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Q&A: Jim Fagan, Rackspace AsiaJim Fagan, the managing director of Rackspace Asia, discusses the web hosting provider's recent Hong Kong data center opening in an email conversation with the WHIR.
By Justin Lee, theWHIR.com
September 12, 2008 -- (WEB HOST INDUSTRY REVIEW) -- Last month, web hosting provider Rackspace Hosting (rackspace.com) expanded its operations into Asia with the opening of a new headquarters and data center in Hong Kong. The company cites the region's reputation in the global business economy, its IT infrastructure, multiple telecommunications providers and talent pool as reasons for choosing Hong Kong.
Located in the Fo Tan district of Hong Kong, the $20 million investment spans approximately 9,500 gross square feet in size, which will be expandable to about 18,000 gross square feet. The Hong Kong data center joins the company's existing data center operations, including facilities in San Antonio, Dallas, northern Virginia and London.
The San Antonio-based company already has more than 500 customers based in Asia Pacific and this new data center marks the first important step in strengthening company's presence to build on its hosting service offerings, which includes managed hosting, virtualization and email.
In an email interview with the WHIR, Fagan discusses the specifics behind Rackspace's new Hong Kong data center, as well as the company's long awaited expansion into the Asia Pacific region.
Why did Rackspace choose to pick Hong Kong for its expansion into Asia?
Jim Fagan: Rackspace selected Hong Kong for its strong business reputation, its world-class IT infrastructure, multiple telecommunication providers, and rich talent pool. During the research process, we solicited feedback from our current customers in the Asian Pacific region and the majority of those respondents preferred Hong Kong as the ideal location for their hosting provider in Asia Pacific.
How long has this new facility been in the works for now?
JF: We began researching the Asia/Pacific market about two years ago. It's been a rigorous process but in the end, we feel Hong Kong was the ideal headquarter location for our Asia/Pacific operations.
How, if at all, did Rackspace's recent IPO affect the opening of the facility?
JF: The data center has been a part of Rackspace's global expansion plan for some time and the money raised in the IPO was slotted for expansion like this.
What kinds of offerings will be available at the facility?
JF: Customers in Hong Kong will have access to the full range of Rackspace service offerings including managed hosting, virtualization, security and email services, storage and backup and professional services. The sales and support will be handled on a global basis with teams located in Hong Kong, the US and UK.
What does Rackspace hope to achieve with the new facility?
JF: As the world's leader in hosting, Rackspace is meeting the global demand for hosting in Asia. This will allow us to server our existing customer base in the Asia Pacific market more effectively. Rackspace already has more than 500 customers in the Asia Pacific market and provide Rackspace Hosting services to the local marketplace.
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