Keysource, the datacentre and critical environment specialist, has been appointed by Willis Towers Watson, the leading global advisory, broking and solutions company, in a retained ‘guardian role’ to oversee an update of its facility in Nashville, Tennessee. It builds on the ten-year relationship which has seen Keysource act as European critical environment partner, completing major upgrades on two strategic data centres in the UK.

Willis Towers Watson initially instructed Keysource to carry out an independent review of the datacentre which has around 100 active racks with an IT load of circa 320kW. Keysource delivered a report outlining improvement opportunities which included high-level budgets which prioritised the projects based on risk and reward. Keysource then reviewed the supplier proposals to ensure design consistency and budget compliance.

Following on from this Keysource has now been appointed by Willis Towers Watson  in a retained guardian role to oversee the UPS replacement project. This involves providing independent advice, guidance and project controls to ensure the successful outcome of the project including reviewing scopes, programmes, health and safety documentation etc. It will also include providing guidance on how the system should be tested prior to being brought into operation and additional site visits out to Nashville to witness test the solution prior to going into service.

Paul West, Director of Global Data Centres Infrastructure & Operations at Willis Towers Watson, said: “Our Nashville Datacentre is now at an important stage in its lifecycle and there is an opportunity to set out to re-scale and remodel the environment to provide a more efficient and flexible facility. Keysource is once again taking the role of trusted advisor to ensure the successful delivery of these  changes.”

Chris West, Head of Global Accounts at Keysource, said: “Our role in this project was to continue to support the Willis Towers Watson team with our capabilities to ensure rigorous adherence to governance, process and procedures. These are underpinned by our industry best practice and standards to provide certainty of outcome, cost savings and reduced risk.”