Equinix is opening the first phase of its second International Business Exchange data centre in Geneva, Switzerland. The purpose-built GV2 IBX data centre, Equinix's fifth in the country, will accommodate demand for premium co-location and data centre services from both local and global corporations and banking organisations. The first phase adds 380 cabinets to Equinix's data centre capacity in Geneva and, when fully built out, will total 48,400 gross square feet (4,500 gross square metres) with capacity for 760 cabinet equivalents. The addition more than doubles Equinix's footprint in the city, making it Equinix's largest IBX in Switzerland. Further phases will open during 2010 and will be timed to reflect market demand.

"Geneva is a very strategic market for Equinix," said Eric Schwartz, president of Equinix in Europe. "Not only is there growing local demand for high specification data centre services - particularly from the city's financial sector - the city's location between Northern and Southern Europe means it is a key peering point for a increasing number of network operators."

The GV2 IBX data centre is part of Equinix's $1.4 billion (£900 million) 2007-2010 global expansion plan. The company has also announced plans to open a fourth IBX data centre in Zurich, expected to open in Q2 2010.