Geo connects UK Grid datacentre on-net

22/10/2009 14:28:08

Geo has installed a dark fibre to connect UK Grid’s main data centre facility in Manchester into the nationwide Geo network. The move will enable UK Grid to provide customers with assurances over network diversity as well as deliver a nationwide service via the Geo network.

UK Grid provides data centre space, IP transit and business continuity services to customers such as the Arts Council, AQA, Click & Buy and Cogent.

The new Geo dark fibre connects UK Grid’s Synergy House data centre, situated on the Manchester Science Park (MSP), into the 3,000km Geo nationwide network.

The Geo network is a next generation fibre network that runs along the gas pipeline and within the sewer network in London. Most communication networks follow the road network and are therefore much more susceptible to physical damage during maintenance and construction work.

The dark fibre network link that Geo has installed for UK Grid is part of a bold investment plan that seeks to position UK Grid as a leading data continuity business in the North West and a top ten player nationwide.

UK Grid is currently building a third data centre in the Piccadilly area of central Manchester and is planning to build out fibre connections from its network to Tier 1 Points of Presence (PoPs), the main access points onto the internet in the UK.

Manchester is second only to London as a hot spot for data centres and data continuity provision. The attraction of the North West for businesses seeking to buy data continuity services is that the costs are typically half the price of those in the capital. Connecting into the Geo network enables UK Grid to deliver its services nationwide,” said Rob Garbutt, Managing Director, UK Grid.

The Geo network is the UK’s newest nationwide next generation fibre network. Data continuity providers, such as UK Grid, recognise the benefit that this brings to their customers in terms of bandwidth capacity, diversity and physical security,” said Chris Smedley, Chief Executive Officer, Geo.