A modular data center is a self-contained, prefabricated, and portable data center that can be easily transported and deployed where additional data center capacity is needed.
The most common type of modular data center is a containerized data center in which standard shipping containers or purpose-built enclosures are equipped with servers, storage, networking, power, and cooling equipment. Containerized data centers are easily transported and installed making them well-suited for temporary deployments or rapidly deployed edge data centers.
What Are the Advantages of Modular Data Centers?
Modular data centers have several advantages over traditional data center systems, including:
- Rapid deployment. Modular data centers can be deployed in a fracture of the time in it takes to construct a traditional data center.
- Scalability. Additional modules can be added as needed to increase capacity.
- Flexibility. Module data centers can easily be moved to different locations as needs change. They can be integrated into an existing facility or be deployed as standalone data centers.
- Energy efficiency. Modules features advanced cooling systems, efficient power distribution, and optimized airflow that reduce energy consumption.
- Cost savings. Fewer construction costs, less upfront capital expenditures, and energy-efficient designs can be cheaper than alternatives.
How to Simplify Modular Data Center Management
While modular data centers have their benefits, it can be challenging to manage many remote sites. Common pain points include lack of on-site staffing, low visibility into equipment inventory, inaccurate asset and configuration management, lack of understanding of rack capacity, no system for work orders for technicians performing changes, and inability to monitor site health and security.
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software enables you to remotely manage all your global data center sites in a single pane of glass. With DCIM software, you can easily track all assets and supporting infrastructure, monitor power and environmental conditions in real-time, plan capacity to maximize resource utilization, direct technicians to complete changes accurately, ensure physical security, and much more.
Want to see how Sunbird’s leading DCIM software simplifies modular data center management? Get your free test drive now!