Schneider Electric and EcoXpert Partners, on365, have rolled out a series of large-scale datacentre and critical power projects for Markerstudy Group.

As part of the strategy, the insurer chose to standardise on key components from Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure for Data Centres portfolio, including its Galaxy V-series three phase UPSs and APC Smart-UPS RT single phase UPS, EcoStruxure Row Data Center solution, InRow DX cooling units and chilled water systems, APC racks and PDUs and EcoStruxure IT Expert DCIM software.

on365 also secured a five-year, managed service level agreement to maintain all critical power and cooling infrastructure on behalf of the insurance group – supporting the efficiency and resilience of its systems, as well as reducing carbon emissions.

“The Markerstudy board has consistently supported our investment in more efficient datacentre physical infrastructure, enabling the IT Team to improve the PUE of our datacentres and accommodate our technology requirements as the company continues its growth trajectory,” said Nick Ovenden, chief technology officer at Markerstudy Insurance. “Working with on365 and Schneider Electric has been central to the execution of our digital infrastructure and upgrade strategy, as well as meeting the sustainability ambitions for our IT services.”

Mark Yeeles, vice-president, Secure Power division, Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, commented: “Today’s datacentres and IT technologies are vital to support the UK’s thriving enterprise sector. Our work together with on365 showcases the important role of datacentres as critical national infrastructure and demonstrates how our ecosystem can ensure customers like Markerstudy remain at the forefront of UK Insurance services while achieving their sustainability goals.”

Markerstudy’s strategy to standardise on Schneider Electric technologies and to modernise its infrastructure portfolio began in 2012, when it first commissioned on365 to design and build a datacentre at its Chesterfield contact centre. The datacentre (pictured) used Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Row Data Centre solution, together with InRow DX cooling units to maximise energy efficiency and minimise the threat of downtime from thermal shutdowns. During 2023, on365 implemented a new main substation Transformer and Primary Switchboard to replace 30-year-old, legacy electrical equipment. Designed using IoT-enabled components for ease of monitoring and management, the new system has prepared Markerstudy for the integration of renewable energy at its offices, while providing key infrastructure for new EV chargers.

Markerstudy Group was founded in 2001 and serves over eight million customers, employing more than 7,000 people across 40 brands. Acquisition and expansion since then has presented the insurer with several technological challenges, including integrating multiple technology systems, while managing a diverse portfolio of digital infrastructure, including several datacentres and IT systems distributed across its offices and customer support centres.

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