Oz data centre migration panel named

data centre migration panel, reports CIO.

The panel was formed to help government agencies move from existing data centre facilities into new centres.

Colliers International Project Services, Dell Australia, Dimension Data, Fujitsu Australia, HP and The Frame Group were selected.

The panel will be in place for the next five years, and is part of the government's data centre strategy until 2025.

Special minister of state, Gary Gray, says: “Reasons for moving data centres can include the expiration of leases, requiring additional power to support IT equipment or changes in IT outsourcing arrangements.

“Most agencies have limited experience in undertaking such an activity so the companies on this panel will work with agencies to plan and execute such moves ensuring minimal impact on services to the Australian community.”

Australian IT says the government hopes to avoid spending $1 billion on data centre services over the next 10 to 15 years through its reform programme.

Other data centre-related initiatives are being undertaken by the Australian Government Information Management Office.

According to Government News, the Department of Finance and Deregulation's 'Australian Government Data Centre Strategy' states the government spends about $170 million annually on electricity for its data centres, of which ICT uses $70 million.

However, modern data centres are more energy-efficient. It is estimated that using modern data centres would avoid $35 million per annum in electricity costs alone.

Government data centre operations currently generate around 300 000 tonnes of carbon annually. Modern data centre technology can reduce this carbon footprint by around 13% or 40 000 tonnes per annum.