At a time when cloud services are becoming increasingly important, fail-safe data centres have become indispensable. As a strategic facility management partner, ISS Switzerland is responsible for the technical infrastructure of over 35 data centres in Switzerland, including many critical sites belonging to leading companies.
250+ ISS employees with all the necessary expertise in data center management
100 dedicated technical specialists who work exclusively on data center projects
>200,000 pieces of technical equipment
The demands placed on data center operations are enormous. With a team of over 130 specialists, ISS ensures operational and supply reliability, maintenance, and technical management of the facilities. ISS’s expertise includes preventive maintenance measures, the development of emergency scenarios, and strategic consulting on technical issues - particularly in the area of end-of-life management for systems and infrastructure.
“Our mission is to precisely meet our clients’ data center requirements and develop solutions that not only ensure operations but also continuously optimize them.”
Roger Lüssi, Head of DataCenters at ISS
With over 20 years of experience in infrastructure management, he leads a team that ensures maximum availability around the clock.
Cooling and Power Supply: Infrastructure Challenges
Two of the most important factors for the uninterrupted operation of a data center are the cooling and power supply of the systems. ISS uses state-of-the-art monitoring systems and precise interventions to ensure that temperature, power, and other critical parameters remain within the optimal range at all times. Especially in high-availability environments, this requires fast response times and specialized solutions.
For example: When a facility reached its capacity limit, the ISS team responded within a very short time and set up an additional temporary power supply unit with a capacity of 1.5 megawatts to reliably ensure continued operation. “Solutions like this are possible because we can draw on a broad range of experience and expertise,” adds Lüssi.
Use of Resource-Efficient Technologies
ISS is not only a technical service provider but also a pioneer in the field of sustainability. Given the growing importance of environmentally friendly infrastructure, ISS has set itself the goal of developing sustainable solutions together with its customers. In the data center sector, this means, among other things, the use of resource-efficient cooling technologies and the reduction of energy consumption.
“Sustainability is a commitment for us. We are constantly working on concepts to minimize the environmental impact of our technical infrastructure while simultaneously increasing efficiency,” explains Lüssi. ISS relies on energy-efficient measures and consulting to reduce the environmental impact of its clients’ data centers and meet the requirements for sustainable infrastructure.
ISS manages
35 data centers in Switzerland
25 on-call teams handling 12,000 service calls per year nationwide
100% renewable energy is used in the data centers; the entire energy demand is covered by domestic, renewable sources
Expertise That Matters
ISS’s approximately 130 data center management specialists are responsible for maintenance, monitoring, and - in an emergency - rapid response to any technical challenge. In addition to preventive maintenance measures, they are fully prepared for emergencies: The facilities are equipped with fail-safe emergency power generators, fire protection systems, and an integrated monitoring system that tracks all operations seamlessly.
“Our top priority is to maintain uninterrupted operations. We conduct regular maintenance and safety inspections to ensure that every system functions flawlessly in an emergency.”
Roger Lüssi
Urs Weibel
Head of the Platin Data Center at Swisscom, provides an exclusive look at the partnership with ISS
Mr. Weibel, what do you particularly appreciate about working with ISS?
The partnership with ISS is characterized above all by the reliable and independent execution of maintenance plans. The service provider must be able to keep a complex organization running smoothly behind the scenes - in collaboration with third-party partners. This is essential to ensure that tasks are completed without delays.
How does ISS help you ensure fail-safe operations?
Communication has to be on point - especially when challenges arise. Finding solutions together is the foundation of our collaboration. Even when disagreements arise, we make it a priority to resolve them immediately. For me, pleasant and professional communication is the foundation of successful operations.
What role does sustainability play in the partnership with ISS?
Our facilities are already highly optimized, so together with ISS, we’re focusing on becoming even more sustainable. One example is water treatment: Here, we’re working on more efficient solutions to reduce water consumption, particularly during filter backwashing. The goal is to conserve resources and minimize water loss.
Roger Lüssi, Head of Data Centers, with ISS Switzerland since 2019
With his team of 130 employees, he is responsible for ensuring the availability of the technical infrastructure at data centers for clients throughout Switzerland. This includes the cost-effective and energy-efficient management of technical operations, including maintenance audits. He is a proven expert with more than 25 years of experience in operations, management, and planning roles.