BCNET's core members are pursuing an initiative to provide data centre space and associated infrastructure (power, cooling, connectivity) to researchers, educators and administrators through a network of data centres located on and off-campus.

Benefits:

• Maximize the use of existing data centre space and infrastructure on campuses

• Reduce costs

• Improve business continuity and disaster recovery

• Improve energy efficiency and optimize the use of electrical power through better data centre design

Feasibility Study

The provincial government provided a one-time grant of $100,000 to BCNET, which partially funded the development of a project plan for Shared Green Data Centre Services.

Feasibility Study Recommendations

After a detailed analysis, the project team recommended an upgrade to existing core member campus facilities to reduce costs, accommodate the unique needs of researchers, utilize existing facilities and deliver operational and strategic benefits.

The feasibility study provided recommendations for three facility upgrades at member institutions, over a five-year plan:

• Simon Fraser University's Water Tower Building
• University of Victoria's exiting data centre
• Thompson Rivers University

Consolidated Capital Request

On July 18, 2011, a consolidated capital request document was sent to the Ministry of Advanced Education. The request was endorsed by presidents at University of British Columbia, University of Victoria, University of Northern British Columbia and Simon Fraser University through the Research Universities' Council of British Columbia.

Project Information

Project Charter, Reference Materials and Progress Reports (member login required)

A growing problem that B.C's universities are facing is the issue of aging and inadequate data centre space. In fact, some universities have reported data centre occupancy rates of 70 - 100 per cent.