Advantages of Prefabricated Data Centres

Prefabricated modular data centres offer a practical alternative to building a new or expanding existing IT space. Minimize construction costs and complexity by having your IT space built offsite, in a factory environment.

Moving the data centre outside or into a simple building shell as a stand-alone system that has physical security, power and cooling redundancy, and can be remotely monitored and managed with a full suite of DCIM software allows installations such as hospitals, universities, and businesses with multiple offices to reclaim valuable real estate space for their core operations.

Benefits:

• Pre-engineered and Factory Assembled – Prefabricated Modules are designed and built to precise specifications in a controlled factory environment and utilize DCIM software which results in improved reliability and a more predictably performing data centre.

• Scalable and Flexible – Prefabricated modules inherently allow for scalable growth of IT infrastructure and the flexibility to adjust the design and size of future phases of deployment. Capital investments can be deferred, improving cash flow.

• Simple and Fast Deployment – Prefabricated Data Centre Modules arrive on site ready to deploy which significantly reduces installation time and cost.

Prefabricated data centres decrease risk with a pre-engineered, fully managed system – Preserve CapEx by growing infrastructure with demand in smaller increments – Adjust plans for future expansions with repeatable and flexible designs – Financially justify data centre expansion through preservation of valuable building space prefabricated data centre modules contain a complete data centre physical infrastructure, assembled and tested in a single- or multiple-module configuration to provide a fully functional data centre.

The prefabricated all-in-one data centre solution functions as a foundation for cloud computing in enterprise data centres. It meets the requirements

for environmental protection, saving energy, and fast deployment. In addition, it has distinct advantages in scenarios such as disaster relief operations, oil exploration, and enterprise data management.

Functions

• A prefabricated module may be needed only for a specific resource (just power, just cooling, or just IT space) because of stranded capacity in the existing facility
• A greater IT capacity is needed than a micro data centre module can support, and a single IT space is required (physical space constraint of modules)
• There is a requirement to separate personnel (IT, mechanical, electrical) from a maintenance and operations perspective to reduce human error risks
• An optimized footprint is needed, and function-specific modules can utilize larger capacity components and share clearances to provide a greater kW per square foot or square meter

There are many approaches to implementing prefabricated modular data centres; however selecting the appropriate type can be difficult. The optimal configuration, including the right functional blocks and form factors depends on the application and specific business requirements. In some cases, a fully prefabricated data centre is the best approach, and for others, a semi-prefabricated approach with a mix of prefabricated modules and traditional systems is best. Understanding the limitations and benefits of each form factor helps ensure the optimal approach is selected. Ultimately, business needs around speed of deployment, scalability, space constraints, capacity, and cash flow drive the decision.