Big Blue has unveiled a €30m data centre that will serve as a global hub for delivering IBM software to clients in 84 countries worldwide.
The new data centre, which is located at IBM’s massive technology campus in Dublin, will also perform supply-chain delivery services on a global basis.
IBM’s Software Value chain is a fulfilment solution designed to make global software deployment, tracking and delivery more efficient.
It includes a web-based application ShopzSeries that lets clients order software based on their individual needs, specify the mode and timing of the delivery, and check the status of their orders in real time 24×7.
A source close to the company said 34 jobs will be created at the new Dublin operation.
IBM clients using the new data centre will have access to massive internet-scale computing capabilities, while gaining the cost and environmental protection advantages of IBM’s industry-leading energy-efficiency data centre design and research.
The data centre has been designed using IBM Research energy–efficient green strategies and technology innovations that optimise space, power cooling and resiliency, while reducing costs and supporting business growth.
“This investment is excellent news for Ireland and is the third significant investment so far this year from IBM for Ireland,” said Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment Mary Coughlan TD, announcing the new investment.
“IDA Ireland and IBM have a proactive long-standing relationship in advancing the company in Ireland and I congratulate them both on this innovative ‘green’ investment.
“Building and investing in this data centre is further proof of this commitment to providing world-class services both to clients here in the local Irish market and internationally, and combined with the location of IBM’s global software delivery hub in Dublin, is an endorsement of Ireland’s reputation for excellence and innovation,” Minister Coughlan said.
As part of its data centre strategy, new and upgraded products and services are being introduced across the IBM portfolio. These elements focus on tools to measure and manage energy consumption, manage security pain-points and provide significant cost savings for data centre optimisation.
“We are hearing from our local clients that they have an increasing need to manage costs and improve their operational efficiency, while not compromising the security and integrity of their systems”, said Anne Fitzsimons, country Manager, Integrated Technology Services, IBM Ireland.
“This new data centre expands our capability to deliver on these requirements. For example, reducing costs through providing infrastructure managed services or improving communications through the convergence of voice and data.”
IBM owns and operates more than eight million square feet of data centre space – more than any other company in the world.
By John Kennedy
