By the end of the decade, it looks like the central Ohio region will likely have seen perhaps $15 billion in investment from the technology sector. And as our own Rich Miller said at the beginning of the year, data centers are booming in Ohio’s digital heartland.
With Intel announcing the construction of a $2 billion chip fab campus, hyperscalers AWS and Google announcing continued investment in the area that together totals almost $10 billion, and QTS announcing plans to spend $1.5 billion on a data center project, smaller projects in Ohio seem to run the risk of getting overlooked.
The region's explosive growth doesn’t come as a surprise to Cologix, one of North America’s most prominent network-neutral interconnection and hyperscale edge data center companies, who announced on May 23rd that their fourth Columbus, Ohio data center, and first to be built as AI-ready, was completed.
The 256,000 sq. ft. COL4-S data center sits on a 7-acre campus at the convergence point of long-haul fiber and regional carrier fiber networks in Central Ohio.
Significant local support is present for Cologix's data center growth in Columbus. JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef, who understands the value of data center development in the area, remarked:
“Cologix’s latest investment in the Columbus Region is part of a technology boom in Ohio, which has tripled data center growth since 2011. With this newest data center, Cologix is adding capacity, security and scalability that benefits Ohio’s businesses and people as we see greater demand for cloud connectivity with more use of AI.”
Expanding on Existing Data Center Footprint
The new COL4-s data center is located next to the existing COL1, 2, and 3 facilities, adding capability to the company’s interconnected data center offering in Columbus.
Over a quarter million square feet of space, with 8 data halls and a complement of business facilities, is interconnected with the other three data centers on site via a diverse fiber ring.
The COL4-S site offers a full range of interconnection capabilities, highlighted by two public cloud onramps with access to Amazon Web Services Direct Connect and Google Cloud Interconnect and the Ohio IX internet exchange, in addition to an ecosystem of more than 50 unique cloud and service providers.
The operator notes that, as more technology companies move into the region, the benefits to the workforce continue to accrue.
With the availability of jobs in everything from the construction industry to more high-tech-focused positions as data centers and supporting technology businesses continue to grow, opportunities for employment in these sectors become more broadly available.
Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther commented:
“Columbus is proud to welcome Cologix’s expansion into our growing data center operator’s network as we continue developing into a hub for American technological advancement. Cologix’s choice to invest here in Columbus over other major cities demonstrates we have the talent and opportunities to foster growth in the critical tech sector. We’re excited to have one of America’s leading data center companies further expand our workforce."
Designing for the AI Future
With the industry rushing to support AI hardware and the applications that make use of AI, the demand for colocation facilities that can meet the entire gamut of user needs increases daily.
To meet the variety of demands presented by enterprise customers, Cologix highlights the following capabilities of its new COL4-S facility:
- Capacity: With 50MW of power across three data halls, COL4-S is equipped to handle high-density workloads and the continued demand for cloud connectivity.
- Connectivity: COL4-S provides access to over 50 unique network providers in Meet-Me-Rooms (MMRs), ensuring diverse connectivity options for all customers.
- Scalability: The facility offers scalable power options to meet diverse colocation requirements, providing flexibility and efficiency for enterprises of all sizes. Power options for colocation customers include renewable energy choices.
- AI Readiness: COL4-S is designed to support the surge of AI applications, providing the infrastructure needed for seamless integration with cloud services. 50 MW of power will be available across three data halls, ensuring that COL4-S is equipped to handle high-density workloads.
- Redundancy: COL4-S features redundant power and cooling systems, as well as robust network infrastructure, to minimize downtime and ensure continuous operation.
- Security: The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art security measures to safeguard data and infrastructure, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations. COL4-S has a bullet resistant security booth, a CCTV system and biometric scanners and badge access. Cologix has onsite 24/7/365 security personnel. COL4-S also has a K-rated perimeter security fence. Customized security is available.
“Columbus is an attractive data center market due to its geography, strong tax incentives and diverse economy," notes Ed Socia, Insight Director North America for datacenterHawk, a leading global data center real estate analysis platform.
Socia adds, "The data center market in the region has an impressive average annual growth rate of 29.42%. Total commissioned power for data centers in the region has grown by over 1 GW since 2020. Operators that have been able to secure a path to power are well-positioned in the market.”
