Datum, the business-class data centre provider, has teamed up with Keysource to develop its flagship data centre at the high-security QinetiQ Cody Technology Park in Farnborough, Hampshire. Under the agreement, Keysource will design and build a scalable facility in four phases with high levels of availability and an annualised design Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of just 1.25.

Datum recently announced it had secured funding to develop a network of regional, environmentally intelligent, carrier neutral data centres that will deliver the most energy efficient colocation on the market. The first phase of the Farnborough project is scheduled for completion in November providing an initial 250 rack positions with an average IT load of 3.5kw per rack, which will be easily scalable up to 1,000 racks. The design will utilise Keysource’s approach to modular data centre infrastructure, which includes its proven Ecofris cooling solution that deliversworld class levels of efficiency and performance.

This solution will be scaled for future phases using standardised designs without the need for disruption or downtime. The data centre’s mechanical and electrical systems are designed for high levels of resilience including 2N electrical infrastructure and back-up power generation and N+1 cooling. Once complete the site will provide flexible colocation of more than 40,000 sq ft of nett technical space for mid-sized to large enterprise clients and IT service providers in a purpose-designed building. In addition, a separate 10,000 sq ft energy centre will be constructed to house all of the backup power including the UPS and generators with a total power capacity of 7.5 MVA to allow for higher density requirements.

Dominic Phillips, Managing Director of Datum commented: “We needed a specialist partner that could design and build a scalable data centre that would meet our precise operational requirements both now and in the future. Our strategy is to develop a network of environmentally intelligent carrier neutral facilities across the UK, so Keysource’s expertise within the colocation sector means we have total peace of mind that our flagship data centre will be industry-leading in terms of efficiency and availability.”

Rob Elder, Director of Keysource said: “This is an exciting project that utilises Keysource’s Modular Data Centre Infrastructure (MDCI). Our modular, scalable solutions can be installed in many different types of buildings and locations, and provide a range of options including capacity, performance and resilience. This proven approach delivers real operational benefit and flexibility without compromise so is an ideal choice for professional operators looking for a modular data centre tailored to their specific needs. Datum works with premium clients and we are delighted that they have selected Keysource to deliver this critical facility to support their business.”