New Magenta data centre opened in Graz

They are a basic prerequisite for the digitisation of the economy and society: data centres. Alongside broadband connections and international network nodes, they form the backbone of the digital value chain. This is where the digital lifeline of Styrian Magenta customers runs – huge amounts of data are transferred, managed and processed. Above all, increasing broadband usage, the trend towards cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT) are causing demand for data centres to skyrocket. That is why Magenta has invested tens of millions in the digital future of its Styrian customers and, with its new data centre in southern Graz, has created one of the most modern and energy-efficient data centres in Europe.

„An excellent infrastructure is the cornerstone of the ongoing digital transformation. A modern location for production and services requires high-performance data lines and sufficient data storage. Not only businesses, but also households benefit from fast internet through improved quality of life, convenience and accessibility. With the opening of our new data centre, we are responding to the growing demand from domestic households for broadband and from the economy for secure and flexible IT solutions“, says Andreas Bierwirth, CEO Magenta.

State governor: „In the age of digitalisation, ultra-fast internet is the order of the day. Rapid and comprehensive digitalisation and the rapid expansion of infrastructure are among the essential prerequisites for our federal state to maintain its leading position in the fields of innovation, research and the economy. I am delighted that the Magenta data centre, one of the most modern and energy-efficient centres in Europe, is being built in Styria. This will make Styria even more digital and fit for the future.“

IMAGE for OTS – Opening ceremony and key handover for the new Magenta data centre in Graz

Grand opening ceremony to mark official commissioning

The groundbreaking ceremony for the data centre at the Graz site took place in spring 2021. Specialist COOLtec Systems was responsible for the planning and implementation of the data centre. Completion is now scheduled for a year and a half later: the official launch took place with an opening ceremony on May, 23rd. Invited guests were given a first glimpse of the new data centre. Among them were Governor Hermann Schützenhöfer, Regional Minister for Economic Affairs Barbara Eibinger-Miedl and City Councillor for Economic Affairs and Culture Günter Riegler.

„Comprehensive coverage with high-performance internet is the key to a successful location with a high quality of life. It is therefore a central concern of mine to drive forward broadband expansion and, at the same time, digital transformation. With the new data centre, Magenta Telekom is creating an important infrastructure to make Styria fit for the digital future. I would like to express my sincere thanks for this forward-looking investment, which further underpins our reputation as an innovative high-tech location,” said Barbara Eibinger-Miedl, Regional Minister for Economic Affairs.

A total of 380 server cabinets with a capacity of up to 3,6 megawatts are operated on an area of 1.120 m2. The powerful digital infrastructure opens up new possibilities such as additional capacity for Gigabit Internet, 5G mobile communications and HD-television, from which Magenta customers in Styria and the southern provinces can now benefit. New innovative products such as the provision of data centre space are being created for business customers.

Positive side effect: During the construction of the data centre, excavation work was carried out to lay data cables. This means that up to 2.000 new households and businesses in Graz can be connected to Magenta Telekom’s fibre optic cable network. Magenta currently supplies 136.000 households and businesses in Graz and the surrounding area via its fibre optic cable network. Customers have access to high-speed internet speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second, equivalent to 1.000 Mbit per second.

Councillor for Economic Affairs Günter Riegler: „Digitalisation has become an indispensable factor for a functioning economy. Without high-performance infrastructure, a business location can no longer develop and assert itself successfully. It is therefore all the more gratifying that the new Magenta data centre represents another important step towards strengthening Graz’ position as an innovative city of business and science.“

Highly efficient digital infrastructure for Styria as a business location

Cooling and the energy supply for operating the data centre are two major challenges. As a data centre operator, COOLtec Systems therefore focuses primarily on energy efficiency and sustainability. Water-cooled systems and air conditioning cabinets with indirect free cooling are used for cooling. This ensures maximum system efficiency and operational reliability.

Cooling and the energy supply for operating the data centre are two major challenges. As a data centre operator, COOLtec Systems therefore focuses primarily on energy efficiency and sustainability. Water-cooled systems and air conditioning cabinets with indirect free cooling are used for cooling. This ensures maximum system efficiency and operational reliability.

Frauscher Consulting GmbH, one of Austria’s most renowned data centre experts, supported the project with design, project management and ensuring compliance with service level agreements. Quality assurance is guaranteed by the planned certification in accordance with EN 50600.