The number of connected devices in organizations is increasing substantially. To adapt to this new reality, companies need a robust physical IT infrastructure. With the significant growth of data and the need for real-time data processing for operations, there is greater pressure to put computing power on-site. Practical solutions are needed to improve business operations and enable their expansion. It is in this scenario that pre-fabricated modular data centers play a prominent role. We will address the importance of modular data centers in the era of edge computing.
What is a modular data center?
Modular data centers are a solution that allows for increased data processing capacity where it is needed. They are built and tested in a controlled environment to meet the specifications of each project. The solutions are then shipped to the location fully built, tested, and ready for immediate installation. As these are modular infrastructure, there are options available for all needs. Modularity has strongly influenced the market in this era where data centers need to be closer to the end-user.
Modular data centers are designed to handle changes in server technology such as cloud computing, virtualization, centralization, and high density, improve operational efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and achieve the goal of rapid expansion and zero interference.
Benefits of modular data centers
A modular data center is defined by its fluidity, dividing resources into different areas based on technological standards. The data center is divided into individual sectors that are sized according to scale, load, configuration, air conditioning systems, management systems, among others, depending on a unified standard. This prevents modules from interfering with each other and makes them operationally independent, without sharing resources. Below are some of the main benefits of modular data centers:
Location flexibility: Modular data centers can be implemented in virtually any geographical location and avoid some of the more complicated aspects of traditional construction, such as labor, transportation, and material restrictions.
Scalability: Modular designs allow elements to be added over time and as needed, realistically aligning with capital and operational resources, reducing the potential for a site to have underutilized equipment.
Faster and more cost-effective construction: Conventional data centers rely on sequential coordination of licensing, engineering, site preparation, and construction tasks.
Greater customization: By nature, modular data centers are fully customizable. Components can be combined to meet each customer’s needs and adapt to cost, space, and other relevant aspects
Standard modules: Modular data centers adopt a standardized, highly integrated modular design, which makes the system more stable. In addition, modular data centers can provide configuration solutions such as N, N+1, and 2N at any implementation stage.
Environmental protection and energy conservation: The cost of energy over the life cycle of data centers occupies the highest percentage in the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). Infrastructure planning depending on current IT requirements and the addition of new modules according to growing IT requirements allow users to add modules only for the necessary equipment. Adopting a standard interface and modular architecture saves electricity and achieves the goal of systematic energy conservation. In-line cooling units are used to supply air directly to the hot spots nearby. This reduces the distance of the airflow and improves the efficiency of cooling to solve the problem of hot spots. The PUE is reduced to less than 1.5, which is one of the key benefits of adopting modular data centers.
ModSecur modular data centers
Maxiglobal, as a reference company in the data center field, has relied on its high “Know-How” and innovation capabilities to find solutions that best address the threats faced by IT managers. The ModSecur brand has created various types of modular, scalable, secure and autonomous data centers:
ModSecur IT Room: Modular and scalable IT infrastructure tailored to the specific needs of each client. It provides protection against physical threats such as fire, temperature, water, dust, smoke, vandalism, among others. The insulation in the modular rooms for data centers also maximizes energy efficiency through thermal insulation.
ModSecur IT Container: A complete, prefabricated solution and an excellent option to ensure operational efficiency as it allows for space expansion whenever necessary. Its portability gives it the desired flexibility for Disaster Recovery and proximity data centers, making it an intelligent option in data center construction.
ModSecur Micro Datacenter: A self-contained and complete system that includes air conditioning, fire detection and extinction system, physical and logical security, UPS, and a DCIM management system (ModSecur® EMS) that allows for remote monitoring of infrastructure in real-time. In terms of availability and resilience, the ModSecur® MDC can be equipped with redundant air conditioning and power (UPS) systems, ensuring availability, continuity, and resilience of the infrastructure.
ModSecur Smart IT Rack: A complete solution consisting of a IT rack that integrates a DX (direct expansion) air conditioning system, backup power distribution system, environmental and alarm monitoring system, and a set of optional features such as fire detection and extinguishing system, access control system, smart display, among others. The ModSecur® SMR can be used as-a-service, a smaller investment spread over time.
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