July 5 (SeeNews) - U.S.-based technology giant IBM said on Wednesday it has been selected by A1 Telekom Austria to build a 40 million euro ($45.3 million) data centre which will accelerate the company's ability to deliver efficient digital services to customers.
"It [the data centre] will strengthen A1's capabilities to handle the significant increase in data traffic volumes we anticipate by 2020 due to the growing demand for data center services as a result of digitalization," A1 Telekom Austria CEO Margarete Schramboeck was quoted as saying.
Telekom Austria Group is a leading provider of digital services and communications solutions in Southeastern Europe, currently operating in Slovenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Serbia and Macedonia.
The data centre is planned to begin operation in 2018.
The IBM technology services and A1 teams have already performed initial planning, risk assessment and design of the centre. The next phase of the project, which begins on Wednesday, involves the construction of the facility, including complete networking and electrical systems, emergency power supply and cooling system, high-security data connections.
"A1 Telekom and all its clients can be sure that their data is stored securely. The redundant data centre network, connecting A1's three data centres offers maximum security and efficiency," Tatjana Oppitz, IBM Austria country general manager, said.
The facility will be built on approximately 13 000 square meters, featuring four server rooms. It will provide the highest possible levels of physical and digital protection. Green techniques include a cooling based on GES-system technology which, during cold months, will leverage outside air, reducing the need for air conditioning units.
($=0.8829 euro)