Equinix, a colocation data center provider, announced the opening of its Global Center of Excellence (GCoE) in Bengaluru. The GCoE will contribute to the development of innovative, automated, and scalable digital technologies to enhance the resilience of its customers' and employees' digital infrastructures, said the company.
Equinix launched its official India foray in September with the acquisition of GPX Global Systems' India operations for $161 million. The transaction included the acquisition of two GPX data centre buildings in Mumbai.
Equinix currently operates talent hubs for information technology in Dallas, Silicon Valley, Singapore, and Warsaw. By the end of 2024, the company plans to hire approximately 500 IT professionals in Bengaluru.
“India is a strategic market for Equinix, and the launch of GCoE is an extension of our commitment to the market. The expansion of our IT team reflects our confidence in the talent and market potential in India. To help us deliver market-leading solutions for the world's digital leaders, we want to attract the brightest and best employees. Bengaluru, a key hub in India's digital economy, is going to play a significant role in creating world-class products,” stated Equinix CIO Milind Wagle.
India has become a popular destination for some of the world's largest data centre companies. The country's move toward digitization, a thriving startup ecosystem, and several e-governance initiatives are all contributing to an increase in demand for data centre space.
According to Frost & Sullivan, India's digital economy is expected to reach $2 trillion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 21%. (CAGR). Additionally, it forecasts that between 40% and 50% of Indian businesses will deploy applications using a containerized hybrid multi-cloud approach by 2025.
Karnataka large and medium scale industries minister Murugesh Nirani said, “India continues to leapfrog the world in many areas as it continues to be a strong torchbearer for innovation, startups, and technology development. It's essential that the ecosystem is fostered with the right care and attention and in this regard, Bengaluru has always been at the forefront of digital adoption, and Equinix's investment is yet another testament to how the city leads the charge in strengthening the country's digital infrastructure.”
The company is investing in this capability in order to support its long-term growth strategy. Equinix now operates 49 IBX data centres across 13 metropolitan areas in Asia-Pacific, including Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, and Singapore.
“The launch of the GCoE in Bengaluru underscores India's strategic importance in our global business roadmap. At Equinix, we will continue to invest locally to drive innovation aligned with market requirements and nurture IT talent in India. As an industry leader with a global footprint and robust business ecosystems, Equinix is well-positioned to support the digital revolution in India, supporting businesses locally and globally,” said Equinix India MD Manoj Paul.
