Designed and built by the award winning team at Sudlows, the new data centre is based in New England House, in the heart of Brighton’s digital quarter and comprises of a state-of-the-art hosting facility for digital businesses and service providers to locate servers and switching equipment.
Chris Dummett, Commercial Director for Sudlows commented; “The BDX data centre is a fantastic facility that provides the technical springboard for Brighton to rapidly become the next digital city.”
Business units in New England House are connected to the hub with ultra-fast optical fibre, and the exchange will serve as a ‘Point of Presence’ for providers to connect companies throughout the city.
Using a unique shared ownership model, BDX provides digital businesses and service providers with local access to digital infrastructure that would otherwise be out of reach. The exchange will enable smaller businesses to innovate and launch new digital products and services, including ultra-fast broadband for local companies.
The £700,000 project has been funded by BDUK (Broadband Delivery UK) as part of the Superconnected Cities programme. Seven founder businesses including Internet service, hosting and telephony providers came together to form the Brighton Digital Exchange Co-operative, which will own and run the facility. The co-operative will be seeking new members to join and benefit from the access to the neutral, shared infrastructure.
BDX chair and Fastnet CEO Joe Kerr commented: “The Exchange provides the technology and infrastructure to enable internet service providers like mine to work together to offer better and more tailored internet services to local businesses, especially those with specific digital needs. Through this venture Brighton is leading the way with an innovative approach to connectivity, further to support growth of this city’s digital economy.“