Plans unveiled for £20m north computing centre

By Nichola Rutherford

Published:

A TECHNOLOGY company revealed plans yesterday to build a major computing centre at Inverness harbour.

The Press and Journal disclosed last year that Alchemy Plus planned to invest up to £15million in building a data centre at the planned University of the Highlands and Islands campus in the Highland capital.

The company last night confirmed its decision to switch to Inverness harbour in a move that could eventually lead to the creation of 400 jobs.

Alchemy Plus bosses said they believed the development, which now represents an estimated £20million investment, could be up and running by the end of 2010.

The announcement was welcomed by business leaders and local politicians as “very positive news for the local economy”.

The new Alchemy Plus centre will allow businesses and individuals to use their own PCs to tap into a central reserve of computer hardware and software on a “pay-as-you-go” basis.

Under the system – known as “utility computing” or “cloud computing” – users are charged monthly for the actual IT resources their businesses use.

The Dingwall-based company claimed its customers had saved an average of 28% on their computing costs during a pilot project over the past 18 months.

Bosses say the climate of the Highlands, its access to renewable energy sources and its relatively good security make the region an ideal location for large computing facilities.

They believe their development could herald a potential new industry for the north of Scotland.

Alchemy Plus chairman Peter Swanson said: “This development could not be better timed.

“Demand for premium data-centre space continues to far outstrip available supply and the current economic downturn is driving a rapid shift towards cloud-based services, which offer greater economy and flexibility.

“Utility computing will revolutionise the way businesses use computers and seriously cut costs for many companies and public-sector organisations.”

Mr Swanson added: “All the major players see this as the future of IT delivery, and I’m delighted that we in the Highlands are leading the way for the rest of the UK. We want to construct an iconic, landmark building for the city that will act as a beacon for others.”

The company plans to transmit waste heat from its proposed 20,000sq ft facility to warm neighbouring parts of the development, including shops and a major hotel.

Inverness Chamber of Commerce chief executive Stewart Nicol said: “This is good news for Inverness. This project will really put the city on the map for developments in information technology.”

Local MP Danny Alexander said: “This announcement is very welcome, positive news for the local economy.”