Next Generation Data. Owner and operator of NGD Europe, one of the world’s largest data centres located in Newport, South Wales,  has announced that it has been selected by global cloud-focused business software group UNIT4, to host the data the company stores on behalf of UK-based clients. The contract is part of UNIT4’s strategy to support global hosting capabilities with local onshore services that provide customers with faster compliance to regional data legislation.

Globally, UNIT4 has built strong expertise in cloud computing. Currently its flagship Agresso Business World and Coda solutions are offered through the company’s own secure and proven infrastructure from several locations throughout the world. This announcement complements and extends UNIT4's existing services to better meet UK legislative and operational requirements. It will also enable UNIT4’s customers to rapidly scale their software requirements as and when required.

“As UNIT4 drives to becoming the foremost cloud software vendor for businesses living in change, it is important that we build on the company’s reputation for secure, reliable and scalable hosting centres,” said Anwen Robinson, Managing Director of UNIT4 Business Software Ltd. “UK-based hosting in particular is crucial to the business as it is a major market for UNIT4. This deal will mean that in both the public and commercial sectors we can more easily meet local legislative and security standards. The selection of NGD as the home for our cloud solutions underlines the quality of its centre, personnel and supporting infrastructure.”

Nick Razey, NGD’s Chief Executive Officer added, “UNIT4 has led from the front in the provision of business software in the cloud and we are delighted to be part of its continued leadership. NGD prides itself on offering highly secure, highly available infrastructure which is low cost and flexible – ideal for organisations with ambitious cloud strategies.”

The deal includes a ground breaking Escrow Agreement which has been designed to protect the end users of the cloud service. The Escrow Agreement, which was prompted by the recent failure of 2e2, ensures critical user data is protected and available regardless of the status of the hosting or cloud provider.