Two data centres will be built in Western Sydney and Illawarra to consolidate NSW Government data storage.

Australian data centre specialist, Metronode (NSW) Pty Ltd will construct the two purpose built data centres in Silverwater and Unanderra.

Minister for Finance and Services, Greg Pearce said Metronode will build and operate the two Tier III data centres by the end of 2013.

According to Mr Pearce, the data centres will provide a much needed boost for the economy in Illawarra and Western Sydney.

Mr Pearce said this follows the NSW Government’s ICT Strategy 2012 released earlier this month, “making it easier for businesses and citizens to engage with government”.

“The two centres will provide up to 9MW each of IT load allowing the NSW Government to consolidate government data centres and reduce unnecessary technologies used in its daily operations,” Mr Pearce said.

He said existing data capacity will be decommissioned once the new facilities are complete.

 “Much of the Government’s existing capacity is out-dated, inefficient and does not deliver a viable, cost-effective service for government agencies,” Mr Pearce said.

According to Mr Pearce, significant cost savings will be enabled as these will be gradually closed and data migrated to the new centres as they open.

Metronode will also be able to use the facilities to provide data storage capacity for other clients, but the NSW Government will maintain the exclusive rights to the ICT equipment and exclusive access to the data stored within the facility, Mr Pearce said.