The data center, which should be operational by late 2009, will include new technologies and services that will enable IBM to deliver its cloud computing capabilities to clients.
Cloud computing uses advanced technologies and global delivery mechanisms to enable individuals to access information and services from any device with extremely high levels of availability and quality of experience.
IBM will renovate an existing building on its Research Triangle Park (RTP) campus to create one of the most technologically advanced and energy efficient data centers in the world, according to the company. The new data center will be the first in the world to be built with IBM's New Enterprise Data Center design principles. Clients using this center will have access to massive Internet-scale computing capabilities, while gaining the cost and environmental protection advantages of IBM's data center design.
Data centers are the backbone of information technology (IT) infrastructure for businesses and other organizations, with servers and storage systems running business-critical technology including software applications, e-mail and Web sites. IBM owns and operates more than 8 million square feet of data center space, more than any other company in the world.
The RTP data center is a key component in IBM's Project Big Green initiative to dramatically increase energy efficiency in the data center, as companies face escalating energy costs and the requirement to handle a rapidly rising amount of data.
“This new data center is part of IBM’s commitment to construct the world’s most advanced data centers,” said Bob Greenberg, general manager of IT optimization and North Carolina senior state executive for IBM. “This is the latest example of IBM’s deep history of innovation in North Carolina. When we open for business, the data center assures that Research Triangle Park will be a strategic location for our outsourcing business for many years to come.”
The State of North Carolina, Durham County, the Durham Chamber of Commerce and Duke Energy helped bring the project to fruition. Durham County approved allocating $750,000 in economic development incentives for the project.
“IBM’s innovations have been a cornerstone of the Research Triangle Park and Durham County, and this new data center certainly continues that outstanding legacy,” said Ellen W. Reckhow, chairman of the Durham County Board of Commissioners.
The RTP data center will use many of the technologies from IBM's Project Big Green initiative to sharply reduce data center energy consumption. Following the first phase of 60,000 square feet of raised floor data center space, the site can potentially be expanded in standard modular increments.
In IBM's new Data Center Family of services, design is typically performed in advance on an entire project, so the additional capacity can be added as client demand dictates. With a modular approach, it’s easier to grow the space and defer significant capital costs, according to the company.
Along with the recently commissioned Boulder, Colo., data center, the new RTP facility will be IBM's first truly adaptive data center, where facilities equipment is designed to adjust its operation to the needs of IT equipment in the data center. These data centers will be specially designed for a heterogeneous mix of computer hardware and software.
Earlier this year, IBM Lender Business Process Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of IBM, announced that it would hire 600 workers during the next four years to open a mortgage processing center in Charlotte.
The company plans to spend about $2.4 million on the expansion which, in addition to mortgage processing, will include a “mortgage academy” to train people who will staff the processing centers.
The company is receiving state incentives as a result of the project, including a Job Development Investment Grant, which could yield as much as $9.8 million during the next decade.
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