Serverius modernises Dutch data centres

Dutch colocation data center provider Serverius is working with technology firm ABB to modernise its two data centers located in Meppel and Dronten.

The two data centers, which are on what Serverius calls the 'data highway' between Amsterdam and Frankfurt, will benefit from faster and safer connectivity, with greater efficiency, reliability, and uptime for colocation customers.

 "While we started in a barn in 2009, we have now grown into a major data center player with international visibility and reputation," comments Serverius managing director Gijs van Gemert.

"With customers whose expectations are constantly increasing, we want to continue to meet this demand, now and in the future.

Business demands called for the critical upgrades to be completed within a short timeframe, and to protect the future vision of the colocation data center with the capacity to flex and scale according to Serverius' customer demands.

But the upgrades came with their own challenges, such as expanding their capacity with a limited amount of space and keep the power running for their existing data center load.  The six-month project saw ABB supply a range of electrification solutions and data center installation capabilities.

Serverius head of technical infrastructure Alfred van den Berg explains, "It was critical for us to invest in a complete electrification solution, which would help us build quickly and guarantee high uptime during the build phase.

"We utilised ABB's international know-how for the execution of the entire project right from project management to final delivery.

The ability to supply a complete turnkey package, which includes full project management, install partnerships and a flexible range of products that enable continuous operations is critical for any colocation provider, states ABB.

The modular design of the ABB system meant that Serverius did not need to shut down any server racks and could maintain service delivery during upgrade works.

Central to the new power infrastructure is ABB's distribution system, a solution that combines high levels of reliability and quality with safety. The central switchgear contains ABB solutions all the way down to the Emax breakers, giving Serverius additional visibility into the health of the system.

ABB installed power distribution units (PDUs) under the raised floor to deliver additional server power without taking-up valuable space in the server room and therefore delivering greater capacity within a confined area and an ability to keep data loads running.

ABB's SMISSLINE TP system, the world's first touch-safe busbar system, made this possible. It allows load-free modules and components to be removed and made live without the need for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect against electrical hazards. The plug-in modules save installation time, as well as providing a clean and sleek cabinet design.

ABB Global Data Center business head Ciaran Flanagan says the company is proud to be working with Serverius.

"We understand that smart data needs smart power and at ABB we focus on delivering the most flexible, reliable and intelligent data center solutions for our customers, ensuring their businesses run efficiently and safely 24 hours a day.