IT firm warms to cold climate in Highlands to create 400 jobs

Published on Monday 1 December 2008 21:38

THE Highland climate is one of the reasons why a "cloud computing" centre, creating 400 jobs, is planned for Inverness.

The 20 million building would be part of a major development at Inverness harbour and is billed as Scotland's first eco-friendly data centre.

The plans were announced yesterday by the IT company Alchemy Plus, a partner of the computer giant Microsoft, which will provide data-centre services to clients on a "pay as you go" basis.

Using "utility computing" or "cloud computing", customers, who pay a monthly fee, tap into vast IT resources and data, and applications are securely stored centrally, rather than on individual computers.

Applications and services are delivered over the internet, allowing customers to access them from anywhere, with claims that it can save an average of 28 per cent on costs.

A planning application for the building will be submitted in the new year, with the aim of having it built by the end of 2010.

It is proposed that waste heat from the 20,000sq ft data centre will help to warm neighbouring parts of the harbour development, making the facility one of the most energy-efficient to be built in the area.

Data centres generate large amounts of heat, and high levels of power are needed to supply the computing hardware and the cooling systems that protect it.

However, Alchemy says the colder climate in the Highlands means it will reduce the need for artificial refrigeration.

Peter Swanson, the chairman of Alchemy, said: "This development could not be better timed. Demand for premium data-centre space continues to far outstrip available supply, and the current economic downturn is driving a rapid shift towards 'cloud-based' services, which offer greater economy and flexibility.

"Utility computing will revolutionise the way businesses use computers and seriously cut costs for many companies and public-sector organisations."

Stewart Nicol, the chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the announcement. He said: "This project will really put the city on the map for developments in information technology."

Alchemy already provides a shared services computing facility for several firms in the area, including the Inverness-based Highland Home Carers.

Stephen Pennington, the company's managing director, said: "It's like leasing a car, rather than buying a car. You don't have the initial capital costs and you also have the peace of mind that comes with having someone there all the time if things go wrong."