An ideal home for data industry

As private and public sector organisations globally demand first-class facilities to store their ever increasing data, there is significant potential to grow a thriving data centre sector in Scotland.

Given last week's article, I would like to emphasise that the Scottish data centre industry recognises considerable merit in working with the government in support of its carbon reduction targets. In the view of many of our members, the targets are a challenge rather than a threat, and a way to demonstrate the industry's commitment to social responsibility.

Carbon targets will force greater efficiency, driving business to Scotland due to our inherent climatic advantages. European governments do need to roll out carbon legislation in tandem, however – if vastly different timetables are adopted then we risk losing out to Amsterdam, Paris and Frankfurt.

Particularly in the current economic climate it is important to highlight that Scotland offers an exceptional location for data centres. We benefit from low ambient temperatures, political security, a highly skilled workforce, excellent telecoms infrastructure, a reputation for innovation and a plentiful supply of energy, with increasing investment in renewable energy, resulting in an optimum home for this growing demand for data storage.

Our data centre industry players are well placed to meet the new carbon legislation, so let's support this economic potential.

Polly Purvis, executive director, ScotlandIS