Data center offers 'more than just storage'

Telecom company's subsea fibre optic cable set to make Vanuatu a Pacific business hub

The mission to further connect Vanuatu to the world of cheap, high speed Internet access is now almost complete, with the 2014 launch of the $30 million "ICN1", Vanuatu's first international submarine cable system linking the capital Port Vila to Suva (Fiji). The cable then links into the high capacity Southern Cross cable between USA, Australia and New Zealand; plus work has commenced on a second cable, "ICN2", linking Vanuatu to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The second cable enhances the country's offering as an ICT hub by diversifying cable routes.

The well-designed ICN1 cable withstood Cyclone Pam without experiencing any service interruptions, and kept Vanuatu's international telecommunications link up and running for the duration of the disaster–a credit to both it designers and builders, and the Interchange staff manning the facility.

"Our founding vision was to equip Melanesia with the IT infrastructure required to ensure its integration with the modern world, states Fletcher; "now we are building upon that initial investment by working to turn Vanuatu into an attractive e-business hub for the entire region. It's a logical progression, especially given all of the advantages Vanuatu has to offer."

Center piece of Vanuatu's infrastructure effort is the country's new Technology Park, which offers a wealth of opportunity for ICT operators in areas such as data storage, customer relations and e-activities. "Right now we want all ICT businesses throughout Asia Pacific to know we are officially open for e-business,"says Fletcher, "especially those in China, now the pre-eminent economy in the region."

Vanuatu's Technology Park is the result of a partnership approach by Interchange and the Government of Vanuatu.

Designed for foreign companies throughout the region, accordingly it offers wide-ranging benefits and advantages for any company keen to invest there. "For example, the cost of a ‘pod' that will house a data center is around $250,000, and for this you can have a prefabricated unit from that can be operationally ready in three months from time of order. It includes cooling towers, gen-sets, transformers for power throughout the park where the data centers are located, a call center and credit card processing facility.

"China is the country that was uppermost in our minds when we set out on our mission to make Vanuatu an e-business hub for the entire Asia Pacific region, and the logical choice for an international data centre, and perfect location for data processing firms and international call centre operators." - Simon Fletcher, CEO and Managing Director of Interchange.

"The Technology Park is the perfect environment for international e-commerce operators, says Fletcher, "and this opportunity is considerably enhanced by a pro-investment government, a stable economy, a strategic location close to major markets, and a favorable taxation and investment structure for business."

"The development is geared to attract foreign investment, with 20 hectares for exclusive use by local and foreign data center operators. It's a convenient location where ICT firms can invest and develop their technology whilst benefiting from low costs and high returns, plus a low Tax Base."

One other advantage Fletcher is keen to point out is the fact that Interchange and its highly skilled workforce is also there in Vanuatu to assist in any way they can by providing a direct link between government and regulatory agencies, helping you understand the local and regional environment and also helping you to make the right contacts and the right decisions.

If you're a Chinese investor, says Fletcher, "then we really do speak your language in so many ways"

"For a start we can provide you with direct access to relevant government officials if required, plus we understand technology and the ICT business."

Interchange, in tandem with the government, is keen to assist anyone looking to do e-business in Vanuatu by offering a wide range of opportunities and partnership ventures.

For more information, contact Simon Fletcher, CEO of Interchange.

Email: enquiries@interchange.vu Phone: +678 29984

Mail: PO Box 1000, Port Vila

InFocus provided the story.

Vanuatu leads the pack in the Pacific Ocean as regards information technology infrastructure, a global economic driver. Photos Provided to China Daily

(China Daily 06/01/2015 page7)