A future-proof data center for a leading construction company
The HABAU GROUP has invested in the modernization of its IT infrastructure – with a high-availability data center, planned and implemented by EPS Electric Power Systems. The owner-managed family business with around 6,500 employees has been operating internationally for more than a century and is now one of the leading players in the Austrian construction industry. Whether it’s building construction, civil engineering, tunnel construction or pipeline construction, the HABAU GROUP is broadly positioned – and therefore also needs an IT infrastructure that can keep pace with this complexity.
From old stock to high-end solution
The existing server room at the Perg site dates back to 2005 and no longer met today’s requirements for reliability, redundancy and energy efficiency. Since large parts of the Group-wide IT services are operated via this room – together with a second, external data center – modernization was urgently needed.
“When we visited the new EPS data center at the subsidiary ÖSTU-STETTIN, it quickly became clear to us that this solution was convincing,” recalls Gerald Froschauer, Head of the IT Department at HABAU.
Tailor-made implementation during ongoing operations
The special challenge: The conversion had to be carried out while IT operations were ongoing – including relocating the network infrastructure to the new data center. EPS planned the project holistically and implemented it within two years in close coordination with the HABAU team. The result: a modern, future-proof data center with a separate battery and technical room, redundant power supply, efficient cooling and oxygen reduction for fire protection.
Special technical solutions were also implemented, such as the noise-saving housing of a compressor, which had to be installed on the building façade opposite residential buildings.
“It was clear to us that we needed a full-service provider – technically, organizationally and personally. With EPS, we had a partner on an equal footing who combines competence, flexibility and trustworthiness,” emphasises Claus Hofer, Deputy Head of IT at HABAU.
Investment in data security and scalability
With the new data center, HABAU is not only ensuring business continuity, but also long-term control over sensitive company data. Around 80% of the systems will continue to be operated in-house – a strategic statement for data sovereignty and investment protection.
“If you think in a future-oriented way, you don’t just invest in buildings or machines, but in your digital infrastructure,” says Paul Mühlbachler, Infrastructure Server. “EPS convinced us with its know-how and practical relevance – from the conception to the last socket.”
EPS is also very satisfied: “The cooperation with HABAU was characterized by trust and professionalism,” says Peter Reisinger, Sales Manager at EPS. “We are pleased to have laid a strong foundation for the digital future together.”
The project scope in detail
- Planning & Concept
- Requirements analysis
- Feasibility study with site coordination
- Creation of data center floor plan layouts and concepts
- Plant and assembly planning
- Building construction
- Protection zone concept: IT whitespace & greyspace such as UPS/NSHV rooms, battery room
- IT raised floor
- Cooling & Energy Supply
- IT air conditioning: Air cooling with 2N redundant N DX systems
- IT-RCS server racks with integrated cold/hot aisle separation
- IT UPS system: Modular and scalable, 2N
- IT switchgear with UPS-EBS, emergency power switchover and RCM measurement, 2N
- Security & Surveillance
- IT-technical fire protection: RAS detection & technical fire prevention
- IT leak warning system: digital comprehensive system for maximum protection
- Monitoring & fault alarm system: Real-time monitoring system with alarm
- Commission tests:
- Trial operation, load test and cross-trade overall function test
