Data centres are crucial and will become even more relevant in the future data economy. The world is moving to the web more each day, prompting users and businesses to demand quick access to the information they need. However, data centres are limited in footprint in particular. As the business grows, so do the power consumption, cooling capacity, and size.
Under-planning for capacity is a huge issue but can be solved in several ways, including containerised infrastructure. With containerised infrastructure, your method of deploying your data centre’s capacity becomes more portable. This means you can place data capacity wherever you need it to be.
What Is Containerised Infrastructure and How Does It Work?
A containerised data centre is a transportable data centre situated in a specialised, often custom-built shipping container. It’s a self-contained module that includes:
- An interruptible power supply (UPS)
- Power generator
- Electrical connectivity
- Network connectivity
- Fire control system
- HV/LV switchgear
- CCTV or other security systems
- Dehumidification
- Air conditioning
- Lighting
- Emergency lighting
- Rack-mounted servers
Such containerised infrastructure promises to save deployment resources for any business, regardless of the size. Data centre containers are now offered pre-installed and ready to use, although some firms have specific requirements that only a tailored container can meet.
Nevertheless, these containers are designed in standard shipping set-ups. Once ready for delivery, they are loaded on semi-trailer trucks or other types of transporters.
As you can see, the concept of the infrastructure is all based on containerisation, which utilises modular blocks to create an entire IT arrangement inside the container. That means every required piece of equipment will be contained within the infrastructure so that all components work in a data centre without problems. This is because the containerised data centre is organised and designed to provide the right mix of networking and cooling equipment, generators, servers, and storage devices.
Types of Containerised Infrastructure
There are two major types of containerised infrastructure, with the first being a refurbished shipping container. Usually available in two sizes, ISO 20 and 40 feet, a refurbished shipping container is exactly what it is named after. It’s a shipping container used to transport goods, but instead of this purpose, it will be utilised as a modular data centre. These containers are durable, weather-resistant, and highly customisable. They can withstand extreme temperatures and situations, mainly when your data centre is stationed in a remote area. The process of refurbishing can be exhaustive, depending on the age and condition of the container. It is to ensure no rust or damage has resulted from prior use.
The second type of containerised infrastructure is a bespoke container. In most cases, a refurbished container will do, but not for all data centre operators. A customised container is more suitable for their application. This purpose-built container type looks exactly like a shipping container, except it is a little more bespoke. For example, some operators opt to install them in a metal building. That way, they can connect the box to a grid, particularly if it is connected to an alternative energy supply, such as a wind turbine or a solar system.
Regardless of the type, you select for your business, these containers are guaranteed to be robust. They can withstand the harshest of all environments. Their facilities are secure against thieves and other unwanted access, as well.
The Benefits of Containerised Modular Data Centre for Your Business
Modularisation, on its own, is beneficial to most businesses, generally for being an integrated system. Traditional data centres are fragmented to avoid the high costs that could stem from worst-case scenarios. Through modularised systems, your business takes advantage of an optimised ecosystem, which already comes with correct cooling, capacity, and power, among many others.
Having said that, here are more benefits of a containerised infrastructure for your business:
- Increased Capacity: One of the most significant purposes of a containerised modular data centre is to increase the capacity of an already existing data centre. Using containerised infrastructure, you can minimise the power consumption costs of the organisation and benefit from the quicker installation compared to deploying it in an unprepared facility. With these containers, it’s easier, faster, and cheaper to deploy data whilst using less energy compared to earlier data centre designs.
- Less Energy and Materials Used: If you are serious about your business’s environmental impact, you will find the containerised infrastructure concept in complete alignment with your values. Of course, it still depends on the manufacturer you select, but reputable companies will use no boxes and other packing materials, particularly for the servers. They will be directly installed and ready to go.
- Scalable: Upfront investments move to server deployment. With a modular data centre, you pay as you go. The cooling, IT systems, and power all scale together. You do not have to buy them all right away, allowing you to save yourself from substantial capital costs, a great benefit for new businesses.
- Customisable: Whilst some containers are ready for shipping, you can have a custom-built box just for you. It’s individually planned to meet your exact requirements. There are no limits when it comes to the construction of data centre containers, whether you need a small main data centre or a large modular cloud data centre.
- Robust and Long-Lasting: A ready-to-connect infrastructure is what you need in a strong, durable container shell.
- Cost-Efficient: With all the benefits listed above, you can already tell a modular data centre is an investment that’s worth every penny.
And if the benefits above are not enough, here is one more reason to make the switch. A data centre container can be relocated and installed easily. It can be set up, replaced or upgraded, and up and running in a short amount of time.
Are You Ready to Digitally Transform Your Data Centre?
A digital transformation for your data centre is, without a doubt, a radical shakeup. Today, new technologies seem to emerge endlessly, from smart cities to connected cars to new opportunities in mobile data and streaming services, to name a few. But as these changes pop up, so does the need for bigger storage and speedy processing of significant volumes of data. This is what XCircle is helping businesses prepare for.
We’re here to assist you in meeting the demands for more flexible and scalable IT solutions. With our containerised data centres, you can have a data centre locally, near you and the users. This benefit results in shorter latency times, optimum reliability, and excellent computing power. Contact us to begin today!
