Shaw Communications is opening a new data center in Calgary, Alberta - the first since it bought operator ViaWest in 2014.
The new facility makes use of data center expertise which Shaw acquired with ViaWest last year, asnd is due to open by the end of 2015. This would be the 29th data center for the ViaWest group, but the first in Canada, as all the other 28 are in the US.
High power density
The 40,000 sq ft (3700 sq m) of raised floor space will feature high power density at 700+ watts per square foot, and high–efficiency power delivery and cooling. Shaw is aiming for a PUE of 1.4 when in operation. With a temperature range that rarely tops 82°F (27°C) and averages in the 60’s (15C), the location is a perfect one for free air cooling technologies.
Focused on providing a mix of hybrid cloud, colocation, and managed services, depending on the client’s needs, the facility should position Shaw to take advantage of tightening IT budgets in the region, by offering outsourced services to companies looking to save money in IT spending. Nancy Phillips, President and CEO, ViaWest stated “Through our years of experience, we have found it increasingly rare for companies to house their data in just one environment, with most organizations choosing to blend cloud services, colocation or managed services through one dedicated facility to help reduce costs and infrastructure complexity”
Shaw also hopes to attract US customers with Canadian customers or those looking to expand into Canada with a local footprint. The facility will be carrier neutral, but will offer easy connectivity into Shaw’s already extensive fiber network in Canada. A virtual tour of the facility can be found here.