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CenturyLink announced the launch of its first data-center location in mainland China on September 29, 2014. Located in Shanghai’s Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone, the facility offered enterprise hosting, cloud, security and networking services through a local operating partnership.
What CenturyLink launched in Shanghai
The Shanghai site was CenturyLink’s first location in mainland China. It was an enterprise managed-services environment, not a consumer cloud product. Customers could use managed hosting, security, cloud and networking solutions, with colocation also available for organizations building a hybrid environment.
The company described the launch as a way to extend its managed-services offering into China while giving customers a consistent experience with its services elsewhere. CenturyLink managing director for Asia Pacific Gery Messer said the company was “offering access to the same highly secure managed services and consistent IT experience available across our global footprint.”
Who operated and supported the service
The service combined CenturyLink’s global management with local facility and network partners:
#1 Best Overall
- 【Powerful Load-bearing】12U Network Rack Open Frame is constructed from durable cold rolled steel; Rack shelf supports enhance stability, wall-mounted capacity of 130lbs, the ground-mounted up to 260lbs
- 【Considerate Designs】Open-frame layout, including a top panel adding space, anti-slip shelf stops fixing devices and compatible racks for stack and expansion to meet requirements of home server rack
- 【Complete Accessories】A 12U open frame server rack, two ventilated shelves, four shelf stops, four velcro straps and a set of equipment mounting screws
- 【Versatile Application】Ideal for space-efficient multi-device setups in warehouses, retail, classrooms, offices and more; Excellent choices as AV Rack/IT Rack
- 【Effortless Setup】 Network Rack includes hardware, a comprehensive manual, mounting hole drilling template and an online assembly video to simplify setup
- GDS operated the data-center facility in Shanghai’s Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone.
- Neusoft served as CenturyLink’s local IT-services partner, providing on-site assistance—the local “eyes and hands” in the facility.
- Citic Telecom CPC provided network services.
CenturyLink designed the environment and managed it remotely. Customers continued to use CenturyLink’s global portal, management team and support desk, while Neusoft supplied local on-site support.
Why host data inside China?
CenturyLink pointed to data sovereignty, latency and the performance effects of cross-border traffic through China’s Golden Shield, commonly called the Great Firewall. Keeping workloads in-country could help enterprises address data-location requirements and avoid some of the delay or disruption associated with routing traffic across the border.
Rank #2
- ADJUSTABLE DEPTH: 4-Post 42U open frame server rack with 4 vertical rails and adjustable mounting depth 22" to 40" (56,0cm to 101,7cm); Compatible with various servers / switches / data / AV and other IT equipment; EIA/ECA-310-E Compliant
- EASY ASSEMBLY: Mobile network rack with easy-to-follow assembly instructions and online video; Compact flat-pack shipping to avoid damage and facilitate installation; Total product height of 80.3in (204 cm) with casters, 78in (198cm) without casters
- COLD ROLLED STEEL: Durable 4 Post 19in open frame rack designed for ventilation with 42U mounting height and 1320lb (600kg) weight capacity (stationary); 3 install options included: casters, levelling feet, or base-plate to secure rack to the floor
- HARDWARE INCLUDED: Rolling computer/data rack includes cage nuts and screws to mount equipment, easy to read Units (U) and depth adjustment markings, cable management hooks for organization, and required assembly tools
- THE IT PRO'S CHOICE: Designed and built for IT Professionals, this 42U rack is backed for 2-years, including free lifetime 24/5 multi-lingual technical assistance
At the time of the launch, CenturyLink senior vice president of international development Brian Klingbeil put the company’s position plainly: “Enterprises wanting to compete in China need to host their IT in China.” That was CenturyLink’s rationale for the location, not a claim that every organization or workload was legally required to use an in-country data center.
