Vodafone Selects Ireland for Global Data Center Site

Vodafone Ireland's north Dublin-based data centre has been chosen by Vodafone Group as one of three data centres that will service Vodafone Group's worldwide data storage and systems needs. The decision to include the Dublin data centre in the consolidated approach will result in a net investment of nearly US$10 million between 2006 and 2007 and will secure a total of 50 jobs based in Ireland for the Vodafone Group function.

In December 2004, Vodafone Group launched its plans to consolidate worldwide data management facilities into three locations, which would service the needs of the entire global Vodafone Group. Vodafone Ireland's data centre joins facilities already appointed in Italy and Germany. The Irish facility is the only data centre in Ireland to carry certification to ISO 17799 standards, which provides best practice recommendations on information security and management. This, along with the size and capability of the facility, was a key factor in the decision.

Speaking about the announcement, Teresa Elder, Vodafone Ireland's CEO stated, "We are delighted to have secured this level of commitment and investment in the Information and Communications Technology sector here in Ireland. Vodafone Ireland employs close to 2,000 people, taking into account contractors and permanent employees, many of whom are highly skilled IT and telecommunications engineers. This move will allow us to further increase our support of the highly skilled workforce that is a necessary driver of the sector as a whole.

The Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey TD welcomed the announcement, commenting, "I would like to congratulate Vodafone Ireland on their achievement in securing this important deal. This result helps to underline Ireland's position as a premier location for ICT services and is testament to the high value skills-base available throughout in the Irish workforce."

Posted to the site on 24th October 2005