For minimizing network latency, the chosen data centre had to be locally based in the Swindon area with the power and space available to scale-up web hosting and Infrastructure as a Services (IaaS) solutions as the business grew in line with future demand. A further prerequisite was demonstrable sustainability credentials to align with the two founders’ longstanding commitment and passion for environmental issues.
The smooth transition to Proximity’s facility in Swindon was facilitated by its modular design. This allowed Black Nova’s racks to be quickly and easily accommodated in a secure, dedicated ‘pod’ while also ensuring energy efficient cooling. Additional 100% renewably sourced power to rack is also readily available along with further space and increased network bandwidth when required.
“We were already hosting over 600 client websites and decided for greater data security, resilience and business continuity it was prudent to factor in a colocation facility,” said Black Nova’s Founder, Kyle Holmes. “Business is also ramping up significantly which will see a further 60 – 70 hosted websites coming on stream per month.
“I was immediately impressed by Proximity’s ‘can-do’ attitude and being ready, willing and able to make it work from a pricing perspective. The silver lining is their environmental credentials with 100% renewable sourced power and commitment to energy efficiency initiatives such as solar and wind power generation.”
Proximity’s 89,000 sq ft facility in Swindon provides capacity for up to 2000 racks and has a power usage efficiency (PUE) of just 1.3. A total of 7MW power is currently available with potential to increase to 14MW. With excellent road and rail infrastructure and easy access to digital fibre routes connecting London to Ireland and the USA, the Tier 3 facility is ideally positioned to serve businesses along and near to the M4 corridor. This includes the congested data centre conurbations of Slough and West London.