The upcoming SMX01 data centre is ready for the future
11-storey data centre stands as tall as a 30-storey apartment building.
I visited the site of the upcoming SMX01 data centre located in Jakarta's central business district (CBD). I left highly impressed by the breadth of vision.
This morning, I attended a private site tour and luncheon of SM+'s upcoming data centre organised by the W. Media team.
Also had the chance to sit down with Avnish Patankar over lunch, and we spoke at length about the Indonesia data centre landscape, AI data centres, and his plans for SM+.
Here's what I now know.
Photo Caption: (Left) Me with Avnish Patankar at the site.
An AI-ready data centre
I previously shared the following about the SMX01 data centre:
- 18MW IT capacity; upgradable to 60MW.
- 11 storeys with 9 data halls.
- Support for 130kW racks.
- Ample room to expand.
- Multiple certifications.
Designed for the future
I learned more about SMX01 during my visit today, namely how it is designed to be future-ready.
- 2.5 tons/m2 floor loading.
- 9 metres slab-to-slab height.
- UPS housed separately from battery modules.
What the floor height means is that SMX01 can support even 52U racks alongside extensive piping for liquid cooling.
The height means air volume within each hall is significant, which serves as a buffer for air cooling in traditional or direct-to-chip liquid deployments.
And yes, the exceptional floor loading means it supports immersion cooling without problems.
It's worth noting that the 11-storey data centre has the equivalent height of a 30-storey apartment. In fact, animated videos show it go toe to toe in height with surrounding apartments.
From Edge-to-Edge
But what struck me was how SM+ designed SMX01 to address enterprise needs with a modern facility and extensive interconnectivity.
With existing Edge data centres deployed across 24 key cities that will be connected via its partnership with Moratelindo, this gives SM+ a unique advantage over its competitors.
For now, Avnish told me over 20 network operators have signed up to establish a presence in SMX01 when it goes live, which is expected by next year.
What do you think?
