The Government, through the Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA), is already operating two The Government, through the Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA), is already operating two data centres. In recent years MITA has re-structured these centres, resulting in reduced costs and improved management. In addition, critical hardware applications have been deployed on an 'active-active' geo-clustered consolidated infrastructure which aims to maximise their availability ('uptime'). Currently, the two data centres host approximately 700 physical and virtualised servers. The take-up of available space stands at approximately 84 % and will be fully allocated by the end of 2011.
The new data centre, which caters for a 10-year period demand forecast, will provide the additional hosting space required by the multitude of new ICT initiatives outlined in the MITA Strategic Plan. It will offer 2 490m2 of floor space for computer hardware and a further 1 592m2 for offices, and over 70 000m of copper cabling and 8 000m of fibre cabling will be used. Power will be supplied through two in-house substations with two on-site backup generators, and there will also be a 20kW photovoltaic plant on the roof.
The design of the data centre complies with several standards. It meets the Tier 3 Design Certification for facility infrastructure and complies with the provisions set out for participation in the EU code of conduct for data centres. In addition, it is in line with ISO 27001 information security standards.
Claudio Grech, MITA Chairman, said that the investment in a third data centre would maximise levels of availability to ensure that services are always accessible. He added: "From the very early stages of designing the new data centre, we have adhered to newly emerging data centre standards which aside from making our operations 'greener', will also allow us to actively embrace new technologies such as virtualisation and cloud computing."
Hon Austin Gatt, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Communication (MITC), who made the announcement about the data centre, said that it confirms the Government's commitment to providing a robust and resilient national ICT infrastructure, and that it showed MITA's dedication to maximise uptime and economic value. He added: "ICT is no longer considered as a tool but it has become a primary driver in the transformation of public services. Today's investment means that we are committed in delivering the various nation-wide ICT initiatives listed in the Smart Island Strategy and the MITA Strategic Plan."
Background Information:
MITA is a Government agency with a mandate ranging from ICT policy to ICT programmes and initiatives in Malta. It manages the full implementation of ICT Government programmes focusing on enhancing public service delivery and provides the infrastructure needed for the provision of ICT services by the Government. MITA is also responsible for the propagation of ICT within society and the economy, and to promote and deliver programmes with the intention of enhancing ICT education and the use of ICT as a learning tool.
Further information:
- Original press release - Malta Information Technology Agency
- Related ePractice publication - MT: MITA Strategic Plan 2009-2012
- Background information - ePractice eGovernment Factsheet for Malta
---
Quelle/Source: epractice, 05.08.2011
Bitte besuchen Sie/Please visit:
