Plug-n-Play Data Centers

Digital Reality Trust is preparing to introduce a new technology that will install (or plug in) complete data centers on demand. Planning to compete directly with companies like IBM and HP, Digital Reality takes on the expense of building the data center and then charges rent to enterprises for the premium space.

The construction process takes 20 to 28 weeks, after which, a company will have a complete data center up and running.

Crosby said Digital Realty’s design approach is evolving to what he calls “Industrialization 2.0″ combining standard and custom components. ”We’re now getting a lot closer to this being like going to McDonald’s to order a hamburger,” he said. “It’s going to get as close to made-to-order as possible. Almost none of this has to do with technology. It’s all about process engineering.”

It would take most companies considerably longer to build their own data centers, and Digital Reality is counting on the need for speed and efficiency to drive their leap into the market. They see this move as the next evolution of data centers: from simple Lego blocks to more advanced designs.

The key is combining standarization and the ability to customize elements of the process. ”We basically have Legos right now,” said Crosby, who said data center design can evolve along the same path as Legos, which began life as simple box-like shapes but now come in custom kits that allow enthusiasts to create the Millennium Falcon.

Source: Data Center Knowledge
Photo: Flickr