Datum, the business-class data centre provider, has opened its flagship, environmentally intelligent facility as part of its plans to deliver the most energy efficient and flexible colocation on the market. The data centre, designed and built by Keysource, is located at the high-security QinetiQ Cody Technology Park in Farnborough, Hampshire and will deliver world-class levels of availability and performance with a Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of just 1.25.  

An exclusive ceremony and networking event was held to mark the launch of the facility, with Steve Norris, Chairman of the Data Centre Alliance (DCA) responsible the official opening. Representatives from Datum, Keysource and QinetiQ Cody Technology Park joined him, along with approximately 100 guests including partners, customers and other industry leaders and professionals.  

Commenting on the opening Steve Norris said: “This is a superb facility located on an ideal site. Our economic future is based on data and this is a great example of how we are growing data centre capacity in the UK.  Datum have done the right thing by adopting the latest high efficiency technology and best practice". 

Meanwhile, Dominic Phillips, Managing Director of Datum said: “We have created an environmentally intelligent, carrier neutral data centre, which will enable us to service the needs of our clients moving forward. Our vision is to develop a network of regional facilities using this flagship site as a blueprint and targeting locations that offer something a little different away from the traditional UK colocation centres."

Keysource, Managing Director, Mike West said: “Working closely with Datum we have been able to develop a world class facility that boasts high levels of efficiency, availability and flexibility. Our partnership will enable them to deliver quality and environmentally responsible colocation solutions for mid-sized to large enterprise clients and IT service providers.”  

Nick Jordan, Head of the Media and Technology Sector at Darwin Private Equity commented: “This highly efficient and innovative facility demonstrates the potential that Datum possesses as a business and we look forward to supporting the company moving forward as a valued and important part of our investment portfolio."  

The data centre adopts a scalable approach to meet Datum’s precise operation requirements both now and in the future. The first phase of four provides an initial 250 rack positions with an average and maximum IT load of 3.5kw and 20kw per rack respectively. When fully complete it will deliver a total of 1,000 racks and more than 40,000 sq ft of nett technical space.  

The design utilises Keysource’s proven high-efficiency Ecofris cooling solution and is scaled for future phases using standardised designs without the need for disruption or downtime. Its mechanical and electrical systems are designed for high levels of resilience including 2N electrical infrastructure and back-up power generation and N+1 cooling.