#Japan #Osaka #Optage Sonezaki #Kansai TV #urban data center

Introduction to Optage Sonezaki Data Center

On September 30, 2023, Sankei Building Co., Ltd., in collaboration with Kansai Television Broadcasting Corporation, proudly announced the completion of its first urban data center, the Optage Sonezaki Data Center (OC1) located in the Higashi Umeda area of Osaka. This launch marks a significant milestone as it represents the first joint venture between Sankei Building and Kansai TV, enhancing connectivity and infrastructure in the Kansai region.

The Need for Urban Data Centers

In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for data centers across businesses and local governments, particularly concerning the utilization of generative AI and BCP measures. The Higashi Umeda area has been strategically developed due to its proximity to major public cloud access points within the Kansai region, ensuring low latency and superior connectivity to other locations. This has made it an ideal zone for data center development.

Key Features of the Optage Sonezaki Data Center

The Optage Sonezaki Data Center boasts several key features:

1. Prime Location and High Connectivity - The facility is strategically situated within a 3-kilometer radius of major cloud services in the Dojima and Shinsaibashi areas, providing an urban center equipped with multiple Internet Exchange (IX) connections suitable for both domestic and international operators.

2. Carrier Neutrality and Flexibility - Users can freely create their communication environments without restrictions on the carriers (service providers) they wish to connect, offering unparalleled flexibility. Additionally, the abundance of optical fibers owned by the construction company, Optage, facilitates diverse network services.

3. 100% Renewable Energy - By adopting advanced cooling systems and energy-efficient equipment, the center aims to achieve 100% renewable energy use with the support of Kansai Electric Power’s renewable energy ECO plan, making it a leader in sustainable practices within the tech space.

4. Support for High-Density Equipment - The facility is designed to cater to high-density and high-load equipment by optimizing airflow and implementing the latest in energy-efficient cooling systems. This adaptability is crucial as IoT and AI developments enhance server performance and increase heat output.

5. Tier 4 Compliance for Security and Safety - The data center features earthquake-resistant designs, redundant power systems, and emergency generators capable of continuous operation for over 72 hours. With 24/7 management, it complies with the Tier 4 standards set by the JDCC (Japan Data Center Council), ensuring reliability even in emergencies.

Detailed Project Overview

Location:

• - Osaka City, Kita Ward

Site Area:

• - 2,239.81 square meters

Structure:

• - 14 floors above ground

Completion Date:

• - September 2025

Commencement of Operations:

• - Planned for January 29, 2026

Design Companies:

• - Sankei Building Tech Co., Ltd. (Architectural Firm)
• - Okumura Corporation West Japan Branch (Architectural Firm)

Construction Company:

• - Okumura Corporation

Operating Company:

• - Optage Co., Ltd.

For those interested in learning more about the facility and its services, additional details can be found at the official Optage Sonezaki Data Center website.

Conclusion

The Optage Sonezaki Data Center sets a new benchmark for urban data centers in Japan, exemplifying critical advancements in connectivity, sustainability, and security. This important development promises to enhance digital infrastructure not only in Osaka but across the Kansai region as a whole.