Insight Type: Blog

The evolving role of data centres in modern IT environments

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It’s all change…

The IT landscape is changing at a breathtaking pace, as are the requirements on IT departments. Innovations such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), Software as a Service (SaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), and artificial intelligence (AI) are redefining the traditional IT environment.

IT departments are now more integrated with business operations than ever before, which means a more collaborative relationship between IT and strategic management. IT is now required to understand the goals and requirements of business and act as an enabler in an increasingly hybrid and complex IT landscape. This means implementing infrastructure and technology solutions to improve customer experience, manage costs, reduce the risks of exposure, foster innovation through emerging technologies, and drive business results. The state of constant flux has changed the perspective on managing IT infrastructure, applications and workloads and, amid this evolution, data centres have become a critical component in supporting these dynamic, modern IT needs.

Hybrid IT solutions and the rise of data centres

Cloud adoption has accelerated rapidly in recent years, driven in part by the coronavirus pandemic and organisations’ inability to access their on premise server rooms – research suggests that 51% of businesses surveyed believed that their shift to a cloud computing-based business model had saved their company from collapse during Covid.

Colocation supports hybrid strategies by providing connectivity to public and private cloud platforms whilst guaranteeing the security of remaining physical IT assets and workloads that cannot be moved to the cloud for compliance, security, performance, suitability and, increasingly, cost reasons. Importantly, colocation also facilitates scalability, which is something that on-premise facilities are struggling to offer.

Data centres as a platform for bespoke solutions and digital transformation

The growing complexity and distributed nature of IT set-ups means that it is increasingly difficult for companies to go it alone. Today’s complex IT landscape must facilitate mobile working, an always-on culture, and the achievement of rapid scaling, but most IT specialists would readily admit that they are not experts in all aspects of the data landscape.

As competitive pressures increase, most companies are engaged in (or contemplating) digital transformation at either a tactical or strategic level and are seeking new hybrid delivery models as part of that process. Since the pandemic, many businesses are still relying on technology for remote (or, at the very least, hybrid) working, collaboration and customer service – technology is a prerequisite for business continuity. This has focused attention on digital transformation in a bid to streamline operations, improve efficiency, boost employee performance and productivity, and enhance customer experience. Within this environment, data centres like ours are increasingly coming into their own.

Platform

As a starting point, achieving digital transformation requires physical IT infrastructure to be housed in an accessible, secure and scalable location with the required cooling, security and maintenance (difficult for most businesses to achieve on-premise).

Partnership and flexibility

But beyond this, our clients rely on us to provide the platform for their strategic technology development – they partner with us to formulate, develop and future-proof evolving bespoke, flexible and scalable technology solutions incorporating access to the enhanced services provided by our network of managed services, cloud, hosting, security, and connectivity partners.

They also expect us to be flexible and support their journey to a destination that may not even involve colocation – which, as with all things client-related, we are delighted to do.

Find out more

For businesses contemplating or undergoing digital transformation, the partnership with a forward-thinking data centre operator could be the strategic edge they need to achieve sustainable success in a rapidly changing environment. To find out more about how we can support you to future-proof your IT, get in touch to discuss your requirements with a member of the Datum team.

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Five minutes with Matt Edgley – the MCR2 advantage

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Behind the scenes with Matt Edgley, Datum’s COO

Matt Edgley has been at the helm of constructing our new data centre, MCR2, at our Manchester site. This means he is ideally positioned to discuss what makes the MCR2 project so remarkable, and how it integrates into the local community and the wider Wythenshawe redevelopment process.

The drivers behind this data centre expansion in Manchester

Manchester has been crying out for new, high quality data centre space for some years now. With numerous mergers and acquisitions in the region, older sites have been changing hands frequently. Whilst we have witnessed some new build activities (a much-needed response given the lack of supplier diversity in the region), over the past decade Manchester has lacked the development of purpose-built facilities that are both efficient and well-designed.

MCR2 seeks to fill this gap, providing state-of-the-art infrastructure that not only meets but exceeds current expectations. This strategic expansion aims to cater to the growing needs of businesses seeking reliable and advanced data solutions.

What sets MCR2 apart?

Quality and sustainability are at the heart of MCR2’s design. By conceptualising the facility from the bottom up, we have been able to focus on delivering one of the most efficient data centres possible – integrating features that enhance efficiency and sustainability, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems and heat recovery mechanisms – features that meet the demands of sustainability in today’s enterprise market. We’ve achieved things that are just not possible in refurbished or redeveloped data centres, as every single aspect of the facility has been designed with these elements in mind.

Local environmental impact of MCR2

First off, MCR2 is designed with the environment in mind, with the lowest possible emissions, and boasting an impressive PUE of 1.25 – a remarkable achievement for a shared colocation facility with high redundancy levels. This efficiency stems from our ability to specify every component of the building and infrastructure, emphasising environmental credentials in equipment selection.

In addition, we are collaborating with local partners to explore distributing recovered heat from our cooling systems to nearby housing developments via a local heat distribution network.

Progress update on the MCR2 project - key highlights

The MCR2 project is progressing exceptionally well, despite Manchester’s sometimes challenging weather conditions, which have been putting the construction team to the test at times. It’s been a demanding and rewarding project to manage given the extensive amount of design that’s been involved. There have been some interesting developments along the way, including the requirement to construct an Olympic swimming pool-sized attenuation tank, aimed at mitigating flood risks during extreme weather events. This not only enhances site resilience but also contributes to our sustainability goals.

Will MCR2 bring benefits to the local community?

Absolutely! We sincerely expect MCR2 to bring significant benefits. Since 2007, MCR1 has been a source of local employment, offering opportunities that were previously unavailable. With MCR2 we plan to continue this tradition through new technical and back-office apprenticeships, graduate schemes, and highly skilled engineer roles in multiple disciplines.

As businesses in the area begin utilising MCR2 to host their equipment, we should see an increase in the employment of local engineers, and we hope to encourage businesses to establish their primary operations in the wider Wythenshawe area to benefit from the ever-improving technology and transport infrastructure as part of the region’s ongoing redevelopment.

Find out more

We are confident that MCR2 will serve as a catalyst for sustainable growth, innovation, and community development in the Wythenshawe region. Scheduled to go live in Q1 2025, our new data centre will enhance the local technological landscape, fostering an environment conducive to progress. If you would like to learn more about how MCR2 can support your business development, we invite you to get in touch with us for further information.

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Beyond rack space: the move to enterprise-focused colocation

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Partnership-driven colocation solutions

As IT environments change rapidly and businesses navigate increasingly competitive business landscapes and budgetary challenges, we’ve noticed an increase in enquiries from companies who are not only looking to mitigate the financial burden of maintaining their own data centre infrastructure, but are attracted by the ancillary services we provide, which help them remain agile and competitive. Notably, a significant number of these enquiries are from organisations looking to move their workloads out of hyperscale data centres in preference for our service-focused colocation; these organisations aren’t just looking for data centre space, but a partnership that supports the development and optimisation of their IT infrastructure.

Why is our enterprise-focused model gaining in popularity?

The need for a service wrapper

T infrastructure and workloads are not something that can be simply ‘parked and forgotten’ – they are integral to operational success and require ongoing management and adaptation. Clients value the ‘service wrapper’ provided by our enterprise-focused model, which includes fully in-house engineers and remote hands services, dedicated account managers, flexible service agreements, and access to the services provided by our network of partners (‘Datum Connect’). Importantly, we don’t outsource anything on the service front, which ensures quality of service, rapid response times, and easy points of contact.

Partnership and flexibility

In a world where technology and business needs are constantly changing, flexibility is key. Our enterprise-focused model allows for more adaptable solutions, enabling our clients to scale operations, consolidate resources, and streamline processes as needed. We appreciate that workloads change over time, and we remain adaptable at both the contract and service levels to allow our clients to innovate and respond to market demands swiftly.

Staying close to IT infrastructure

The ability to interact closely with IT systems is a significant advantage for businesses that rely heavily on digital operations. Knowing that they can come on site at any time and that our engineers are available 24/7 to oversee their infrastructure and report any issues, provides peace of mind and ensures that any problems can be addressed promptly. This ensures they remain connected to their IT infrastructure, fostering a sense of ownership and involvement despite geographic separation from equipment.

