Secure I.T. Environments Ltd (SITE) has built a small data center for Thurrock County Council for less than £560,000 ($719,000). The keys to the new data center were handed over on October 22.

The 234 sqm (2,500 sq ft) data center is part of a hybrid project as the English council transfers data to the cloud.

According to the UK Authority, the council looked for cheaper alternatives to the cloud and, instead of a full migration, opted for a smaller more manageable facility to store information and be used in case the cloud provider ceases service.

Around 170,000 people live within the council’s boundaries and Thurrock is following other authorities in migrating its operations to cloud platforms.

Shifting to cloud

The project was split into two phases. After the facility finished construction, it was tested along with an entire review of the site’s power and systems. Now the firm will undergo a five-year maintenance project to keep the center in shape.

A council spokesperson said: “This hybrid design approach will allow the council to leverage emerging cloud-based developments and ensure the smooth transition of any systems to the cloud without placing business continuity and service provision at risk.

“It also ensures that the council has a viable fall-back position in the event that any cloud-based provider ceases service provision, and the council has to take services back in-house on short notice.”

Small on-site data centers

Back in November, The Wrexham Maelor Hospital in Wales deployed a small on-site data center built by SITE.

Chris Wellfair, project director at SITE, said: “Through decades of experience we have learned what it takes to deliver the highest standards of design, resilience security, and energy efficiency that are needed in hospital settings. The new data center will be at the heart of the daily running of the hospital, helping staff and clinicians continue to deliver the highest standards of care.”