OADC Rolls Out First Large-Scale, Open-Access, Edge DC Environment in Africa

Core-to-edge architecture consolidates edge computing, edge data centres and hyperscale connectivity within a single ecosystem, OADC Edge
Supports 5G rollout and extension of Internet Service Provider (ISP) and fibre operator infrastructure into new locations
Underpins deployment of low-latency applications and extends data storage, processing and content delivery to the network edge

OADC Press Release
May 9, 2022

Mauritius – Africa’s edge data centre leader, Open Access Data Centres (OADC), today announced deployment of the continent’s first large-scale, open-access edge data centre environment, OADC Edge, in South Africa. This is the first step in a wider rollout of OADC Edge across Africa, with Nigeria expected to be the next country to benefit later this year.

By consolidating edge computing, edge data centres and hyperscale connectivity within a single ecosystem, OADC is establishing an edge environment that expedites the realisation of business opportunities for its clients. The ability to locate equipment securely at remote locations is critical to 5G operators, ISPs and fibre providers looking to extend network reach into new markets. Latency improvements from serving content locally bring an enhanced end-user experience and are fundamental to the successful rollout of new, time-critical applications, whilst the ability to process large volumes of critical data before it is forwarded to larger, regional facilities, improves efficiency whilst also reducing backhaul costs.

OADC Chief Technical Officer Bob Wright (pictured below) explains: “In recent years, Africa has seen massive investment in hyperscale data centres focused on the continent’s largest metropolitan areas. However, a presence in a single data centre is no longer sufficient to address a country or region. 5G operators, ISPs and fibre operators are seeking cost-efficient ways to extend network reach into new markets, requiring network equipment to be securely housed in remote locations.

Wright continued: “At the same time, the growing desire to make content available and process ever-greater volumes of data closer to the customer is increasingly demanding implementation of a core-to-edge architecture, with meshed local and regional data centres fully connected into Africa’s network infrastructure across multiple countries and cities. OADC is building Africa’s edge data centre infrastructure to support clients seeking cost-effective network extension, and those who are changing their infrastructure deployment strategies to fulfil demand for content closer to the network edge – for improved availability and premium performance – or to optimise networking and storage costs by pre-processing data locally.”

Integral to OADC’s core-to-edge, open-access, edge data centre offering is the establishment of new, regional data centres covering major cities – initially across South Africa – and rollout of over 100, 0.5 MW OADC Edge data centres, in the largest deployment of open-access data centres on the continent.

The first 17 OADC Edge data centres are already live in South Africa offering colocation, rooftop access and high-speed network interconnectivity between facilities at up to 100Gbps and on multiple routes for diversity. Sites are fully monitored by our 24/7/365 Network Operation Centre (NOC), providing clients with the assurance and security they demand. Rollout is continuing into key connectivity hubs, with new 2-3MW, Tier-III regional OADC facilities coming online during Q3 2022 and more than 100 OADC Edge data centres expected to be live by the end of 2022.

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Notes to Editors

About Open Access Data Centres – http://www.openaccessdc.net/

Open Access Data Centres (OADC) has been established to transform the provision of data centre services for Africa. The company is implementing a world-class, carrier-neutral, pan-African data centre footprint that will deliver an unparalleled client experience, offering expert assistance and support, partnership in tailoring bespoke solutions and leading-edge information systems to support client business decision-making.

OADC is deploying its open-access, Tier III hyperscale and regional data centres at major cable landing locations and in key business hubs throughout Africa.

OADC Edge data centres are being deployed into smaller locations, serving the ongoing need to support service providers in extending network reach, and the growing requirement for content storage, processing and delivery at the network edge.

OADC is an environmentally responsible company and as such is pursuing a wide range of environmental and management accreditations.