Eagan isn't yet known as a telecommunications hub, but that may change in the near future, when the city builds a major new data center.
Known as
The Connexion, the colocation facility will be open to all telecom and Internet service providers, as well as local and regional companies that need offsite data storage and disaster recovery.
The facility will be developed and owned by
Five 9s Digital, a North Carolina firm that's well versed in the complexities of building and running these types of specialized data centers.
"This is an effort to protect technology jobs and attract new jobs," says Tom Garrison, the city's communications director and the liaison to the Eagan Technology Working Group, which has been studying the city's broadband needs for the past five years.
"The Connexion isn't jobs-intensive on its own, but it will provide the infrastructure for technology companies, and that could bring them to the area," Garrison says. "We think this will go a long way toward establishing Eagan as a top technology location."
The Connexion will provide high-connectivity private data suites, route redundancy, and environmental efficiencies. Private investment in the project is estimated at between $75 million and $100 million. The new facility will provide Tier III space, which is important, given the high demand for space at that classification.
Look for the facility to get kickstarted soon, with a projected completion of mid-2012.
Source: Tom Garrison, City of Eagan
Writer: Elizabeth Millard