Data Centres Overview

The data centre market is expanding rapidly around the globe. By 2016, data provision in Europe is expected to have increased by 92 percent, with associated costs also increasing by 50 percent more than they were in 2007.

Although most data centres are traditionally sited near major internet peering hubs, Scotland is becoming an increasingly attractive location, as its cooler climate naturally cools computer servers, resulting in lower operating costs.

A number of high-profile organisations have chosen to set up their data centre facilities in Scotland, including:

• HSBC
• JP Morgan
• BNP Paribas
• Shell Finance Operations (Scotland)

Companies choose to locate their data centres in Scotland for a variety of reasons, including a large pool of highly qualified IT staff and 20-30 percent cost savings compared to other European locations. Also, in June 2011, the UK was named one of the lowest risk data centre locations in the world.

The demand for data centres is growing rapidly, as almost all medium-sized or larger companies choose to have a data centre. Major companies tend to use “super” data centres.

What are data centres?

A data centre is a facility used to house ‘mission-critical’ computer systems and associated components.

Put simply, a data centre controls a corporation’s computerised functions, such as air conditioning, back up power supplies and security.