A modular data center consists of data center hardware delivered either as prefabricated self-contained units or in parts that can be easily assembled on-site.
How Do Modular Data Centers Work?
A modular data center combines all the elements of a traditional data center—including storage, processing, device racks, power supply, and cooling—into a self-contained, enclosed unit that is delivered ready to use and can be installed anywhere with available space and power.
Why Are Modular Data Centers Useful?
Modular data centers are an alternative to traditional data centers, which are constructed on-site and intended to be more or less permanent. Modular data centers are built from components manufactured off-site and delivered via prefabricated and pretested parts. Modular data centers have advanced to the point where they are just as capable, customizable, and scalable as large purpose-built data centers, but with advantages in flexibility and CAPEX requirements.
Modular data centers are shedding their reputation as being only for remote locations, specialized use cases, or temporary installation. The performance of modular data centers rivals that of larger, more powerful data centers—for example, modular data centers tend to offer lower latency that’s made possible by their proximity to workplaces. Factors such as increasing costs in real estate, construction, and compliance are causing organizations to reflect on the cost-effectiveness of building or acquiring space in larger data centers.
Types of Modular Data Centers
ISO shipping container: The intermodal shipping container, also known as an ISO container, is a common form factor for modular data centers due to the fact that the containers can be easily built and torn down as needed. The ISO container-housed data centers are typically installed outdoors with adjacent power supply and cooling systems.
Prefabricated data halls: These are “rooms” containing servers and network equipment, and are attached to a traditional data center. The data halls may be leased to different customers than those of the traditional data center. Data halls can be built and added to a traditional data center over time as an organization grows.
Skid-mounted system: The term “skid-mounted” refers to mounting hardware and other machinery on platforms that can be moved to new locations as needed.
Custom enclosure: These are usually weatherproof structures and can be installed in tighter spaces and are available in a range of sizes.
Benefits of Modular Data Centers
Rapid deployment. Because they’re completely manufactured off-site, modular data centers can be deployed quickly.
Cost. The cost comparisons between modular and traditional data centers depend on individual circumstances, but when compared with new construction, modular options are likely to cost less over time, even as scaling proceeds over time. The cost of a modular data center is usually more predictable because there are little or no cost overruns from construction complications. Perhaps most important, there is no need to overbuild capacity to accommodate future growth.
Customization. Though modular data centers are completely premanufactured, specific components and capabilities can be built in, so there are no compromises for custom needs.
Compliance. For many organizations, cloud deployments may not be a viable option because of the need to isolate data. In these cases, the choice may be between a modular data center or building out a data center within existing space. A modular data center may be a better choice based on cost and flexibility.
Latency. For some organizations, proximity to data and computing may be a deciding factor because of the need for low latency. A modular, on-prem data center can offer advantages in performance versus the cloud.
Flexibility. Modular data centers provide a way to manage growth of data center needs without the hassles of construction, the costs of real estate, and needing to right-size data center deployments. Modular data centers can be added over time, as needed, with predictable costs and timing.
Conclusion
In summary, as the imperative for sustainable practices in data center operations grows ever more pressing and the data deluge shows no signs of slowing, modular data centers stand out as a strategic asset for companies looking to stay competitive in a digitally-driven marketplace. Organizations must pivot towards solutions that not only meet the computational demands of a data-driven future but also align with environmental goals.
Pure Storage's FlashArray emerges as an exemplary model for the shift to a greener data center. It enables enterprises to meet their extensive workload requirements while simultaneously shrinking their environmental footprint, thanks to its advanced data reduction and compression capabilities. By integrating FlashArray into their infrastructure, companies can significantly reduce power consumption and cooling costs—cornerstones of a truly green data center. This commitment to efficiency and sustainability is not just good corporate citizenship; it's a strategic business advantage in an eco-conscious market.
