Leading Edge Data Centres (LEDC) has opened a new $7 million data centre site at Albury, Wodonga, in Australia.
This data center is backed by Schneider Electric, providing the region with greater access to distributed cloud networks through reliable, cost-effective connectivity, the company said in a statement. The Tier III data center has been designed for Australian conditions, thus providing additional environmental protections. Joe Craparotta, Vice President Segments & Secure Power, Schneider Electric said:
“We are excited and privileged to be a partner on this project, allowing Australians in regional areas to access high-speed connectivity and direct cloud fabric. The opening of this new data centre in the Riverina region will provide the digital infrastructure needed for Australians for generations to come.”
The data center will be part of a highly connected network of data centers across regional NSW, providing new connectivity options and greater opportunities for local business growth. Early this year, Microsoft said that it has planned a 190MW facility for a $150-million data center on a large industrial site along the West Gate Freeway at Yarraville in Melbourne’s inner west.
LEDC has invested over $7 million to open the facility with new state-of-the-art technology, easily accessible to local businesses. Leading Edge Data Centres’ CEO, Chris Thorpe, said the opening is an important milestone for regional areas.
“We are thrilled to launch the Albury Wodonga data center, providing more choice for local consumers and businesses when it comes to high-speed internet and direct cloud connectivity. It’s more important than ever before for our metropolitan and regional communities to be digitally connected with equivalent capabilities.”
“Schneider’s Tier III certified edge data centers have been designed and constructed in line with Chris Thorpe and LEDCs vision. They are built for Australian conditions, designed for regional locations with both sustainability and greater direct cloud access as a priority,” added Craparotta.
Collaborating with Schneider Electric enables LEDC to offer accessibility and choice – by providing a greater range of direct cloud access options, for faster connectivity through the network of edge data centers across regional Australia.
It also offers stability, especially considering the extreme Australian weather conditions. Additionally, there is a necessity to provide redundancy and fault tolerance, as well as power outage protection, the company said. The investment will also create new jobs and improve the local economy.
The data center has garnered strong support from local stakeholders including Business NSW and Albury City council. Albury City Mayor Kylie King said the new data center is an important milestone for the region, enhancing digital connectivity and opening the door to new opportunities.
“This new facility will give existing businesses more options for innovation and growth, whilst enhancing our attractiveness as an investment location. It will bring us up to speed with capital cities like Sydney and Melbourne and allow us to operate more effectively in a global market,” said King.
