Serverius links Dutch data centers via MRV OptiDriver

Aug. 4, 2014
Dutch IT service provider Serverius has deployed OptiDriver optical transport systems from MRV Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRVC) to connect a pair of data centers in the area of Amsterdam, according to the systems vendor.

Dutch IT service provider Serverius has deployed OptiDriver optical transport systems from MRV Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: MRVC) to connect a pair of data centers in the area of Amsterdam, according to the systems vendor.

The deployment builds on an existing relationship between the two parties; Serverius has had MRV's LambdaDriver DWDM systems in its network for some time. The new deployment, which links a data center outside of Amsterdam to a second within the city limits, runs for 140 km, with a regeneration site mid-way. A fixed OADM system has been installed at that site, according to MRV's Scott Wilkinson; current requirements don't require a ROADM, he said, although the system might be upgraded to ROADM capabilities in the future if Serverius follows through with plans to build another data center near that location.

MRV partner and data center network systems integrator Quanza Engineering recommended the OptiDriver and assisted with the deployment. MRV remained closely involved as well, Wilkinson said, to properly engineer the link for potential 100-Gbps operation. Serverius initially will operate the network at 10 Gbps, he said.

The company won the contract in competition with "tough people known for deep discounts," Wilkinson stated.

With the deployment, Serverius now has three separate links into Amsterdam from three different dark fiber providers to ensure redundancy and network reliability. Each link has two fibers. The Amsterdam data center links to a local exchange, from which Serverius customers can connect with Frankfurt. Both Serverius data centers are above sea level.

"Serverius customers place trust in our ability to deliver long-term, best-in-class colocation and hosting services," said Gijs Van Gemert, CEO at Serverius. "Optical transport throughout our entire network was already based on MRV's technology. We are happy to add OptiDriver to the mix. The OptiDriver platform supports our ability to offer multiple fiber paths from 10G, 40G, and up to 100G. This increases resiliency over regional distances and provides our customers peace-of-mind that their mission-critical data will be transported quickly and safely.

"The solution also gives us the flexibility and scalability we need to ensure we can continue to provide high-performance hosting services to our clients at a price point they will appreciate," Van Gemert concluded.

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