IBM opens $80m data centre

IBM Global Business Services, Australia New Zealand, managing director Andrew Stevens and IBM New Zealand's managing director Jennifer Moxon. Photo / supplied

IBM says it is on track to meet the growing demand for cloud computing services after opening an $80 million data centre in South Auckland last night.

The 5200 square metre facility, located in the Highbrook Business Park, is the largest commercial data centre in the country and will sell services to both New Zealand and off-shore clients.

The facility was due to be opened by Prime Minister John Key in March, but was put on hold after the Christchurch earthquake.

The centre allows for companies to securely store and access digital information, removing the need for them to own and maintain computer servers.

IBM New Zealand's managing director Jennifer Moxon said the centre would help foster business innovation.

"As economy continues to grow, IBM's data centre will provide a platform for businesses to drive increased efficiencies, improved productivity and greater innovation," Moxon said.

The building contains a 1500 square metre raised floor, able to hold up to 720 server racks and is kept at an even temperature by 1.4 kilometres of air conditioning pipes.

The server room hooked up to four electricity generators, capable of producing enough juice to power 266 homes.

Despite this, IBM stressed the centre was energy efficient and designed to minimise the impact on the environment.

NZICT group chief executive Brett O'Riley said the centre was a good example of where information technology is going.

"The IBM data centre reinforces the importance of green ICT for New Zealand in seeking to host data nationally, and for major international players. Coupled with planned new international connectivity, New Zealand will now have an extremely compelling proposition," O'Riley said.