A NORTH-EAST data centre is growing by an average of 20 per cent each year with the boom in reliance on IT in the region, and predicts that further growth could be yet to come.

ZebraHosts, in Newcastle, provides server hosting to businesses across the region, and has seen demand for its services increase beyond expectations.

The company, in Westgate Road, said the boom in the demand for IT services in the region shows that companies are outgrowing their current web facilities.

Belinda Kent, ZebraHosts' strategic account manager, said the company was recording growth of an average of 20 per cent in each of the five years it has been in business, on the back of an upturn in demand and the need for better online options.

It has amassed an impressive regional client base, including the North-East Chamber of Commerce and the North-East Ambulance Service. She said: "North-East companies are becoming far more sophisticated in their web needs.

"As reliance on server-based systems increases, many are no longer prepared to battle with slow connectivity, poor levels of up-time, unreliable data storage and weak networking.

"And, of course, as their usage increases they become even more aware of the catastrophic repercussions of losing core data."

As a result, ZebraHosts has noticed a steady growth in inquiries for its external hosting facilities, which guarantees 99.99 per cent connectivity even in the event of a major local or regional power cut.

Ms Kent said: "Our clients value the importance of robust storage technology, and the need for every element of data management to be in line and working reliably."

ZebraHosts will be at the IT Works event, at Sunderland University, on July 5 and 6.