Yorizon and VNClagoon in cooperation with HOCHTIEF, Thomas-Krenn, VNC and BYTESATWORK
With the new joint venture Yorizon, HOCHTIEF and Thomas-Krenn, in cooperation with VNC and BYTESATWORK, are setting an innovative example in the field of decentralised data centres and cloud infrastructures in Central Europe. The aim of the collaboration is to establish a comprehensive cloud package that ranges from sustainable hardware to integrated platform services and flexible management tools.
Sustainable and decentralised hardware infrastructure
The concept is based on the YEXIO data centres, a HOCHTIEF product that impresses with its timber construction, high energy independence and innovative water cooling. The data centres are designed as compact, robust and flexible modules that provide between 2 and 4 megawatts of power. The targeted use of these data centres in rural areas should help to reduce data transfer distances and strengthen local economic cycles. Equipping the centres with high-performance servers, storage systems and network technologies from Thomas-Krenn ensures maximum availability and data security. In addition, the reuse of up to 85 percent of waste heat enables a significant increase in energy efficiency.
Integrated software and platform solutions
The cloud solution is built on the stable hardware infrastructure of VNC’s platform and software services. The modular and open-source collaboration and communication platform VNClagoon is an integral part of the YEXIO data centres. Its key features include:
- VNCtalk: Secure real-time communication with chat, video calls and screen sharing
- VNCmail: Powerful e-mail solution including calendar and contact management
- VNCproject: Tools for project and task management
- VNCsafe: Encrypted file sharing and storage
- VNCdirectory: Central user, access and rights management
These functions are complemented by managed services, such as the PostgreSQL database solution, the Apache Solr Cloud quick search technology and eArchive4Future for legally compliant archiving. In addition, VNClagoon can be used as a horizontal AI platform for the local development of AI applications.
Heiligenhaus location in North Rhine-Westphalia and its strategic importance
The first YEXIO data centre will be built in Heiligenhaus, North Rhine-Westphalia, in late summer 2025. Heiligenhaus benefits from its geographically favourable location in a region that is considered a hub between important economic centres in Germany and Europe. This strategic positioning supports shorter data paths and optimises the network infrastructure, which contributes to increased efficiency of cloud solutions. In addition, the location in Heiligenhaus, a less densely populated region, enables the sustainable use of natural resources and promotes regional economic development through local value creation. The conscious choice of such a location underlines the partners’ commitment to balancing digital sovereignty and environmentally friendly technologies.
Flexible product configuration and comprehensive cloud solutions
BYTESATWORK complements its offering with a highly flexible product configurator. This enables partners and customers to put together individually tailored software and hardware solutions and manage them centrally. The result is a fully integrated cloud package that includes both the decentralised, sustainable hardware infrastructure and the modern platform and management tools – tailored to the requirements of Central European companies and public authorities.
Future prospects and strategic significance
With their concept, the participating companies are aiming to significantly strengthen digital sovereignty in Europe. In addition to the sustainable and high-performance infrastructure, the choice of Heiligenhaus as the first location emphasises the importance of regional value creation and optimal network connectivity. The use of cutting-edge technologies and targeted expansion in strategically favourable locations will set a future-oriented standard for decentralised giga clouds that sustainably supports the digital transformation process in Europe.
Conclusion
The Yorizon joint venture, realised by HOCHTIEF and Thomas-Krenn in collaboration with VNC and BYTESATWORK, represents a novel, integrated approach to cloud computing. With a decentralised, sustainable hardware base, comprehensive platform solutions and flexible management tools, as well as a strategically chosen location in Heiligenhaus, North Rhine-Westphalia, a forward-looking standard for giga clouds in Europe is being set. This project could make an important contribution to digital independence and to optimising data centres in the region.
