Computer and Internet users will be able to enjoy a better service after TeleBermuda International Ltd. (TBI) announced the expansion of its data centre facility inSt.David's.

TBI's latest investment in Bermuda's telecommunications infrastructure will allow its local and international customers to benefit from network-critical solutions, while businesses will have the advantage of high-density server hosting/co-location support in the provision of disaster recovery services.

"TBI has certainly raised the bar with the investment in its data centre expansion and will clearly emerge as a leader in data centre facilities and equipment hosting services in Bermuda," said TBI president and chief operating officer, Gregory Swan."It has always been paramount that our customers have reliable quality data services.

TBI's investment assures that we not only meet their current needs, but also proves that we have the vision and capacity to provide for their future requirements as well.

Our knowledge of the industry's ever-evolving technology led us to the execution of this major development over a year ago."Kevin Janzen, president and CEO of Bermuda Energy Services Company Ltd. was happy that TBI chose his firm to be the vendor for the data centre expansion project.

"The new facility will extend TBI's global position in providing a robust and resilient infrastructure to today's business continuity requirements," he said."TBI has selected a leader in network-critical physical infrastructure that will provide solutions that integrate power, cooling, rack and management services to its customers.

"The move means that TBI will now have the most energy efficient high-density data centre in Bermuda, able to handle power and cooling in excess of 20 kilowatts per rack.Green technologies have also been employed for better energy efficiency to support TBI's commitment to protecting the environment.In addition, maximum security has been implemented alongside the existing exterior cameras, including enhanced perimeter fencing, card swipe access controls, the new racking systems, and, above all, location.

Mark Wade, director of network operations and project manager for the data centre expansion at TBI, said: "The expansion of TBI's data centre is just one part of the development plan at our network operations centre.

"While the expansion further leverages our location and priority power grid access, the remainder of the development plan will see enhanced physical security with a new perimeter fence and extended CCTV coverage."The amalgamation of transmission upgrades, key staff acquisitions, and training, provide existing and future customers with a superior infrastructure."The data centre was formerly a US Navy communications facility designed to withstand Category 5 hurricane level winds - a defining feature of its construction, while TBI has also invested in powerful generators for seamless data back-up protection.

With 30 days of fuel storage supply on site, 100 percent of the data centre load will be supported by 750 kVAs of diesel generator capacity.

This is coupled with a rack-optimised intelligent Uninterrupted Power Supply power distribution platform. Ample back-up storage space is available in the facility's Class 5 Military Vault room.TBI's fully redundant international sub-sea network will complete the customers' need for high availability solutions.

"Our investment in our data centre exhibits TBI's continued commitment to our island, as we endeavor to remain at the forefront of technology," Mr. Swan added.As a former development engineer with AT&T and an industry regulator, combined with his experience in power generation, Mr. Swan's comprehension of the telecommunications industry is highly respected, and his accomplishments demonstrate his drive to keep TBI positioned as a telecom leader.

"Our data centre has an exceptional level of flexibility that appeals to a variety of corporate customers, and the recent economic downturn has made it essential for them to be extremely cost conscious yet equally protective of their data," he said.Customers will also receive a number of data services, such as remote monitoring, managed IT services, data storage and other additions.