In-country hosting versus cross-border hosting
| Consideration | Hosting in China | Hosting outside China |
|---|---|---|
| Data location | Workloads can be hosted within China, which may help address data-sovereignty needs. | Data remains outside China; organizations must assess whether that suits their requirements. |
| Latency and performance | May reduce reliance on cross-border traffic for users and systems in China. | Cross-border routing can affect latency and performance, a concern CenturyLink cited when announcing the Shanghai site. |
| Regulatory considerations | Can support an in-country approach, but does not by itself establish regulatory compliance. | Organizations need to consider the rules and operational implications applicable to their data and services. |
| Local support | The Shanghai model paired local on-site support from Neusoft with GDS facility operations. | Local facility support depends on the provider and arrangement; the 2014 announcement does not specify a general alternative. |
| Global management experience | CenturyLink said customers could retain its global portal, management team and support desk. | Management arrangements vary by provider; no single model is established by the announcement. |
The choice depends on where users and systems are located, where data needs to reside, and how an organization handles compliance and operations. CenturyLink’s Shanghai announcement presented in-country hosting as one enterprise option that combined local infrastructure and support with the company’s existing global service model.
Rank #3
- Adjustable Depth: 23-40'' adjustable depth is used for servers and network equipment, ensuring enough space for AV equipment, components, and cabling, while allowing you to access ports and equipment from multiple sides.
- Strong Load Capacity: Ground-Mounted Load Capacity: 500 lbs, Wall-Mounted Load Capacity: 150 lbs. The av rack is made of carbon steel for better weldability performance and can help save space while meeting your need to place multiple devices.
- User-friendly Design: Ergonomic design makes the open frame av rack easier to use. The additional top panel is able to place other items with more available space. Roller design moves anywhere and anytime, is convenient, and is more energy-saving.
- Complete Accessories: We provide the accessories you need, including 2 x Pallets, 145 x M5*10 Cross Head Screws, 4 x Casters, 4 x M10*50 Expansion Screws,10 x M6*12 Cage Nuts, 1 x Grounding Wire, 1 x User Manual.
- Wide Application: The server rack wall mount maximizes the use of available space, suitable for retail venues, classrooms, offices, and other places where space is limited.
What the announcement did not specify
The announcement did not publish the facility’s capacity, rack count, floor area, pricing, customer count or revenue. It therefore supports describing the services and operating partnerships, but not estimating the site’s size or commercial scale.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Adjustable Depth: Depth adjustable from 23" to 40", this open frame server rack accommodates servers and network equipment while providing ample space for A/V gears and cable management. Enjoy easy access to ports and devices from multiple angles.
- High Weight Capacity: Supports up to 300 lbs on the floor (200 lbs when adjusted to maximum depth) and 200 lbs when wall-mounted (depth cannot be adjusted in wall-mounted mode). Made from carbon steel for superior welding performance and durability, this open frame rack is designed to save space while accommodating multiple devices.
- User-Friendly Design: Designed with your convenience in mind, this open frame server rack features an top shelf for extra storage and improved space utilization. The rolling casters let you move it effortlessly wherever you need it, making setup and movement a breeze.
- Widely Applicable: Maximize your space with this adaptable open frame server rack, designed to make the most of every inch. Ideal for retail spots, classrooms, offices, and any area where space is at a premium, it delivers practical solutions for your storage needs.
- Everything You Need: Our open-frame rack comes with fully equipped accessory kit for easy setup and secure installation: 2 x Trays, 4 x Casters, 1 x set of Screws, 16 x M6*12 Cage Nuts, 1 x Grounding Wire, 1 x Internal & External Hex Wrenches, and 1 x User Manual.
Rank #4
- Universal 19” Rack Mount Compatibility – Perfect for pro audio, video, IT, and network gear. Compatible with mixers, routers, patch panels, servers, power amps, and more.
- Heavy-Duty Load Capacity – Built to support up to 550 lbs. Ideal for studio gear, DJ setups, server equipment, and AV components that demand serious stability.
- Robust Steel Frame & Design – Made with 1.5mm thick steel and weighs 36 lbs for maximum durability, reduced vibration, and long-term reliability in any setting.
- Mobile & Secure – Preinstalled with 3” industrial-grade caster wheels (lockable), making it easy to move and position your rack exactly where you need it.
- All-In-One Setup Kit Included – Comes with 34 rack screws (5mm & 6mm), a 1U blank spacer, and an assembly tool—ready for fast installation out of the box.
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