Equinix has announced the development of a new data centre in Milan, due to open in Q1 2021.
Known as ML5, the International Business Exchange (IBX) data centre will offer state-of-the-art colocation, as well as a host of advanced interconnection services, including Equinix Cloud Exchange Fabric (ECX Fabric) and Equinix Internet Exchange.
The innovative, modular construction of the site incorporates Equinix’s Flexible Data Centre (FDC) principles, which leverage common design elements for space, power and cooling to ensure long-term maintenance predictability. This approach provides customers with high standards for uptime and availability while lowering operating risk and complexity.
The ML5 IBX is the fourth data centre for Equinix in Italy, where existing Equinix data centres provide access to a wide choice of network service providers, internet exchange points, content delivery networks and cloud service providers.
This expansion further supports Italian businesses with advancing their digital transformation strategies, as well as enabling global companies across industries to expand their operations in Italy – spurring innovation.
Organisations working to accelerate their evolution from traditional to digital business can utilise the new site to dynamically scale their IT infrastructure, adopt hybrid multi-cloud architectures and interconnect with strategic business partners within the Platform Equinix global ecosystem of nearly 10,000 customers.
The $51 million first phase of ML5 is expected to provide a capacity of 500 cabinet equivalents and colocation space of approximately 15,000 square feet (1,400 square meters).
Upon completion of the planned future phases, ML5 is expected to provide total capacity of more than 1,450 cabinet equivalents and colocation space of more than 45,000 square feet (4,200 square meters).
The new site is also being built in line with global environmental standards and will contribute to a portfolio of some of the most energy-efficient data centres in the world. ML5 will utilise 100% renewable energy and is designed to LEED Gold standard.
Judith Gardiner, vice president, growth and emerging markets at Equinix commented, “Italy is a key growth market for Equinix in EMEA, particularly in the areas of automotive and financial services.
“This expansion supports the increasing demands we’re seeing from companies in Italy and the wider region to accelerate their digital transformation – which has only accelerated in the wake of Covid-19.
“ML5 will play a key role in helping businesses thrive in the evolving digital economy, through the formation of an interconnected metro area where customers can seamlessly connect with strategic business partners in Italy and across the world.”
