Abu Dhabi Ports Company (ADPC)’s Khalifa Port bagged the ‘Best Datacenter Project of the Year’ title at the recent Network World Middle East Awards 2013 in Dubai.

ADPC’s data center project was based on the technology of and executed by Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management.

Network World Middle East Awards recognize the outstanding achievement, leadership and innovation demonstrated in building and operating data centers. A gala ceremony was recently held at the Habtoor Grand Hotel, Abu Dhabi to award this year’s winners.

Schneider Electric’s expertise in delivering turn-key, fully integrated and central data center solutions, as well as 24/7 holistic services including monitoring, preventive maintenance and troubleshooting also served as critical factors that influenced Khalifa Port’s decision, a statement said.

As part of the implementation of the state-of-the-art data center, Schneider Electric was engaged from the initial stages and design conceptualization to procurement and implementation.

In addition to providing a customized and scalable design that met the holistic needs of the Khalifa Port, Schneider Electric deployed its Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Software and StruxureWare Data Center Operation at the project. The solutions delivered by Schneider Electric included services such as freeze design and final bill of quantity.

Saif Al Ketbi, vice president – IT, ADPC, said: “Having been awarded such a prestigious award by an independent third party is one of the key goals for ADPC’s IT team. These accolades give us the confidence that we are on the right track in leveraging the regional and international technology development. For us at ADPC, it is a priority to adopt innovative technologies to ensure full alignment with the growth in business.”

Olivier Delepine, vice-president, Gulf Countries, IT Business, Schneider Electric, said: “The Khalifa Port data center was our first build and operate installation in the region. The project serves a critical infrastructure of Abu Dhabi – involving data on the trade, cross border relations and, to an extent, border-security.”

“Receiving cargo from across the globe, the facility required 24/7 availability to ensure smooth functioning. Schneider Electric was additionally tasked with completing the implementation of the data center within a tight deadline.

“Given the critical nature of the facility and the timeframe, our team of experts put in relentless efforts to deliver a state-of-the-art, flexible and scalable datacenter. We are delighted to see our efforts recognized at the Network World Middle East Awards and confident that this is the beginning of new adventures for us in the region,” he added. – TradeArabia News Service