The rise of outsourced solutions

Businesses constantly face pivotal decisions regarding where and how to manage their IT workloads. As part of this, data centre colocation is a popular choice that offers organisations the infrastructure they need to scale effectively.

Before colocation became a mainstream solution, businesses primarily relied on in-house data management, and the need for controlled environments led to the creation of dedicated server rooms within company premises. However, managing these in-house data centres was costly and complex. Organisations had to invest heavily in equipment, maintenance, and staffing.

Colocation emerged as a response to the growing demand for reliable, scalable, and cost-effective data storage solutions. The concept was simple yet revolutionary – businesses could rent space to house their hardware in a shared, professionally managed environment. This meant that companies could maintain control over their hardware while benefiting from the superior infrastructure provided by colocation facilities (without the capital expenditure). Ultimately, providers began offering more than just physical space; they included security, cooling, power redundancy, and high-speed connectivity. This all-inclusive package made colocation an attractive option for a wide range of industries.

Over time, colocation has evolved to accommodate different models catering to varied business needs, from the expansive hyperscale facilities (offering vast resources and scalability but often lacking personalised service) to more tailored enterprise-focused options like ours (aimed at businesses seeking a balance between high-level infrastructure and custom support – providing flexibility, personal service, and partnership opportunities).

From its beginnings as an alternative to in-house server rooms to its current status as a critical component of digital transformation strategies, colocation has come a long way. The shift from hyperscale to enterprise-focused colocation models reflects a broader trend of businesses seeking more than just space – they want a more personalised colocation model and a partnership that enhances their IT capabilities. By choosing a model that offers flexibility, personal service, and a strong relationship with their service provider, businesses can ensure their IT infrastructure evolves with them, driving success and innovation.

Discover the advantages of our tailored enterprise solutions

If you’re considering making the move or would like to learn more about how our enterprise-focused model can benefit your organisation, get in touch with us today.

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Five minutes with Seb Graham - all about MCR2…

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Getting the lowdown from Datum’s Group Head of Sales

In a candid conversation with Seb Graham, we explore what makes the construction of our new Manchester data centre (MCR2) a milestone for Datum, and how it aims to redefine data centre operations in the region.

Key drivers for expansion

Q1: From your perspective, what are the key drivers for Datum’s expansion in Manchester?

Manchester stands as the UK’s second-largest economic powerhouse, making it an ideal location for our next expansion targeting those looking for colocation in this region and outside London. While many competitors focus on servicing hyperscalers, we remain committed to providing much-needed colocation to the enterprise market – our hands-on, service-led approach distinguishes us, ensuring a bespoke experience for our clients, and setting us apart from other providers.

Addressing capacity challenges

Q2: Do you think MCR2 will make a difference to the data centre capacity challenges that Manchester has been seeing recently? If so, how?

Absolutely. Manchester has been crying out for new, modern data centre spaces. With MCR1 at full capacity, the need for quality facilities is pressing. There are a number of smaller ageing facilities in the region, coupled with the likes of Equinix, who are building large facilities focused on hyperscale. MCR2 is designed to cater specifically to the enterprise and mid-sized market, offering a low PUE environment which is ideal for clients seeking efficiency and reliability. We believe that this market is currently underserviced, so we’re pleased to be delivering the colocation services they need.

MCR2’s USPs

Q3: What will MCR2 offer to Datum’s clients and potential clients which makes it stand out from other providers?

MCR2 will feature over 1,000 rack footprints with capacities of up to 30kW per rack. Its strategic location south of Manchester enhances its connectivity options due to a rich carrier network. We deliver the same calibre of quality expected from larger industry names but with efficiencies that enable competitive commercial terms to retail, mid-sized and enterprise markets. Our exceptional team, personal service throughout the colocation journey, and the ability to tailor solutions, really set us apart.

Sustainability initiatives

Q4: Sustainability has been high on Datum’s agenda through the MCR2 project. How can MCR2’s sustainability initiatives benefit clients?

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword for us – it’s at the forefront of what we do. MCR2 will be powered by clean energy, utilising renewable sources and solar PV panels on the roof. The emergency generators will run on renewable HVO biofuel, all contributing to a more sustainable operation, which benefits our clients by aligning with their own green agendas.

