects.What Makes It Attractive:High-capacity fiber routes extending through southern GeorgiaSolar farm expansion supported by state and municipal utilitiesIncentives for clean energy and tech-based rural revitalizationTechnical training programs feeding data center labor needsKey Developments:Meta’s $800 million facility in Stanton SpringsElectric Cities of Georgia partnerships enabling shared infrastructureRegional push for edge data deployments to support local industries6. Ohio’s Rural CorridorHeartland Hosting for the CloudOhio is leveraging its central U.S. location, robust power infrastructure, and fiber expansion to turn rural counties into key hubs for cloud and AI workloads. With close proximity to Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C., latency performance is strong—and costs are low.What Makes It Attractive:Strategic location for east-west and north-south data trafficEnhanced broadband connectivity across Appalachian OhioLow-cost power with upgraded reliability and redundancyData center-friendly policy landscape and grant programsKey Developments:Amazon Web Services expansion in New Albany and beyondMajor fiber corridor build-outs through underserved countiesStrong collaboration between state agencies and hyperscalersHonorable MentionsWestern Pennsylvania: Building on Pittsburgh’s AI, robotics, and university research foundationRural Illinois: Growing interest in edge deployments outside Chicago’s metroSouthern Oregon: Access to hydroelectric power and a cool climate supports clean colocation growthRural is the New ScalableThe rural data center boom is not a passing trend—it is a structural evolution of the global digital infrastructure landscape. These emerging hotspots offer operators and investors something urban markets increasingly cannot: space, power, flexibility, and long-term viability. In 2025, the heartland is becoming theheartbeat of the cloud.Whether you're a hyperscaler seeking AI-ready land and power, or a colocation provider looking to serve edge workloads with low overhead, these rural regions provide a compelling foundation for expansion. As technology decentralizes and data needs explode, the next great opportunity lies far from the skyline—in the soil, sun, and silicon of rural America.

Ashburn, Virginia, is often dubbed "Data Center Alley" for its dense concentration of digital infrastructure—but there’s more to the story. While Ashburn has become synonymous with global internet traffic, rural areas throughout Virginia are beginning to play an equally vital, though quieter, role in powering the internet.From repurposed farmland in Prince Edward County to the rolling hills of southwest Virginia, data center developers are planting roots beyond the Beltway. These rural areas are helping hyperscalers, colocation providers, and enterprise operators tap into more land, more power, and lower costs—without sacrificing proximity to the densely networked corridors of Northern Virginia.Why Rural Virginia?1. Proximity to Ashburn’s Fiber CoreRural Virginia’s close proximity to the world’s busiest internet hub allows new data centers to interconnect with Ashburn's rich fiber ecosystem while benefiting from lower real estate and operating costs.2. Plentiful, Affordable LandAs land prices in Ashburn and surrounding areas continue to rise, developers are turning to rural counties where expansive parcels are more readily available and significantly more affordable.3. Reliable and Growing Power SupplyRural regions offer opportunities to build near substations and transmission lines with fewer permitting roadblocks. Additionally, Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power are expanding renewable energy options tailored for data centers.4. Favorable Tax IncentivesVirginia offers tax exemptions for data center equipment, and many counties sweeten the deal with local incentives for job creation, investment, and energy efficiency.5. Resilient Climate and Low Disaster RiskMuch of rural Virginia is safe from earthquakes, wildfires, and hurricanes, making it ideal for mission-critical infrastructure.The New Data Center Frontier: Key Regions1. Prince William and Fauquier CountiesJust west of Ashburn, these counties offer more space and slightly lower land prices while remaining well-connected to Northern Virginia's fiber infrastructure. Hyperscalers are actively seeking land here to support spillover from Loudoun County.2. Prince Edward CountyOnce reliant on tobacco farming, this central Virginia county is redefining itself with tech-driven investment. It offers affordable land and existing infrastructure suitable for mid-size data center developments.3. Southern Virginia (Danville, Martinsville, and Pittsylvania County)Southern Virginia is leveraging its history of manufacturing and textile industries to pivot toward digital infrastructure. With access to workforce training programs and strong electrical grids, this region is ripe for transformation.4. Southwest VirginiaAppalachian counties are embracing tech with support from public-private partnerships. Fiber upgrades and federal broadband funding are enhancing the region’s attractiveness to edge and modular data center providers.Infrastructure Investments Driving GrowthBroadband ExpansionState-backed and federally funded programs like the Virginia Telecommunication Initiative (VATI) are bringing fiber to unserved rural areas, making remote data center locations more viable.Renewable Energy ProjectsSolar and wind projects are expanding in rural counties to meet growing demand for clean power. Companies are signing Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to ensure data centers are environmentally responsible.Transportation AccessWhile rural, many of these areas are strategically located near highways and railroads, enabling the efficient transport of construction materials and equipment.Use Cases and Benefits of Rural Deployment1. Edge Computing EnablementRural data centers bring compute power closer to end users, reducing latency for applications such as IoT, AR/VR, and autonomous systems. This is especially important in agricultural, logistics, and healthcare sectors.2. Secondary Site RedundancyOperators in Ashburn are building redundant sites in rural Virginia to improve disaster recovery and business continuity strategies.3. Cost OptimizationLower land, labor, and energy costs help businesses scale more affordably. Rural counties also offer less competition for land and permitting, speeding up project timelines.4. Community DevelopmentData center projects are creating new jobs, improving infrastructure, and increasing tax revenues for historically underfunded counties.Notable ProjectsMicrosoft in Mecklenburg CountyMicrosoft has invested over $1 billion in its Boydton campus, including multiple data center buildings and green energy initiatives. It’s one of the largest rural data center investments in the U.S.QTSThese major colocation providers are exploring land acquisition and partnerships in central and southern Virginia to diversify their portfolios.County Tech Parks and Innovation ZonesCounties like Halifax and Pittsylvania are launching tech parks with pre-zoned land and ready-to-deploy infrastructure to attract future data center tenants.Challenges and Considerations1. Workforce DevelopmentRural regions often have smaller labor pools. Investment in training and partnerships with local colleges is key to meeting operational needs.2. Public Perception and ZoningCommunity concerns about land use, noise, and environmental impact can stall projects. Transparent engagement and community benefit programs help mitigate resistance.3. Fiber Backhaul LimitationsWhile progress is being made, some rural areas still require fiber buildouts to support high-capacity traffic. Partnerships with telecoms are addressing these gaps.Future OutlookRural Virginia is poised to play an even greater role in the state’s data center future. Key trends to watch include:Hybrid deployments combining Ashburn-based cores with rural edge sitesIncreased hyperscaler interest in secondary and tertiary marketsAdvances in AI-driven cooling and automation supporting remote operationsMore sustainability-linked investments as climate concerns drive designWith continued infrastructure improvements and strong government backing, rural Virginia is becoming not just a backup plan—but a strategic pillar of national IT infrastructure.Beyond Ashburn, rural Virginia is quietly powering the internet’s next evolution. From central to southwest regions, the state’s lesser-known counties are attracting major investments, thanks to their affordability, reliability, and proximity to one of the most connected digital corridors on Earth.For companies seeking scale, sustainability, and speed to market, rural Virginia offers an increasingly compelling value proposition. As hyperscale and edge strategies converge, the countryside may very well become the core of tomorrow’s internet infrastructure.Stay tuned as we continue mapping out the growing landscape of rural innovation across the digital economy.