RALEIGH -- Gov. Bev Perdue announced today that Sentinel Data Centers, LLC, a pioneer in the wholesale data center industry, has selected North Carolina as the location for a 420,000 square foot facility in Durham, making it the region’s first purpose-built multi-tenant data center for large-footprint users. The Sentinel NC-1 facility will be available for occupancy in early 2013 upon completion and commissioning of an initial 120,000 square foot phase.
Sentinel worked closely with regional and state officials during its two year market assessment and site selection process. “We welcome Sentinel Data Centers to North Carolina as the region’s first wholesale data center provider,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “North Carolina companies will benefit greatly from this project and the bottom line is it will lead to job creation and investment in our state.”
The Sentinel NC-1 facility will ultimately yield approximately 200,000 square feet of net computer room space, divisible into autonomous, turnkey suites of multiple sizes and configurations. The NC-1 Facility will continue to advance the quality, flexibility and energy efficiency standards that have come to define Sentinel’s model. Sentinel NC-1 will also offer new “Multi-Tiering” solutions that will enable each user to deploy different resiliency zones within its space, allowing for the granular optimization of cost structure by application.
Sentinel intends to target both in-region and out-of-region users. “Sophisticated companies in the region have historically built their own data centers as there were no optimal third-party alternatives for large users,” said Todd Aaron, Sentinel Co-President. “As has been the case in more mature data center markets, we expect that North Carolina enterprises will welcome a simple, transparent and flexible model in which they can benefit from the resiliency and economies of a mega-scale facility without giving up the autonomy of a dedicated solution.”
Added Josh Rabina, Sentinel Co-President, “We also believe that the combination of highly reliable, low cost power, significant regional talent, easy access via multiple airports and exceptional quality of life will attract out-of-region users from multiple industries looking for a best-of-breed data center solution with North Carolina’s extremely attractive occupancy economics.”
“This data center is a great addition to Durham County, said Sen. Floyd McKissick. “Its high-tech facilities like this that will help companies thrive here in North Carolina.”
“This innovative data center project is a great fit for North Carolina, said Rep. Mickey Michaux. “ Our business-friendly climate and skilled workforce helped create an excellent opportunity for Sentinel Data Centers to invest in North Carolina.”
Sentinel Data Centers is a leading owner, developer and operator of multi-tenant data centers for large footprint users. Founded in 2001, Sentinel was an early pioneer in the “wholesale” data center business. Since its inception, Sentinel has developed over 1.4 million square feet and 120 megawatts of best-in-class data center solutions for a diversity of Fortune 500 enterprises across multiple industries, including financial services, healthcare, technology, and biotechnology, among others.
Other partners who assisted with this announcement include: The N.C. Department of Commerce, Durham County, and the Greater Durham Chamber of Commerce.
For more information about Sentinel Data Centers, visit www.sentineldatacenters.com.