Comparisons with MCR1

Q5: What should clients and potential clients expect from the new facility and how will it compare to MCR1?

Clients can look forward to a continuation of the excellent services provided at MCR1 in a cutting-edge, low PUE facility. Located on a campus site, direct links between MCR1 and MCR2 will facilitate seamless expansion for our existing client base, and much-needed space for new clients. Whether it’s shared spaces, cages, or private suites, MCR2 is equipped to meet diverse project needs for retail, mid-sized, and enterprise clients.

In a nutshell

The upcoming launch of MCR2 marks a significant chapter in our mission to deliver top-tier data centre solutions. With its focus on sustainability, tailored client offerings, and strategic location, MCR2 is poised to become a pivotal asset for businesses seeking reliable and efficient data management solutions in the Manchester region. To learn more about how MCR2 can benefit your organisation, stay tuned for updates or get in touch with a member of our team.

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Power in a data centre – understanding the terminology

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The lifeline of data centres

Our data centre clients need continuous and reliable power to support servers, networking equipment, and other infrastructure that enables the provision of mission-critical applications and services for their organisations. Any interruption or loss of power can result in significant consequences, including data loss, service disruptions, financial losses, and damage to reputation.

Power demystified

For data centres, there’s more to ‘power’ than plugging into the grid, so those coming new to data centres can find some of the terms confusing. Let us unpick them for you….

100% uptime SLA

This agreement between our data centres and our clients guarantees uninterrupted availability of power, network connectivity, and other critical services. In essence, it promises that we will maintain continuous operations without any service interruptions.

Redundancy – our 2N power infrastructure

Power redundancy refers to the implementation of backup power sources or systems to ensure continuous and uninterrupted power supply to critical equipment or infrastructure. Redundancy is essential in situations where a power outage can result in significant disruptions.
2N power refers to a redundant power configuration in which the power infrastructure is designed with two independent power paths to ensure redundancy and minimise the risk of power failure – even if one power source or power distribution unit (PDU) fails, the critical equipment remains powered and operational. It provides a robust infrastructure for applications that require continuous uptime and cannot tolerate power disruptions.

Redundant power distribution units

Power distribution units (PDUs) are responsible for distributing power to the IT equipment – the power from each source is connected to its respective PDU. Each PDU is connected to different power feeds to maintain separation and redundancy.

2N uninterruptible power supply system

An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system provides short-term emergency backup power in the event of any disruptions to the main electricity supply – it offers a buffer period for switching to generator power or safely shutting down equipment to prevent data loss. In a 2N UPS system, two UPS systems operate in parallel to support the load, with each UPS capable of independently supplying the entire power requirement.

Dual power sources

This is a fundamental concept in ensuring uninterrupted power supply to our data centres and refers to having two independent power feeds entering our facilities. This redundancy is vital for maintaining operations during power outages or maintenance on one of the feeds. By having a dual power source, data centres can switch seamlessly between sources, minimising downtime and enhancing reliability.

Dual power supplies

These go hand in hand with dual power sources. They are installed within critical equipment, such as servers, to maintain functionality even if one supply fails. Each power supply unit (PSU) is connected to a different power source. This setup ensures that if one power supply encounters a fault, the other takes over immediately, maintaining continuous operation and safeguarding data integrity.

Load balancing

This involves distributing the electrical load evenly across multiple power supplies or circuits. This prevents any single power source from being overloaded, which could lead to equipment failure or inefficiencies. By effectively managing load distribution, we can optimise performance and extend the lifespan of our power infrastructure.

Automatic failover

If one power path fails, the equipment automatically switches to the alternate path without any interruption or downtime. This failover can be achieved through automatic transfer switches (ATS) or intelligent power distribution units that detect power loss and switch to the backup path.

Standby generators

Each of our standby generators is capable of independently supplying the full power load to ensure continuous operations during outages. We have rarely had to call on our generators to provide backup power (in fact, the majority of the hours they run is for maintenance and testing), but the generators need to be available in case they are ever needed. In 2022 we made the switch to environmentally friendly Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) for our backup generators at our south east facility in place of red diesel.

