Kakao, the prominent South Korean internet company, recently reached a significant milestone by finalizing the construction of its maiden in-house data center, known as the Kakao Data Center Ansan. With this groundbreaking facility, Kakao is poised to enhance its data center capabilities and cater more effectively to the evolving needs of its users. Officially announced on September 26th, this state-of-the-art data center is set for full-scale operation in the first quarter of the upcoming year.
Unveiling the Kakao Data Center Ansan
Spanning over 47,378 square meters and strategically positioned approximately 30 kilometers south of Seoul on the Hanyang University ERICA campus, the Kakao Data Center Ansan is a hyperscale data center of the highest order. Hyperscale data centers are designed to accommodate over 10,000 servers, and this facility is no exception, with a total capacity of 120,000 servers. What’s more, it boasts a remarkable storage capacity of 6 exabytes (EB).
The Road to Full-Scale Operation
Kakao Corporation has outlined its plans to commence full-scale operation of the Kakao Data Center Ansan in the first quarter of 2023. This timeline accounts for the installation and rigorous testing of the operating system to ensure a seamless and efficient launch.
Safety and Disaster Preparedness as Top Priorities
Safety is a paramount concern for Kakao, and the company has taken comprehensive measures to safeguard its data center against natural disasters and unforeseen events, including fires, earthquakes, and floods. The facility is equipped with a four-stage fire response system designed to combat large-scale fires effectively. In preparation for natural disasters such as floods, tidal waves, typhoons, and earthquakes, it has incorporated robust disaster design elements, including seismic considerations and redundancy systems for power, air conditioning, and communication to mitigate the risks associated with power outages.
Embracing Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Kakao Data Center Ansan aligns with eco-friendly initiatives, boasting renewable energy infrastructure, high-efficiency energy facilities, and a host of energy-saving technologies. In the coming years, Kakao intends to collaborate with Hanyang University and Ansan City to promote industry-university cooperation and contribute to the local economy’s revitalization.
A Glimpse into the Future
The inauguration of the Kakao Data Center Ansan signifies a crucial step for Kakao, affording the company greater autonomy over its data center operations and enhancing its capacity to cater to users’ demands effectively. Kakao has indicated its intention to persistently expand its data center network, ensuring that it can capably address any situation while sustaining and extending its existing leased center for comprehensive data center operation.
