CIO South Africa’s trusted executive partner Equinix recently launched its R3 billion data centre, strategically located near OR Tambo International airport as a tactical meeting point for its global partners
On 23 October, Equinix, is a multinational company headquartered in Redwood City, California that specialises in internet connection and data centres, launched its JN1 state-of-the-art, $160 million (R3 billion), 1,900m3 co-location international business exchange (IBX) data centre in Germiston, east of Johannesburg.
The opening of this facility is a pledge that was made by our president, said Sandile Dube, the managing director of Equinix in South Africa at the launch, “a pledge that has come to fruition”.
“What I’m really proud of is the opportunities that have been created for local businesses. We’ve seen a significant number of jobs created for women and the youth, the essence of this investment – Equinix is also here to accelerate the digital economy and narrow the gap of digital skills in our communities and narrow the digital gap among our peers,” said Sandile in his opening remarks.
Customers have a choice when they use Equinix’s facilities and access the rest of the world through the company’s facilities. “Equinix is the airport of the internet. In order to get anywhere through South Africa you have to go through Equinix,” he added.
Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, executive mayor of the City of Ekurhuleni, said he saw the establishment of the data centre as one step towards Ekurhuleni’s ambition to build a mega-city.
“Ekurhuleni is the connectivity hub of the city of Johannesburg. The airport allows for any Equinix partner to arrive into the country and make use of the company’s state-of-the art facilities,” he said.
“Let’s celebrate this occasion and use it as a sign of hope to create a smart city.”
Bringing two nations together
The guest list for the launch included Reuben Brigety, United States ambassador to South Africa. “This state-of-the-art facility is a significant milestone of the country’s digital capability and the relationship between South Africa and the US,” the ambassador said.
According to Reuben, the JN1 data centre indicates that Africa is not just ready for digital transformation, but is leading the charge.
“As we celebrate this opening of the data centre, let’s also recognise the strong relationship between South Africa and the US that this signifies: two nations working together to build the infrastructure that will build Africa’s digital future.”
Keynote speaker and minister of communications and digital technologies Mondli Gungubele said, “Infrastructure is meant to consolidate a base to flourish in innovation, technology and science. As a government, we appreciated the fact that Equinix saw South Africa as a prime destination to host this world-class data centre,” the minister remarked.
A home of choice
Gary Aitkenhead, senior vice president: operations Equinix EMEA, called it a win for the two countries for both economic and social development. Gary also took the opportunity to outline the unique features that the data centre offered.
- Designed with sustainability in mind
- State-of-the-art security for reliable services
- Ample space to comfortably accommodate all Equinix partners
- High-density requirements and redundant cooling
- Carrier-neutral model and connectivity into Johannesburg network exchange
- JN1 data centre is a strategic hub for business and entry point across the world via close proximity to OR Tambo international airport
- A data centre operated by world-class and homegrown talent – Equinix’s contribution to local employment
“The JN1 data centre is the first of many in the country, look out for the next phases across the country,” Gary concluded.