Active/Active power distribution paths

Active/Active power distribution paths refer to a configuration in which power is distributed across multiple paths simultaneously, with each path actively providing power to the load. An Active/Active configuration includes multiple independent power sources, redundant PDUs, load balancing, and fault tolerance and redundancy, to ensure continuous power availability. These provide a higher level of redundancy compared to single-path configurations, as multiple independent power sources and PDUs are actively delivering power to the load.

Find out more

There’s a lot going on behind the scenes to ensure that our clients’ business-critical IT and workloads are always on and always available. Luckily, we’ve got all this in hand, so our clients don’t need to concern themselves with the power side of things. To see us in action, book a tour or get in touch to discuss your requirements.

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MCR2 – a focus on power

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Powering MCR2

The power infrastructure at our new Manchester data centre, MCR2, is designed to provide and manage power efficiently and reliably, ensuring continuous and effective operations without any interruptions. Currently at an advanced stage of construction, MCR2 is on track to open its doors in early 2025. As part of our northern infrastructure network, this new cutting-edge data centre is located next door to our existing facility (MCR1) and promises to deliver unparalleled reliability and efficiency to support critical operations and sustainable growth.

Key power infrastructure

Power supply distribution at our MCR2 data centre:

  • Transformers: our transformers convert high-voltage electricity to a usable voltage level, ensuring a stable and safe power supply to all equipment.
  • Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS): in case of mains failure, our UPS systems provide immediate backup power, ensuring no interruption to critical systems.
  • Backup generators: our standby generators activate automatically during a power outage, providing extended backup power to keep operations running smoothly.

Power management

  • Power management plan: we have comprehensive strategies for managing power usage and distribution, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
  • Virtualisation technologies: by consolidating workloads, we will optimise power usage and reduce unnecessary consumption.
  • Power capping: we will implement limits on power usage to avoid overconsumption, enhancing both efficiency and sustainability.

Power metrics

  • Power density: high power density will ensure that MCR2 can support high-performance computing and other power-intensive applications, making it ideal for demanding IT environments.
  • Redundancy: redundancy is critical for ensuring an uninterrupted power supply, even in the event of a failure or outage. At MCR2, we will duplicate critical power infrastructure components and systems, including multiple power feeds, redundant UPS units, and backup generators.
  • Power efficiency: efficient power utilisation within our data centre infrastructure will reduce waste and operational costs while supporting environmental sustainability efforts. We will strive continuously to enhance our power efficiency to offer both economic and ecological benefits.
  • Power distribution: our power distribution process will include power distribution units (PDUs) that ensure reliable and balanced power delivery to all connected devices. This ensures that every piece of equipment operates optimally.
  • Power monitoring: MCR2 will employ advanced tools and systems to monitor power usage, temperature, and humidity levels. Continuous monitoring helps us identify inefficiencies and potential issues before they become critical, ensuring smooth and reliable operations.
  • Power management: effective power management involves dynamic adjustments to power allocation based on real-time demands and predictive analytics. This helps in load balancing and optimising overall efficiency.

Benefits of careful power monitoring

  • Cost management: by monitoring and optimising power usage, we reduce operating costs significantly. Efficient power usage translates to lower electricity bills and better resource allocation.
  • Capacity planning: our careful monitoring helps us identify potential bottlenecks or areas for improvement in power distribution. This ensures that our services can be scaled effectively to meet growing demands without compromising performance.
  • Environmental sustainability: we adopt energy-efficient practices and technologies to minimise the environmental impact of our operations. This contributes to the overall sustainability goals of our organisation, making MCR2 a responsible choice.
  • Performance optimisation: reliable power ensures that all systems operate at peak efficiency, supporting business continuity and service quality. By reducing the risk of power-related downtime, we enhance the overall performance of our data centres.

Find out more

Our advanced power management strategies and continuous monitoring ensure that your critical systems remain operational, no matter what. For further details or specific enquiries about our MCR2 data centre power specifications, please contact our team.

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Our buyer’s guide to data centre services

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Our guide to data centre services

Most businesses these days utilise data centre services in some shape or form. But with an array of factors to consider when choosing a data centre provider, it’s understandable that some buyers will have only a limited understanding of what happens behind the doors of the data centre itself and how that can have implications that are felt across their business.

That’s why we’ve pulled together a short buyer’s guide to data centre services, which you can download here.

