During the first half of 2017, the data center industry experienced a record-breaking $10 billion in mergers and acquisitions, many among the “big box” providers in the industry. As a result, customers are now faced with fewer options than in the past.

In response, some data center providers are pursuing more customized and advanced data center design as well as acquisition strategies of their own to deliver essential technology solutions and add portfolio depth. For example Element Critical, formerly known as CentralColo, has announced a comprehensive rebranding that will reflect the recent evolution of the company and its vision for the future, including a new corporate strategy and name.

With facilities in two of the most active data centers markets in the U.S., Silicon Valley and Northern Virginia, Element Critical is now paving the way for a national platform of mission-critical technology facilities in collaboration with its two private equity partners, Industry Capital and Safanad, both of which enable the platform with significant capital resources.

Element Critical hopes to offer customized engineering, rapid deployments, vigilant operations and contractual flexibility for its customers. The company operates with the mentality that no two customers are the same because every workload requires a customized blend of critical elements such as high density, security, scalability, networking and customer service.

“We live in a world where one size doesn’t fit all and the combination of data center elements change more frequently than ever before,” stated Ken Parent, CEO of Element Critical. “We’re designing solutions ranging from a customer moving a lab into a data center for the first time to hyperscale Artificial Intelligence companies requiring liquid cooling for their 30-45 kW racks. We’ve assembled an impressive roster of industry veterans who possess the vision necessary to execute upon a simple proposition – translate data center requirements into custom solutions for less than the big box providers.”

Over the course of the last year, Element Critical strengthened its sales, finance and operations organizations and filled important leadership positions on its executive team, including Jason Green as CTO and Bryan Chong as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. The company also announced the $96 million acquisition of a 200,000 square-foot data center in Vienna, Virginia, earlier this year. And looking forward, the company wants to acquire two or three properties each year in key primary and secondary domestic markets, with an eye toward international expansion.

To learn more about Element Critical, click here.