The demand for rapid, reliable, and extensive data storage is constantly increasing as our reliance on smart devices and the Internet of Things (IoT) grows. To meet this demand, businesses require a storage solution that goes beyond the cloud or traditional server rooms.
There are various reasons for this, including:
- Lower latency
- Increased dependability
- Enhanced security
- Greater control over data storage location and management
While cloud storage will remain essential for businesses, the traditional on-site data center is becoming a less attractive option compared to the more advanced alternative: the micro data center (MDC).
However, before we delve into the benefits of MDCs, let's first consider why companies may be hesitant to invest in traditional on-site data centers. The most significant obstacle is cost. Allocating significant portions of costly real estate to house banks of servers, as well as the ongoing expenses, has become prohibitively expensive for all but the largest companies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, lack the space and resources to construct such data storage options that cannot be easily relocated when they need to move to larger premises.
Even companies with existing on-site data storage are likely to be reluctant to upgrade or expand their facilities for the same reasons.
The MDC provides a practical and attractive alternative that is well-suited to complement the emerging trend of "the edge."
What is a Micro Data Centre?
A micro data centre (MDC) is a smaller version of a traditional data centre that provides all the necessary computing resources in a compact form factor. MDCs typically can house servers, storage, networking equipment, and cooling systems, all in a single enclosure that can fit even in a tight space like a closet or a small room. These modular data centres are designed to deliver high-performance computing capabilities while taking up less space and consuming less power than traditional data centres.
MDCs are an attractive solution for organisations that require on-premise computing capabilities but do not have the resources or space to build and maintain a traditional data centre. They can also be used to complement cloud-based solutions and provide edge computing capabilities, which enable organisations to process data closer to the source, reducing latency and improving performance. MDCs can be deployed in a variety of environments, including remote locations, manufacturing plants, and retail stores, to name a few examples.
The Zella Pro micro data centre has been designed with the edge in mind and will guarantee a stress-free edge deployment:
- Plug n play technology: all you have to do is connect the unit to a power source and commission the cooling system, then you’re ready to add your IT equipment
- Place it anywhere: in the office, outside in a shipping container, on the roof, at a remote mining site … our MDCs are ideal for most environments and can also run on either AC or DC power, meaning they are the perfect solution for locations with limited infrastructure
- Portable: easy to transport and to relocate
- Scalable: simply add more storage when needed
- Links with existing IT: complements any cloud and/or traditional storage already in place
- Fast deployment: can be shipped to your desired location in a matter of weeks and installed in a matter of hours.
- Fully secure: self-contained and advanced technology make for rock-solid physical and cyber-security
- Cost-effective: far cheaper to operate compared to a traditional on-premise server room or to expensive cloud storage
- Environmentally sound: highly efficient to reduce your power bills and lower your carbon footprint
Industries Ripe for MDC Technology
There’s barely an industry out there that won’t benefit from the MDC revolution, including industries with challenging environments.
MDCs bring a game-changing opportunity that companies of all sizes can embrace. From the start-up working from the spare room through to the largest global operations, having data close at hand, fully controlled and with latency-free operation to fully support IoT devices truly allows companies to future-proof.
A snapshot of how MDC technology is advancing various sectors includes:
- Manufacturing - Factories utilising smart devices during production benefit from edge technology for robotic devices and pattern recognition software.
- Communications - The rollout of 5G is just one example of where edge capability is essential.
- Healthcare - Diagnostic equipment, in-dwelling medical devices, and remote surgery all require low or zero latency.
- National security - Sensitive data is far better stored in-house to reduce potential breaches.
- Scientific research - Simulation and modelling data in a wide variety of fields.
- Farming - Edge capability for advanced farming procedures, including weather conditions, soil management, crop rotation etc.
- Disaster management - NGA, first responders and emergency services all benefit from instant data in emergency zones.
Micro Data Centres offer wholly proven and readily-implemented solutions to a world where the need for instant data transfer is essential to take full advantage of the latest technology. Affordable, reliable and available to companies of every size, those who don’t move towards the tech sooner rather than later risk being overtaken by competitors who do.
It's not a case of ‘if’ a business considers implementing MDC technology into their model – it’s more a case of ‘when’. Those that are ahead of the curve are already doing so. Is yours one of them? If not, then now is the time to consider it…
