IO to split data centre business, introducing newly-formed BaseLayer
Tue 2 Dec 2014
IO, the Phoenix-based data centre company, has today announced plans to split into two independent divisions, separating its colocation and cloud services from its modular data centre and infrastructure management software business.
IO will continue to focus on its cloud products, while the newly-formed BaseLayer will look after the data centre hardware and software. The split is expected to be complete by early 2015.
“IO has been on the leading edge of data centre technology, launching industry-changing services and products at a rapid clip. Our growth has exceeded our expectations — and given the breadth of our company’s innovations — we have decided to split our product portfolio into two,” said George Slessman, co-founder and chief executive officer at IO.
Created seven years ago by brothers George and William Slessman and business partner Anthony Wanger, IO is now the second largest private data centre company globally.
“We have built two strong, but distinct businesses,” George Slessman added. “By separating the two, we create clarity of purpose to accelerate the growth of both companies. This decision introduces two market leaders – each with talent and resources directly focused on their core competencies.”
William Slessman, co-founder and former CTO of IO will assume the CEO position at BaseLayer, while George Slessman and Wanger will maintain their current roles within IO, CEO and president respectively.
IO will continue to run from its Phonix head offices with BaseLayer’s headquarters transferring to Chandler, Arizona.
“This strategic decision creates enormous potential for IO and BaseLayer. Both companies will be sharper and more competitive as leading, stand-alone businesses,” William Slessman said. “The separation will allow BaseLayer to help customers realize the full value of their applications and tap into the potential of the Internet of Things.”
