Electronics Protection - Fall 2016 - 13

Feature Multiple small spaces of fixed dimensions are clearly not optimal for maximizing the efficiency of the overall floor area, as immovable internal walls result in a lot of dead unusable space. With standardised containerised solutions, you also can't reap the operational and financial benefits of scaling certain systems for the entire site - having, for example, a single larger UPS for the overall facility rather than a multitude of small UPS systems, one per container. And with a standard container height of 2.9 m, there is no flexibility in rack height and no possibility for a raised floor or suspended ceiling. The Prefabricated Answer A prefabricated data center won't suffer from any of these containerized limitations. Given that they are constructed from purpose-designed, much larger and more versatile modules than ISO containers, they typically provide the flexibility of any architect-designed building structure but without the complexity of an on-site project. They can be created with repeatable designs (if required), but are always fully adaptable to the customer's specific needs. Do you need an infinitely configurable open white space for 50, 100, 500 or any specific number of racks, providing you the freedom to decide how to best place the racks in the available space? You can have it. Do you need multiple technical spaces and rooms to conform to Uptime Tier certification, local regulations, your own corporate standards, or to provide configurable secure caged areas for your customers? You can have that too. Will your data center be built at a location that requires additional construction features to withstand seismic shock, exposure to salt, or extreme weather conditions? No problem. Is your site footprint smaller than you'd like it to be? That's ok, just build prefabricated on multiple floors. These are only a handful of many examples where containerized solutions have inherent limitations whereas prefabricated solutions don't. Additional benefits of prefabricated facilities are high ceilings to accommodate higher raised floors, taller racks, higher power density, false ceilings for hot air containment, multiple cable layers, a wider variety of cooling systems, the list goes on. Are Prefabricated Data Centers Always the Preferred Answer? There are definitely scenarios where a containerized data centre makes sense. In the case of functional units, like a power module, ISO containers come in to their own. And depending on your business plans, ISO modules can be useful for temporary scaling purposes or for immediate recovery in the event of a mission-critical disaster. But if you want a data center that allows for flexibility, scalability, short and controlled delivery time, a high quality end result and without the risk of tricky surprises and delays the likes of which are often thrown up in an on-site construction project, the prefabricated approach is definitely the way to go. Of course you should look for a supplier that not only has the technical ability to build the right product in its factory, but also one that has the operational experience to deliver, install and commission it on site. That will give you peace of mind. Jos Baart is a highly skilled sales leader with more than 20 years experience in the global ICT industry. His previous roles include senior strategic business development, product marketing, sales and sales support positions. For more information visit www.flexenclosure.com. Protect Your Enclosure's Competitive Edge with High-Performance ® * Spring-Fast Grommet Edging TM * Trim-Fast Edge Trim TM * Seal-Fast Door/Edge Seal MEETS INDUSTRY STANDARDS FOR * UL 50E Electrical Equipment Enclosures * Flame Propagation * Toxic Gas * Cone Calorimeter * Smoke Density * Vertical Flammability - UL94 V-0 Visit us at Las Vegas * Dec 8 -10, 2015 * Booth #7719 Tel: +1(508)229-2000 www.devicetech.com/EPM www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com * Fall 2016 13 http://www.flexenclosure.com http://www.devicetech.com/EPM http://www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Electronics Protection - Fall 2016