In today's digital world, data centres are the backbone of many industries. They are responsible for storing, processing, and managing large amounts of data that keep businesses and organizations running. As more and more businesses rely on data centers to operate, the need for reliable and efficient data centers has increased. Prefabricated data centers, have emerged as a solution to meet this demand.
The challenges of data storage
The digital transformation taking place in many industries, has created new data storage challenges for companies. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Augmented Reality, create large amounts of data that need to be processed locally to reduce latency and costs.
Storing data on the cloud or in large data centres in remote locations is not an option anymore; companies need to move their data, or at least part of it, right to the edge, where the action is happening (i.e. in a factory, on a farm, etc.). This is where edge data centres and prefab data centres come into play.
What are prefab data centres
A prefab data centre (also known as prefabricated data centre, integrated modular solution, or containerised data centre) is a modular data centre that is pre-designed and pre-built in a factory and then assembled on-site. It is essentially a pre-engineered solution that includes all the necessary components of a traditional data centre, such as cooling, power, networking, and security systems. The modules are then shipped to the customer's location and assembled on-site. This approach reduces the time and cost associated with building a traditional data centre.
The many benefits of Prefab Data Centres
Prefab data centres offer many benefits over traditional data centre deployments.
Faster deployment times. Prefab data centres can be deployed in a matter of weeks, compared to the several months it can take to deploy traditional data centres. This means that businesses can start using their data centres much more quickly, reducing downtime and improving overall efficiency.
Mobility. Prefab data centres are designed to be easily transported and deployed, making them ideal for businesses that need to move their data centres to different locations. This is particularly useful for companies that need to set up data centres in remote or challenging locations, such as offshore oil rigs or construction sites.
Cost effectiveness. Prefab data centers are typically more cost-effective than traditional data centers. The modular design allows for economies of scale in manufacturing, transportation, and assembly.
Flexibility. Prefab data cntres are modular in design, which means that they can be easily scaled up or down as per the requirements of the user. This makes them ideal for businesses that have changing needs, as they can quickly adapt to new requirements without requiring a significant investment of time or resources.
Can be placed anywhere. Prefab data centres are an ideal solution for edge deployments, even in remote locations with limited infrastructure; all you need is a connection to a power source. They are perfect for smart farms, telecom tower sites, or any companies with limited indoor floor space.
Zella Max: a one of a kind prefab data centre solution
Zella Max takes prefab and containerised data centres to a whole new level. Whilst from the outside it looks like a standard container, Zella Max has a completely different proposition.
Each container houses Zella Pro micro data centres: each MDC is a self-contained unit with its own cooling, power and fire protection. This means you can start with just one Zella Pro and add more when required, thus reducing the initial investment.
The Zella Max offers the same benefits as conventional prefab data centres, plus:
Enhanced Security. Not only is the container physically secure, but each micro data centre within also has its own secure access, benefiting from the highest level of cyber security. This can also be of huge benefit if a modular data centre is used by joint ventures - authorised access can be granted to solely the units each IT team is responsible for.
Advanced Cooling. Each Zella Pro has individual built-in precision cooling system, with individual condensers.
Fire Protection. Additional fire protection can be integrated within each individual Zella Pro.
Redundancy. Should there be an issue in one micro data centre, the other units will be unaffected and the issue will be managed in isolation without the need for any interruption to the operation of the other units.
Simplified Monitoring and Management. The many integrated features make for an easily centralised management platform and automated monitoring removes the need for specialist care. Intelligent systems ensure day-to-day surveillance and tweaks are managed automatically.
Reduced Costs: Compared with the running costs of a traditional containerised data centre, companies can typically expect to save in the range of 50%-60% in costs. There are many reasons for this, from power needs and cooling capability to the scalability feature that allows companies to successfully reduce the need to overestimate the scale of storage that might be needed in the future.
Sustainable: Each MDC within the Zella Max utilises advanced energy efficiency and has a very low PUE. This will significantly lower a company's carbon emissions.
Get in touch to find out more about our prefab data centre solutions.
