Future-proof IT infrastructure for Bausch+Ströbel

Background and project development

The idea for a new IT infrastructure arose because of the company's steady growth, which was characterized not only by expansion into new external locations, but also by an increase in mobile working during the coronavirus pandemic. These developments meant that the existing data centers were reaching their performance limits, particularly in terms of capacity, air conditioning and electrical engineering.

In order to maintain redundancy and meet growing demands, it was decided to build a new data center. As Thomas Bruckdorfer, Head of IT at Bausch+Ströbel, had already successfully implemented a room-in-room solution with Data Center Group (DCG) in his previous role at another company, DCG was chosen. The right product was quickly found: an outdoor data center, the DC IT Container.

"We didn't have to think twice because of their extensive expertise and experience in designing and implementing data centers and their ability to offer a one-source solution. The Data Center Group was and is the ideal partner for us”. Thomas Bruckdorfer, Head of IT at Bausch+Ströbel

Highly sustainable thanks to extended product lifecycle

The special feature of this solution is that this container data center had already been in use at another location but had become obsolete after a short period of time. Thanks to its durability and modern design, the data center can be easily rebuilt at a new location and continues to be used. The decision to implement this solution underlines both companies' commitment to sustainability.
 

Highly sustainable thanks to extended product lifecycle

The special feature of this solution is that this container data center had already been in use at another location but had become obsolete after a short period of time. Thanks to its durability and modern design, the data center can be easily rebuilt at a new location and continues to be used. The decision to implement this solution underlines both companies' commitment to sustainability.

Project progress

Initial planning for the new data center began with the conversion of a former water collection tank in the basement of an existing building. Following changes to the logistics plan, the new data center location was considered in a vacant storage area, also in the basement. This presented the planners with challenges such as the integration of existing water and electrical services, as well as fire safety requirements, which ultimately led to the decision to build the data center outside.
After the planning application was submitted, the setback from the roadside had to be adjusted, which required some redesign but did not cause any major delays. Despite these adjustments, the project was able to progress quickly. The next step was to start the civil engineering work and dismantle the container system at the old site in the Heidelberg Innovation Park. This was followed by the final assembly of the container in Ilshofen and the commissioning of the individual systems such as air conditioning, UPS, emergency power and fire alarm systems. In addition, a roof with a photovoltaic system was installed over the data center.
 

Benefits of the new data center

The new data center offers significant improvements in terms of reliability. It is connected to the campus via two cable links and has a backup power system with a diesel generator for emergency power supply, which can also supply the existing data centers in the future. Two UPS systems, a ventilation system, an early fire detection system and a gas extinguishing system have also been installed. The new data center is equipped with 19 server cabinets, which is a significant increase from the existing server rooms with a maximum of 8 server cabinets.

"The new data center and the further steps with the Data Center Group are an important milestone in securing the future of Bausch+Ströbel and significantly improving our IT infrastructure." Jochen Täger, Project Manager at Bausch+Ströbel