Pulsant completes £500,000 Edinburgh data centre upgrades

Investment programme modernises facilities and improves on-site experience at three city sites, including Scotland’s most connected data centre

17th June – Edinburgh – Pulsant, the UK data centre and digital infrastructure platform, today announced the completion of a £500,000 investment programme across its three Edinburgh sites, including Scotland’s most connected data centre at South Gyle.

Delivered during the last two years, the roll-out has focused on improving the day-to-day, on-site experience for clients, visitors and Pulsant people, modernising facilities and refreshing interiors.

The investment further strengthens Pulsant’s offering to data-driven Scottish organisations which are looking to scale and grow. Its distributed infrastructure platform enables digital transformation, underpinned by low latency connectivity.

The flagship South Gyle site offers access to more than 30 national and international carriers*, including Scotland’s LINX internet exchange and global network Megaport.

The local investment is part of a £2m Data Centre Experience programme across the UK which has also seen refurbishments completed at Pulsant sites in Croydon, Maidenhead, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Newcastle, Reading and Rotherham.

During initial stages, Pulsant worked closely with clients, through a series of user groups, to better understand how its data centres are used in practice. They highlighted a need for more welcoming, efficient and collaborative spaces to help IT teams and technicians work more productively when on site.

Around 240 businesses use Pulsant’s digital infrastructure platform in Scotland for services including colocation, housing their own servers and IT infrastructure in its secure, interconnected facilities.

“From early origins in Edinburgh, Pulsant has grown into a UK-wide platform, but we retain a deep connection with the capital and its business community,” said Ben Cranham, Chief Operating Officer at Pulsant. “Our presence is significant, with three sites and around a third of Pulsant people based in the city.

“Data Centres are often designed primarily around the infrastructure, rather than the people who work in them every day, and our goal has been to create spaces where everyone – clients, partners, visitors and our team – feels welcome, supported and happy to be there.

“By paying close attention to details, we’re delivering spaces that not only enhance wellbeing and productivity but also help us stand apart in the market.”

Clients and contractors have noticed big improvements**, singling out excellent site security, board and breakout rooms, rest areas and even complimentary drinks in post-upgrade feedback to the company.

Further upgrades are in progress at Pulsant’s recently acquired Birmingham and Fareham sites, reflecting its ongoing focus on service improvement.

Main features of the Edinburgh investment programme include:

• Clearer navigation: A new zonal layout and improved signage, improving the efficiency of engineers’ time on site;
• Enhanced amenities: Dedicated breakout spaces for calls, meetings and downtime, supporting client on-site productivity;
• Modern meeting rooms: Equipped with AV technology and guest Wi-Fi, supporting client-supplier meetings and project management efficiency;
• EV charging points: Supporting sustainability and electric vehicle use;
• Upgraded build rooms: Dedicated build bays with tools, test Power Distribution Units (PDUs) and equipment, increasing convenience and on-site productivity as equipment can be configured away from the data hall and then installed;
• Streamlined site access: Improved security processes for smoother movement on site, maintaining the highest levels of security whilst reducing bottlenecks at busy times.