Rogers Communications today announced the expansion of is data centre in Edmonton and the formal launch of the Rogers Data Centres operating unit. With this development Rogers said it now operates 14 data centre facilities across the country serving more than 870 small, medium and enterprise size business as well as government offices.
A growing demand for data centre services has prompted the move and Rogers also plans to open a Western Canada flagship data centre in Calgary in January next year, according to the company.
Rogers is investing more than $700 million in Alberta over the next four years to fuel its data centre build-up.
“We have experienced a string demand for data centre services in Western Canada, and the two expansions announced today are the core platform allowing us to deliver enhanced data centre, cloud and managed technology services to Alberta’s thriving business community,” said AJ Byers, president of Rogers Data Centres.
In April this year, Rogers acquired the BlackIron Data division of Primus Telecommunications. The $200 million deal resulted in Rogers acquiring eight BlackIron data centres in five cities across the country.
Earlier this year, Rogers also bought Pivot Data Centres and Granite data centres.
The move to consolidate the three data centre operations under Rogers Business Solutions was aimed at strengthening further Rogers’ position in the local data centre market.
Combining data centre services with our extensive fibre network and full suite of voice and data solutions allows us to enable businesses across the country to innovate and evolve in a dynamic and fast-paced market,” said Terry Canning, senior vice-president of Rogers Business Solutions.
The expanded Edmonton data centre facility adds approximately 6,000 square feet of newly-constructed raised floor space to the existing building
The flagship facility in Calgary which will open in January 2014, will have 80,000 square feet of raised space. The building will have an advanced cooling system, upgraded security systems, offer 24/7 support and will meet Uptime Institute’s Tier III standards, according to Rogers.