Security and compliance

Running a secure and compliant digital business starts with a secure and compliant data centre. To minimise security and compliance risks, look for a hosting provider that can offer more than the bare minimum.

A data centre with world-class security should be proud to show it off. If a hosting provider can’t answer your questions about the security of their facility – or attempts to gloss over key points – this may be a sign they’re not the right choice for your business.

You should look for a wide range of security controls at the data centre, including, but not limited to, on-site manned security, 24-hour CCTV monitoring, biometric scanners and swipe card access, and perimeter defences such as fencing, infra-red tripwires and mantraps.

Availability and resilience

Whatever infrastructure services you use and whatever the nature of your business, unplanned downtime can be catastrophic for your productivity, customer satisfaction and more.

Be sure to ask your hosting provider about their UPS redundancy, environmental monitoring, power and cooling, and how power is fed within the data centre, as well as their contracts and SLAs with any maintenance service providers.

If they cite accreditations, ask for them to be backed up with certifications, and ask to see the scope of said certifications to ensure certain services aren’t excluded.

On a less technical level, arrange a site visit and get a feel for how the facility is managed, as well as the quality and quantity of staff. Any evidence of cost-cutting or poor housekeeping may be a sign you need to look elsewhere.

Connectivity and network

After security and availability, one of the key factors to consider is network performance and this generally comes down to the quality and diversity of connectivity in the data centre.

When choosing a data centre, look for a high-quality carrier list that includes multiple Tier 1 networks and be sure to ask questions about available bandwidth and range of connectivity options.

Do they act as a Point of Presence (PoP) for any of the internet exchanges? Some hosting providers will also own and operate their own direct links to other data centres, making it possible to set up multi-site solutions rapidly.

On the most basic level, more carriers means more options. It also creates competition between different carriers within the data centre, meaning lower costs for your business.

Energy efficiency and ESG

With some studies reporting that as much as 3% of the world’s electricity goes into data centres, the green credentials of these facilities are increasingly prominent considerations when it comes to the due diligence process of service buyers.

When measuring up any provider’s green credentials, look for the detail beyond the eco messaging. Although renewables are a good indicator that some consideration has been made, ask your provider what they’re doing to control energy use “behind the meter” – this is where some real efficiency inroads can be made. Metering power usage allows data centres to make data driven decisions about which areas of their facility are running inefficiently and shows they’re serious about reducing their carbon footprint.

Question your provider’s air conditioning infrastructure – how recently was it updated, and do they implement a strict cold aisle containment policy to keep energy usage to a minimum? And ask about their Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). A lower PUE is regarded as preferable with 1.0 being considered the best.

Data centre location

Whether it’s to meet a compliance requirement or simply keep engineers’ travel time to a minimum, most buyers of data centre services need to pay attention to the location of their facility. If you don’t plan on travelling to your data centre, your primary concern should be whether the location of the facility has implications for data sovereignty or connectivity.

For firms with high resilience requirements, it may also be worth taking into account the environmental risk profile and, if you’re in the market for a secondary site for disaster recovery, whether the data centre will be exposed to the same risks as your primary facility.

Staff and support

Even with the best technical specifications available, no data centre is worth your time without staff who can support you and your infrastructure through thick and thin. Even if you’re looking for a more hands-off relationship with your data centre services provider, there’s value in understanding the cost, quality and accessibility of their support up front.

If your requirements around security and availability demand a level of direct access to staff and management within the data centre environment, check how easily this can be provided.

It’s also worth asking about their experience in your industry. Even if you’re not looking for a sector-specific service like PCI-compliant colocation, there are obvious benefits to working with a hosting provider that understands the common data centre needs in your industry.

Find out more

For further reading in this area, you can download our free buyer’s guide to data centre services, here. Or get in touch to talk to us directly.

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Our multi-site presence – opportunities for our partner network

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Enhancing our pure-play colo

Colocation integrates and operates with a host of other elements to deliver the network that our clients require to pursue their strategies and objectives for growth. Datum’s core proposition is to specialise in delivering carrier and service provider neutral data centre colocation – by focusing, we excel. Meanwhile, our network of partners (‘Datum Connect’) delivers the lifecycle services (including connectivity, certification, asset management, break fix, procurement and disposal) our clients need to augment and complement our colocation at every stage of the colocation journey, from pre-planning to deployment, and beyond.

