Starting a Data Center Business in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is a great place to start your data center business. The Dutch infrastructure is perfect for data centers, and many large companies such as Google and Microsoft have data centers in the Netherlands. Amsterdam is the internet center of Europe, and among other things because of the AMS-IX, Europe’s largest internet exchange. The Amsterdam region is unique because it is both a colocation hub and a hyperscale cluster. If you’re looking to start or expand your data center business, the Netherlands should be at the top of your list!
The Netherlands is a Colocation Hub and Hyperscale Cluster
A colocation hub is a place where companies can colocate their servers and other data-center equipment. Colocation hubs are important for companies that need to have their data-center equipment in a secure and accessible location. They’re also important for companies that need to be close to their customers or partners. The Netherlands is a key player in the colocation market.
A data center hyperscale cluster is a place where many large data centers are located. These data centers are usually owned by technology companies, such as Google, Microsoft, and Amazon. Hyperscale data centers are important for these companies because they allow them to provide their services to users all over the world. See a few examples below.
Large Enterprises choose Dutch Data Centers
Google and Microsoft both have data centers in the Netherlands. Google’s data center is in the Eemshaven, and Microsoft’s data center is in Middenmeer. These data centers are important for both companies, and they play a key role in their operations.
The Eemshaven data center is one of Google’s most important data centers. It’s the company’s largest data center in Europe, and it’s responsible for powering Google Search, Maps, YouTube, and many other services. The data center is also important for Google’s cloud business. The Eemshaven data center is a key part of Google’s global infrastructure, and it helps the company to provide its services to users all over the world.
The Google data center is powered by purchasing power from local wind turbines and solar panels, which is readily available in this area. As Google says it itself:
Eemshaven has the right combination of energy infrastructure, developable land, and available workforce for the data center.
Data Center Growth in the Netherlands
The Dutch data center infrastructure is some of the best in the world. The Netherlands has a lot of data center space, and it’s constantly expanding. The Dutch data center market is expected to grow by nearly 5 percent per year over the next 5 years. The government is doing everything it can to make the country a leading destination for data centers. The Netherlands has a perfect combination of low-cost energy, reliable power, and talented engineers. Find a full overview of the most important data centers in the Netherlands here.
Growth of the Dutch Domestic Market
Besides the Netherlands being an import hub for data services and storage for entire Europe, the Dutch domestic itself is one of Europe’s most extensive and most mature.
That is among other things because the Netherlands is one the countries that is most tech-ready, according to the Network Readiness Index (NRI). This index is a tool that measures the ability of countries to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the internet. The Index is produced by the World Economic Forum, and it ranks countries based on their ability to use digital technologies. The Netherlands is one of the top countries in the world when it comes to the Networked Readiness Index.
Legal compliance and starting a datacenter
We can help you become compliant with Dutch rules and regulations for your data center. For example with GDPR regulations. Additionally, data centers may need other permits or licenses to be fully compliant. Depending on the data center both local and national but also European rules may apply. Many of these restrictions have to do with the use of green energy for data centers.
Finding Commercial Space for Dutch Data Center
If you’re looking for commercial space for your data center, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, you need to find a location that has the right infrastructure. The Netherlands has a lot of data center space, and it’s constantly expanding. Second, you need to find a location that has the right regulatory environment. The Netherlands has a very business-friendly environment, but you should check local regulations, since there can be restrictions on data centers. Finally, you need to find a location that has the right talent. The Netherlands has a lot of data-center professionals, and they’re highly educated. But you should check well if the location of your data center is in proximity of the right professionals.
To find the right commercial real estate for your data center, you should check the website Fundainbusiness (in English).
Need help starting up in the Netherlands?
We can help you set up your company and connect you to our network of professionals that can realize your plans to open up or expand to the Netherlands. Contact us today.