Managed service providers are embracing cloud technologies either through leaps and bounds or with one foot dragging. Few, however, are finding cloud success 300 meters deep in the side of a mountain. Radix Technologies is the exception to that rule. The global services provider, which is headquartered in Budapest, Hungary, has built a data centre in a former military bunker built into a mountain in the Swiss countryside outside Altdorf. The idea is simple: House a data centre in an almost impenetrable natural fortress with unparalleled security (ever tried to open a 20-ton door?), take advantage of the mountain air and natural water flow for cooling, and you’ve got a real story to tell.

The 15,000 sq ft facility was constructed before the second World War and consists of three bunkers each with three levels. It once housed a Jeep Willy factory during World War II and later served as a command centre for the Swiss Army and Navy. In 2007 Datalis, the owner of the facility and a partner of Radix, purchased the bunker from the Swiss government. Over the past two years, Radix has been building out the data centre space, which will total about 8,000 sq ft. So far one data room has been put into commission, which is currently about half full — about 12 racks are being used. 

Source: MSP Mentor