Markerstudy partners to enhance UK data centre infrastructure

Schneider Electric and its partner on365 have collaborated with Markerstudy Group to enhance the latter's data centre and critical power infrastructure across the UK.

The collaboration, aimed at upgrading and consolidating Markerstudy's existing systems, focused on improving the electrical infrastructure, data centres, and networking components. Priority was placed on enhancing reliability, security, and energy efficiency, aiding the organisation in better managing and scaling its distributed systems.

As part of its strategy, Markerstudy opted to standardise on several key components from Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure for Data Centres portfolio. These include the Galaxy V-series three-phase UPS, APC Smart-UPS RT single-phase UPS, EcoStruxure Row Data Centre solution, InRow DX cooling units, Chilled Water systems, APC Racks and PDUs, and EcoStruxure IT Expert DCIM software.

on365 secured a strategic five-year Managed Service Level Agreement to manage and maintain all critical power and cooling infrastructure on behalf of the insurance group. The agreement aims to enhance the system's efficiency and resilience while also reducing carbon emissions.

The expansion of the Markerstudy Group introduced new technological challenges, particularly regarding integrating multiple technology systems and managing a wide array of digital infrastructure across various data centres and IT systems. The company's recent acquisitions further compounded these challenges, necessitating a comprehensive modernisation strategy.

The Group is actively working towards sustainability by reducing its operations' energy consumption and carbon emissions. This has involved collaboration with on365 and Schneider Electric, Net Zero consultancy Energise, and aligning operations with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG). These efforts earned the company a Bronze sustainability rating from EcoVadis.

Markerstudy's journey to standardising on Schneider Electric technologies began in 2012 with commissioning a data centre at its Chesterfield contact centre, utilising Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Row Data Centre solution. This helped maximise energy efficiency and minimise thermal shutdown risks.

In 2023, on365 replaced old electrical equipment with a new main substation Transformer and Primary Switchboard. Designed with IoT-enabled components, this future-proofing measure allows renewable energy integration and supports new EV chargers at Markerstudy offices.

on365 provided a turnkey data centre solution at Markerstudy's Tunbridge Wells headquarters. To accommodate growing capacity requirements, a technology refresh was conducted to increase cooling system efficiency, including using Schneider Electric Galaxy VS UPSs for enhanced site resiliency.

Markerstudy's regional office portfolio and call centre edge computing environments also saw resilience improvements. The Manchester office is now equipped with Galaxy VS UPS equipment to support crucial network and communications connections, and APC Smart-UPS UPS are protecting network racks across floors.

The group also adopted Schneider Electric's EcoStruxure Data Center Expert software and now uses the EcoStruxure IT Expert DCIM solution. This is complemented by a digital services program from on365, providing real-time monitoring and remote management for its infrastructure.

Nick Ovenden, Chief Technology Officer at Markerstudy Insurance, remarked, "The Markerstudy board has consistently supported our investment in more efficient data centre physical infrastructure, enabling the IT Team to improve the PUE of our data centres and accommodate our technology requirements as the company continues its growth trajectory. Working with on365 and Schneider Electric has been central to the execution of our digital infrastructure and upgrade strategy, as well as meeting the sustainability ambitions for our IT services."

Carl Richardson, Technology Manager at on365, commented, "From day one we've set out to work as an extension of the Markerstudy Insurance Group. By understanding their aims and objectives and immersing ourselves in the culture of their technical team, we now deliver a nationwide service which supports the design and deployment of efficient and reliable infrastructure, and the delivery of key insurance products for its UK customers."

Mark Yeeles, Vice President of the Secure Power division at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, said, "Today's data centres and IT technologies are vital to support the UK's thriving enterprise sector. Our work together with on365 showcases the important role of data centres as critical national infrastructure and demonstrates how our ecosystem can ensure customers like Markerstudy remain at the forefront of UK Insurance services while achieving their sustainability goals."