More capacity = more partner opportunities

Since our acquisition of Teledata in September 2022 the Datum Group has achieved a multi-site, national presence with a data centre facility in the South East (Farnborough – FRN1) and the North West (Manchester – MCR1) – the two most economically active regions of the UK. By expanding our addressable market, and strengthening our position, there are undoubtedly significant benefits for our partners who are looking to expand their offerings and grow their operations:

Opportunities for our partners to support our growing client base through their services

Our dual-site status opens up opportunities for our partners across both locations, and the brand-new colocation facilities we are constructing in Farnborough (FRN2) and Manchester (MCR2) will significantly increase capacity and offer opportunities to support new clients who are coming on board

Partnership with our ultra-secure colocation facilities

FRN1 is located on a government-grade campus location and MCR1 is the only data centre in the world with an NSI Gold Approved BS5979 security centre on site, so our partners can confidently recommend our facilities to their clients, especially those with particularly stringent security requirements.

Flexible partnering and contracts

Our partners can support their client base with a commercially and practically agile colocation offering that allows them to host exactly what they need with us at each stage of a project

A platform for the services offered to their clients

Our partners capitalise on our infrastructure, support and expertise for themselves and their clients.

A reciprocal relationship

Shared opportunities and combined offerings. Our partners can add Datum’s secure and resilient colocation to their client offerings, and benefit from joint marketing opportunities, as well as support from our account management and sales/technical teams in securing opportunities, including support in sales meetings and data centre tours

Referral and resell opportunities of our colocation services

Competitive commission to partners who refer opportunities to Datum and lead with Datum as part of their client solutions, and through-sell opportunities via the partner network.

As the Datum Group grows and brings new capacity online, this is the perfect time to talk to us about becoming part of our partner network. Whether you want to provide your services to help clients achieve their business objectives, or benefit from referring or reselling our accredited colocation services to your client base, please contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.

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How data centres can help us survive an expensive and unreliable energy future

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Our need for power

Data centres are the backbone of the digital economy – without them, we wouldn’t be able to do all the things we take for granted today. Unfortunately, the digitisation we all rely on requires vast amounts of power. In a world where energy is becoming increasingly expensive and unreliable, getting access to the most cost-effective and dependable power is a challenge, and one that individual businesses may struggle with on their own. Thankfully, efficient and well-run data centres have an answer.

The role of data centres in a changing energy landscape

We are seeing the increased use of renewable energy, the decline of fossil fuels, and the growth of new technologies that are transforming the way we produce and consume energy. This shift is happening at a time when our energy system is under immense strain. Data centres like ours have been able to achieve impressive efficiency by adopting innovative technologies and best practices that keep critical operations running during power outages or other disruptions. This means that our clients can benefit from improved resilience to energy shocks and ensure that they can continue to meet their customers’ needs, whatever may be happening with the grid.

Data centres are highly efficient when it comes to energy use, using less than 1% of the world’s electricity while handling nearly all of the world’s IP traffic. And, according to the International Energy Agency, this 1% share of global electricity usage has hardly changed since 2010 despite the number of internet users nearly doubling and global internet traffic increasing 15-fold since 2010. Whilst this share of electricity usage is predicted to increase, the relatively slow pace of the increase is testament to the energy efficiencies that data centres can achieve.

Data centres like ours in Manchester and Farnborough are built with efficiency in mind and are designed to operate 24/7/365 using only the energy needed to keep servers and other equipment running cool and at peak performance. When it comes to data centre efficiency, size and scale matter – overall, data centres use less power than individual on-site data centre facilities and are more efficient with the power they do use (one large, well-designed data centre can be far more efficient than multiple smaller, separately managed in-house IT storage facilities). We are experts at managing demand/capacity charges, have strategies in place to shift energy use to off-peak times, and carefully monitor our energy use to avoid wasting resources. And the use of sophisticated cooling systems that use less energy and recycle waste heat offer considerable efficiency benefits – benefits that we can pass on to our clients.

