Equinix, a provider of global data centre services, has launched phase four of its second Singapore International Business Exchange (IBX) data centre to accommodate increasing market demand from cloud and financial service providers.

The US based data centre services provider is investing an additional $28.5m in the expansion of SG2, increasing the number of cabinets to 3,256.

It is intended to meet customer demand in Singapore, which is currently home to approximately 50% of South East Asia’s data centre capacity, driven by the growth in cloud adoption.

The fourth phase of the expansion is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

the Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA) senior director (Industry Development) Andrew Khaw said, Singapore’s robust, secure and well-connected Infocomm Technology ecosystem is ideal for companies to set up critical hub operations here to serve Asia.

"As a leading independent data centre and Internet exchange provider, Equinix’s expansion is yet another testament to the competitiveness of Singapore’s ICT sector," Khaw said.

"In addition, Equinix’s close proximity to Mediapolis@One-North contributes to IDA’s vision of ICT as a critical differentiator to this flagship initiative to position Singapore in the international digital media industry."

Equinix South Asia managing director Clement Goh said cloud adoption in Singapore will accelerate rapidly in the next few years, with many companies such as the financial institutions identifying cloud technology as part of their business plans.

"The expansion of SG2 will enable us to continue to meet strong customer demand and also further reinforces Singapore’s position as a global IT hub and home for businesses looking to expand in Asia," Goh said.