Digital Realty Unveils HER1 Data Center in Crete
The recent launch of Digital Realty’s newest data center, HER1, marks a significant milestone as the first carrier neutral facility on the island of Crete. This move solidifies the company’s position as the sole global data center provider in the region, strategically connecting Europe with Asia, the Middle East, and East Africa through a robust network of subsea cables.
“HER1 underscores our dedication to establishing the Mediterranean as a key digital hub,” stated Fabrice Coquio, Senior Vice President & Managing Director at Digital Realty in France. “By offering enhanced connectivity and resilient infrastructure, we are meeting the evolving needs of businesses and digital service providers in this rapidly developing area.”
Southern Europe has experienced a remarkable six-fold increase in international bandwidth capacity, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 30% since 2016. This growth has transformed the Mediterranean into a global hub for data exchange. The addition of HER1 complements Digital Realty’s existing interconnected infrastructure in Marseille and upcoming data centers in Barcelona and Rome, strengthening the region’s position as a pivotal interconnection point.
The launch of HER1 expands Digital Realty’s global data center footprint through PlatformDIGITAL®, enabling multinational and local businesses to quickly scale their digital initiatives by leveraging critical infrastructure from a top-tier global data center provider at the core of a thriving connected data community in the region.
HER1 enhances Digital Realty’s existing presence in Greece, complementing its Athens campus, which currently hosts three data centers, with a fourth scheduled to open in 2025 and a fifth in progress. With over 30 connectivity providers, this infrastructure caters to the growing demand for computing power and interconnection from hyperscalers and enterprises alike.
This investment highlights Digital Realty’s leadership in global connectivity infrastructure, supporting the digital transformation of businesses and communities across the Mediterranean. HER1 is poised to become a central hub for the digital economy of tomorrow.
