Infomart Data Centers delivers agile, customer-focused digital solutions

For example, at its facility in Ashburn, the company has deployed a closed-loop chilled water system combined with waterside economies. These are designed to minimize the firm’s carbon footprint whilst delivering an efficient data center. Meanwhile, in Portland, Infomart has utilized the world’s largest production deployment of rear-door heat exchangers, a pioneering technology that brings cooling closer to the load. 

“We are working on a new project right now that takes an award-winning, energy efficient design and integrates several additional new technologies to improve it even further,” notes Vaccaro. “For example, we use new high-temperature chillers that make 65-degree water so we don’t have to use mixing valves to achieve that supply temperature. We are also working on the physical plant design so that it is scalable and can add additional mechanical options for future densification, which will result in further efficiencies for our clients.” 

With locations in Portland, Silicon Valley and Ashburn, the Infomart also buys power on the open market, which allows the company to offer a custom energy mix based on customer requirements. This enables Infomart to deliver unparalleled, cost-competitive rates. “We spend significant investment to get direct access to most of our sites,” Vaccaro adds. “We believe that buying power on an open market is the best way to deliver clean, low-cost energy to our clients. The cost savings are significant, and we hear this from our clients regularly. I think the repeat business also speaks to the success of direct access power procurement.” 

Continuous innovation has been a well-versed mantra at Infomart, with partnerships acting as a key enabler to the company’s success. “When you get right down to the work of designing, constructing and delivering data centers, it really comes down to your partners,” he says. “So, for instance, let’s start with our partner REI: their craftsmanship just jumps out at you when you tour one of our facilities. Their track record of delivering high-quality results against aggressive schedules has been flawless. Their motto should be ‘we deliver, and it will show as industrial artwork’.”

“Canara has also been a strong partner and has developed some specific solutions unique to Infomart requirements. These have saved us some significant OpEx costs, and we continue to look to them to help us lead in this area. Delta Fire provides services for one of those commodities that people see on the project budget, but often overlook this importance. They have always delivered on time and their workmanship is top-notch. 

“OTI gets my award for the unsung hero,” he adds. “I could talk for an hour or more on their capabilities. It comes down to the importance of being able to measure in order to manage what you have to ensure efficiency. Their solution is near perfect, and it is a key enabler to the efficiency and ongoing optimization we achieve.” It goes without saying that uptime is the most critical concern for data center operations and, at Infomart, this is placed front and center. Therefore, the company has partnered with industry leaders to create the Uptime Institute Management & Operations (M&O) Certification.  

The secret to this maximum uptime? Vaccaro suggests that it lies in how the firm identifies best practice procedures, sets standards and performs constant data center evaluations. As a result, Infomart not only received the first ever certification, it also holds one of the highest ratings in the world. 

“We place an emphasis on security and compliance and not just by passing audits,” Vaccaro explains. “We hire external experts who review our methods, systems and processes as part of our everyday efforts to exceed expectations in this area. We develop plans and continue to improve; the audits are just the proof, not the means to the end for us.

“We've never compromised when it comes to the maintenance of the equipment or training our individuals,” he continues. “If you look at our records when we go through this audit, you'll find that no maintenance is ever deferred, and I think it shows. When you walk through an Infomart facility and you look at our equipment, you can tell it's not neglected: it's very well maintained.” 

Today, Infomart’s future looks as dynamic as ever. Influenced by its customers’ demands, the firm has its eyes firmly set on further expansion and, under new ownership, the data center company is going to continue to invest in its team and assets. Yet, as the company accelerates forward, Vaccaro asserts that Infomart will remain focused on one shared vision: delivering customizable data center services with a customer focus.