Dealing with power disruptions

Our data centres are also incredibly resilient to power outages and other disruptions, and we have elaborate backup plans in place for when the power goes out. This is more pertinent than ever at this moment, as the idea of planned emergency power cuts is increasingly mooted in order to help manage the national electricity supply.

Our backup systems such as backup generators and other redundancies make it possible to maintain critical operations even when the power is intermittent or unavailable. And, in the unlikely event that power were to fail completely, our facility can be powered down in a controlled manner to minimise damage.

Becoming ever greener

The economies of scale that can be achieved with a purpose-built data centre allow for substantial energy and resource savings, and mean that we can take advantage of the latest energy-efficient technologies and practices. So, whilst operating a data centre is an energy-intensive endeavour, energy efficiencies can help offset some of the environmental impacts. And data centres like ours have significant bargaining power with energy suppliers and are able to negotiate favourable power contracts – ours uses power from renewable sources to reduce greenhouse gases.

Furthermore, we are able to support our clients in becoming more efficient in their use of resources. For example, by using virtualisation technologies, we can help organisations to reduce the number of physical servers they need to run their applications. This can lead to considerable savings in terms of both energy and space and can help businesses to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

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Perhaps not surprisingly, we are speaking more and more with potential clients who are concerned about protecting their business-critical operations in the face of energy insecurity. We know that our efficient and resilient colocation is the solution that many organisations are looking for. Get in touch to find out more, or arrange a tour of our data centres in Manchester and Farnborough.

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Choosing a secure data centre provider

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Choosing a data centre

There’s a lot to consider when it comes to choosing a new data centre provider. Location, resilience, client reviews and so on. In this blog, we’re going to look at security, helping you to assess whether your provider is doing enough to help keep your servers and infrastructure secure and compliant.

Industry experts acknowledge that colocation and cloud providers are capable of higher levels of security than most firms would deliver in-house. However, not all data centres are created equal, and not all will stand up to the full range of security audits required by clients and regulators – even if their credentials look the part on the surface.

Accreditations

First, let’s look at accreditations. Although they’re certainly not the be-all and end-all of data centre security, checking for compliance with standards like ISO27001 is still a good first port of call when it comes to choosing a data centre.

Some points to consider include:

  • Is the data centre compliant with ISO27001 (the international standard for information security management)?
  • Is the data centre compliant with any other required standards such as PCI DSS? (The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard which was developed to encourage and enhance payment card account data security).
  • Are high quality CCTV systems installed, with live monitoring where required?
  • Are security personnel background-checked and approved by industry bodies such as the SIA?

Physical security

When we think of data centres, the cloud and the world of virtual data access, it is cyber security that immediately springs to mind, but in fact the physical security of a data centre is critically important. It is imperative that only people who are authorised to access the data centre, should do so and there should be stringent processes and procedures in place to prevent any breaches.

Check whether or not the following are in place:

  • A wide range of access controls such as perimeter fences, infrared tripwires, swipe cards, biometric scanners and mantraps, all configured to provide multi-factor authentication.
  • Access to racks and cages controlled by electronic locks or keys with racks and cages kept anonymous. If keys are used, where are they stored? Is access controlled and monitored?
  • Access to sensitive areas in the data centre monitored via 24-hour CCTV.
  • In the event of a break-in, would security staff be compromised and become part of the incident, or would they be able to react to it?
  • Is the data centre directly linked to police control rooms?

People

As is often the case, you are only as strong as your weakest team member and all the security in the world can fail due to a simple human error. So, who are the people who will be working to protect your vital business assets? Ask questions, meet them, get to know them and don’t be afraid to ask questions, no matter how awkward it may feel.

  • Are the data centre staff required to undergo background checks where necessary?
  • Is the data centre able to offer an audit-friendly service and answer a full range of auditors’ questions and produce certifications?
  • Are data centre staff able to share general advice around data centre security and compliance?
  • Are senior security personnel based at the data centre itself rather than a remote site?
  • Are they sensitive to customer’s confidentiality requirements (not disclosing customer names as part of a sales pitch, for example)?

Need more info?

If you want to read more on the subject, you can download our free data centre security checklist here covering additional areas for consideration such as policies and procedures, the security risks associated with on-site contractors and visitors and how the flexibility offered by a facility might affect security. Or if you want to find out more, get in touch with a member of our team.

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