Equinix Kicks Off Singapore Data Center Expansion

Equinix has commenced build-out of the second phase of its largest data center in Asia-Pacific, located in Singapore. The company announced the launch of the first phase of SG3 only in March, and the latest announcement illustrates how high the demand for data center space in the tiny island nation is growing.

Recently valued at about $1 billion, the Singapore data center market is a hub for serving customers in Southeast Asia, China, and the rest of the Asia Pacific. Structure Research, the market research firm that pegged Singapore’s market size at $1 billion, expects it to reach $1.2 billion next year.

There are about 50 data center service providers on the island, operating more than 40 data centers, according to Structure. Redwood City, California-based Equinix is the second-largest player in the Singapore data center market, following the local telco Singtel.

Other major players are Singapore’s Keppel, UK’s Global Switch, and San Francisco-based Digital Realty Trust.

Following the 1,000-cabinet first phase, Equinix expects to build out enough space for 2,000 more cabinets this time around. The building’s total capacity is 5,000 cabinets.

The facility’s first two tenants were Datapipe and Orange. Another customer, revealed recently, is Fujitsu.

With the second phase, the company’s total investment in Singapore amounts to $350 million, Equinix said in a statement.

“Singapore is en-route to becoming a Smart Nation, integrating all aspects of technology into a coherent and cohesive whole to improve the way people live, work and play,” Clement Goh, Equinix’ managing director for South Asia, said in a statement. “SG3 phase two was launched to help companies like Fujitsu ensure that they are in a solid position to support their customers' needs.”