Network services provider, Principle Networks, has been appointed by Datum Datacentres to deliver a high-speed IP transit network for Datum’s new data centre in Manchester.
The new IP transit network will enable Datum to deliver high-performance Internet connectivity to its clients and is designed to scale in a manner which ensures end users can increase their consumption of Internet-based services, without concerns over connectivity limitations.
Through the utilisation of Cisco’s best-in-class service provider Internet edge routers to host full Internet routing tables, the new solution will deliver direct access to the Internet backbone, ensuring that Datum has greater control over routing policies, can optimise traffic profiles and maximise network availability and reliability.
Datum’s new Manchester data centre facility, MCR2, is currently under construction and due to go live in spring offering 24,000sft of technical space within the 50,000sft building.
Matt Edgley, COO at Datum Datacentres, said: “After Principle Networks successfully delivered a similar project at our Farnborough data centre facility, we decided to appoint them as a preferred partner for our new Manchester facility. This complex and critical project required a team that we could trust. The highly resilient IPT provision that Principle Networks is deploying will allow us to offer our clients high performance enterprise grade connectivity with low latency and consistent performance to support Digital Transformation journeys.
“We work with best-of-breed suppliers to provide resilient links across the UK and beyond and are pleased to be continuing our relationship with Principle Networks as a premium connectivity partner.”
As specialists in designing and implementing complex data centre networks and scalable, agile cloud-based networks for mid-large enterprises, Principle Networks works across all sectors, including legal, retail, logistics, social housing, automotive, financial services, IT and local government.
Russell Crowley, Co-founder at Principle Networks, added: “We are proud to have been chosen to partner with Datum to deliver the IPT network for MCR2. The development of this new data centre is great news for Manchester and will offer businesses the opportunity to host their infrastructure in one of the most well connected, resilient and cutting-edge facilities in the region. We’re excited to be a part of it and are looking forward to the new data centre coming online in the very near future.”
Intelligent Data Centres spoke to Matt Edgley – Chief Operating Officer, Datum Datacentres, to find out more.
What makes the new MCR2 data centre in Manchester a significant addition to Datum’s portfolio, and how does it compare to your Farnborough facility?
Our new MCR2 data centre in Manchester is a significant milestone for Datum, showcasing a cutting-edge approach to sustainability while adding much-needed capacity to one of the UK’s most dynamic data centre regions. Unlike many recent facilities in Manchester, which are often refurbished or repurposed buildings, MCR2 is a rare example of a state-of-the-art new build, brought to fruition to meet modern demands and challenges.
While our Farnborough facility (FRN) has long set the benchmark for quality and resilience, MCR2 benefits from being built from the ground up. This allows us to maximise capacity through an optimised space-to-power ratio and achieve improved efficiency by incorporating the latest technology – providing superior performance and sustainability across our portfolio.
How will the high-speed IP transit network, delivered by Principle Networks, enhance connectivity and performance for your clients?
Our carrier-neutral site enables businesses to build and customise their own networks by directly engaging with carriers. For those seeking a streamlined solution, we provide a fully managed service offering multi-carrier resilience, high capacity, and industry-leading vendor equipment located close to the data centre – whether our clients prefer a DIY approach, a managed service, or a combination of both.
Can you elaborate on how the use of Cisco’s Internet edge routers contributes to greater control over routing policies and network reliability?
This particular series of router is designed to host full Internet routing tables, which means the new solution will deliver direct access to the Internet backbone. This enables seamless communication between the large, independent networks that form the Internet
As a result, the routers can make an informed decision about how to route data to any point on the Internet – regardless of where the user or device might be located. This provides the scalability and crucially the resilience that Datum and their customers’ desire.
In addition, the chosen hardware offers industry-leading port density for high-scale networks with efficient forwarding performance, low jitter, and the lowest power consumption per gigabits/sec at a very cost-effective price point.
With increasing demand for high-performance Internet services, how is Datum ensuring the scalability of its connectivity solutions for future growth?
With the rising demand for high-performance Internet services, we are proactively addressing future growth by building scalability into our connectivity solutions. Our new facility features state-of-the-art hardware designed not just for immediate needs but for future capacity. By utilising scalable equipment, we ensure that our solutions remain flexible and ready to meet the increasing demands of tomorrow.
Why did Datum choose Principle Networks again for this critical project, and what benefits has the partnership delivered so far?
At Datum, we value bespoke solutions, trusted partnerships and a client-first approach. Having worked with Principle Networks as a partner, customer and supplier, we’ve experienced their similar commitment to understanding their client’s unique goals and delivering tailored services that align perfectly with their needs. This is why Principle Networks has been a natural choice for us time and time again.
The on-going service quality from Principle Networks has always been exceptional. They don’t just deliver; they listen. By truly understanding what we aim to achieve, they’ve helped us implement practical, high-impact solutions that drive results. This partnership continues to exemplify the value of shared values and client-focused collaboration.
How do you see MCR2 and its network capabilities supporting Manchester’s growing role as a key digital and business hub in the UK?
MCR2 and its advanced network capabilities are supporting Manchester’s position as a pivotal digital and business hub in the UK. With improved data centres and increasing demand for network connectivity, the city is becoming a natural destination for carriers and fibre infrastructure. This growth is set to attract more tech businesses and investment, creating a self-sustaining ecosystem that fosters innovation, opportunity and economic advancement. Proximity to data centre hotspots will further enhance Manchester’s appeal, unlocking greater potential for skills development and regional prosperity.
