Need to Spread Data Centres across Nigeria ..Dr. Krishnan..ADC

The Top 20 series continue and today we have the Regional Executive West Africa, Africa Data Centres (ADC) Dr. Krishnan Ranganath who spoke about the Telecom industry from inception with emphasis on Data Centres and the need for it to spread beyond Lagos. Except

 Let’s look at Africa Data Centres and its operations, what do you really do?

Africa Data Centres is the leading provider of state-of-the-art data centre solutions across the continent. Our core operations revolve around providing cutting-edge infrastructure for businesses to securely store, manage, and process their critical data. We strive to create an interconnected network of data centres that enable seamless connectivity and unparalleled reliability for our clients.

Why do you pride yourself as Africa’s largest network of interconnected centre and cloud-neutral data centre?

At Africa Data Centres, we take pride in being the largest network of interconnected data centres in Africa due to our unwavering commitment to providing cloud-neutral solutions. This means that we offer our clients the freedom to choose the cloud services and providers that best suit their unique business needs. Our interconnected centres facilitate unparalleled accessibility, flexibility, and scalability, empowering businesses to thrive in the digital landscape.

Let’s look at your cloud and colocation services, how have you fared?

Africa Data Centres do not offer cloud services, but we do have numerous partners that are hosted within our data centres who’s services we can propose. Our collocation services have garnered significant success due to our relentless focus on delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the evolving needs of businesses in Africa. We have established a robust ecosystem that enables seamless integration with leading cloud service providers, allowing our clients to harness the power of the cloud securely and efficiently. Our colocation services are designed to provide unparalleled reliability and performance, ensuring that businesses can operate with confidence and peace of mind.

What are some of the services you offer; Cross-connect, Cage hardware, Hot or Cold Aisle Containment, Work Area Recovery, Peering, Internet Connectivity, IT hardware among others?

Africa Data Centres offers a comprehensive suite of services that cater to the diverse needs of businesses. These include cross-connect solutions that facilitate seamless connectivity, secure cage hardware for enhanced data protection, cutting-edge hot and cold aisle containment for optimal efficiency, reliable work area recovery options, robust peering services, unparalleled internet connectivity, and top-tier IT hardware solutions. Our holistic approach ensures that businesses can access all the essential tools and resources necessary for their success.

Let us look at security, how secure are your facilities?

Security is paramount at Africa Data Centres, and we have implemented robust measures to ensure the utmost protection of our facilities and our clients’ data. Our data centres are equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, including biometric access controls, 24/7 surveillance, advanced fire suppression systems, and stringent security protocols. We adhere to the highest industry standards and continuously invest in cutting-edge technologies to uphold the integrity and confidentiality of the data entrusted to us.

Why should clients prefer Africa Data Centres?

Clients should prefer Africa Data Centres for our unparalleled commitment to excellence, reliability, and innovation. We offer a comprehensive range of services that are tailored to the specific needs of businesses in Africa, enabling them to leverage the full potential of their data securely and efficiently. With our extensive network of interconnected data centres, cloud-neutral solutions, and robust security measures, clients can trust us to be their reliable partner in navigating the complex digital landscape and achieving their business objectives with confidence.

You’ve been around for quite a while so the telecoms industry is not strange to you, between the time you came into the country and now, how will you describe the evolvement of the Telecom industry?

I still remember those days when we used to cry for internet bandwidth… and now nobody wants it. There was only one cable… so now we have seven and more are still coming in. The market has evolved over the years but one thing remains and that is the transmission. Lagos is beautiful. There is good internet speed and availability but when we travel outside of Lagos to maybe Kaduna or Kano or so the quality goes down. Quality deteriorates and the cost goes high. That is one problem still prevailing and we need to look at how best we can solve that issue in the industry.

It’s an industry issue but we can’t stay with that issue for long because if we stay there, the seven cables landing in Lagos will not have an effect because Lagos is 27 million across… so Lagos, Abuja, Portharcourt is around 45 million, that is not Nigeria. We need to find a way to reach those people with a high quality of service so that the quality of service which enables the data centers to be more effective because at the end of the day the content are in the data centers. Power has improved. There is a lot of changes in the power and there’s still a huge room for improvement in the power sector which is the key factor for data center operations. Data center is a power business. 

What can you say about the quality of service before and now. 

There is huge improvements. It’s basically capacity planning from the operator’s side. Being a data center operator I might not be able to comment on the network side of the operators. But there are substantial improvements on that area. Capacity planning has improved a lot over the years and I think it will still improve. When we look at Nigeria and the mindset of the people who are ready to spend money on data despite the situation not being as convenient, the network has to improve with no second thoughts.

ADC has been nominated as the Most Outstanding Carrier-Neutral Data Centre of the Year, your response?

We are deeply honoured to be nominated as the Most Outstanding Carrier-Neutral Data Centre of the Year. This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction. It reaffirms our dedication to providing world-class data centre solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the digital era. We remain steadfast in our mission to continually elevate our services and set new industry benchmarks, ensuring that our clients receive nothing less than the best-in-class data centre solutions in Africa.