The digital infrastructure industry has witnessed rapid change, with global internet traffic reportedly surging by over 40% in 2020 alone. As global digital transformation continues to gather pace, European countries are placing increasing emphasis on personal data protection through the adoption of new laws and regulations. Other European countries are embracing concepts akin to “data sovereignty”, meaning to keep data within a state’s own borders.

Portugal offers an unparalleled location for data centers committing to best practices in data protection rules and ranking as one of the most business-friendly, stable and open countries in the EU in terms of innovation, digitalization and technical expertise. A recent report prepared by Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, an international law firm, and PLMJ, a law firm based in Portugal, says. 

The report, “Embracing the Challenges of Digital Transformation,” describes Portugal as a welcoming hub for large international technology companies and hyperscalers. The paper explores how Portugal specifically addresses data protection and cybersecurity challenges that arise when facing heightened digital demands. 

Portugal already benefits from other geographical and technological advantages such as an ever-expanding network of fiber optic cables which positions it as the “European gateway” country to Africa, the Americas, and beyond. At the same time, the country has been publicly recognized for fostering innovation and has taken concrete steps to embrace digital transformation and encourage technological investment.

In April 2022, Start Campus announced beginning of construction of its groundbreaking 495MW SINES 4.0© data center campus project in Sines, Portugal, designed to address the rapid digital transformation on a global scale with sustainability at the forefront. The SINES 4.0© project is one of the largest data center projects in Europe and will be 100% green. When completed in 2027, the campus will comprise of nine buildings and its first building is expected to be ready for service in the first quarter of 2023. 

To view the full report, please visit: https://www.startcampus.pt/assets/pdf/Embracing-the-Challenges-of-the-Digital-Transformation-June-2022.pdf 

To learn more about Start Campus, please visit:  https://www.startcampus.pt