UNDERSTANDING PREFABRICATED MODULAR DATA CENTRES
Francois Vazille, Vice-President
It is no secret that prefab data centres offer a number of advantages, when compared to ‘stick built’ data centres, such as speed of deployment, predictability, scalability and life cycle cost. While the benefits of prefab data centres are well documented, there is a lack of common language and classification for prefabricated solutions - this has created confusion.
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here are many approaches to implementing prefab modular data centres, so without a standard terminology for describing them, selecting the best type for an organisation becomes difficult. So too does choosing and integrating the most appropriate data centre management software system. In order to alleviate some of the ambiguity around prefab data centres and ensure that the optimal prefab solution is selected to meet business needs, managers need to gain an understanding of the attributes, limitations and benefits of each form of prefab data centre and the associated data centre management technologies.
What is a prefabricated modular data centre? In order for data centre managers to understand the many approaches to prefab data centre solutions, they must first understand the different terms for various types of prefab data centres. A prefabricated modular data centre can be described as prefabricated, containerised, modular, skid-based, pod-based, mobile, portable, self-contained, all-in-one and more. However, these terms all refer to the same basic definition that a prefabricated modular data centre is a data centre system or subsystem that is preassembled in a factory.
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In simple terms, a prefab data centre is the following: • Made up of at least one pre-engineered, factory-integrated and pretested assembly of subsystems that have traditionally been installed separately on-site. • Mounted on a skid or in an enclosure.
The prefabricated modular data centre framework The most common framework for classifying the various types of prefab data centres is based on three attributes: • Functional block, which includes power, cooling and IT. • Form factor, which includes ISO module, enclosure and skidmounted. • Configuration - a fully prefabricated data centre, a semi-prefabricated data centre, or an all-in-one data centre. In the first instance, prefab data centres are distinguished by functional blocks primarily because some prefab data centres only require a specific resource, such as power or cooling. Different personnel with different skill sets are also needed to operate and maintain each element, for example, facilities staff vs IT staff, and mechanical operators vs electrical operators. The second key attribute, form factor, is distinguishable on application. For example, a
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