How Organisations are Benefitting from External Modular Data Centre Builds

Introduction

Modular data centre builds are growing in popularity, with a significant percentage of businesses turning to this innovative approach for their IT infrastructure needs. An Omdia global survey of 228 companies that operate their own data centre found that 52% already use prefabricated modular data centre technology, and a whopping 99% said this technology would be a part of their future data centre strategy.

The rise in modular data centres is driven by their numerous advantages, such as cost savings, rapid deployment, and enhanced scalability.

In 2016, Datacentre UK collaborated with the NHS to build a modular data centre, creating an SR4 rated room with SR2 rated external cladding. Using 225KW N+1 APC by Schneider Electric Symmetra UPS with in-row cooling and HACS configuration, along with 240KW 2N free cooling Airedale Deltachill chillers and a 750KVA generator, this project exemplified the benefits of modular builds in providing robust and efficient solutions.

Quick Installation and Scalability

Reducing the amount of on-site construction compared to a traditional data centre build, a modular data centre build is highly time-efficient.

Modular builds offer the flexibility to be constructed as single modules or in multi-module configurations, whether side-by-side or stacked to create larger facilities.

This adaptability allows for installation on challenging site shapes or within pre-existing buildings, ensuring that your data centre fits seamlessly into any environment.

As your business grows, so can your data centre. You can easily add modules without significant downtime or disruption, making scalability a key advantage of modular builds. This ensures that your IT infrastructure evolves in line with your business needs.

Cost Efficiency

A modular data centre build not only saves time, but money. With lengthy timelines for traditional builds, resulting in more labour and material costs, a modular build will allow you save on these elements due to its streamlined process.

But it’s not only the initial build you need to think about, as maintenance costs also contribute to the overall cost of the project. Traditional data centre builds often require extensive maintenance due to their complexity. In contrast, the high-quality construction of modular builds ensures less frequent and less costly maintenance, contributing to overall cost efficiency.

Sustainability

With high thermal efficiency, modular builds are designed with sustainability in mind.

There is a greater opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly and sustainable materials in a modular data centre build. For example, Datacentre UK uses locally sourced materials to minimise environmental impact.

Modular builds can also be designed in a way that’s ideal for reusability and recycling, as there’s an opportunity to disassemble and repurposing modules where necessary. This not only reduces waste but also maximises resource efficiency, making modular builds a sustainable choice for businesses.

Flexibility and Mobility

Flexibility and mobility are priorities for many businesses, especially those with dynamic and evolving needs.

Modular data centres can be relocated or reconfigured as required by businesses, meaning it’s a versatile solution for businesses that may need to move or expand their operations. For instance, a business undergoing rapid growth might initially deploy a small modular data centre and expand it as needed.

Additionally, modular data centres are ideal for temporary or remote locations, offering a practical solution for businesses with short-term or geographically dispersed needs, where this kind of data centre becomes incredibly useful.

Quality Control

With a controlled manufacturing environment, there is less room for error compared to a traditional data centre build. The stringent quality control measures ensure consistent and high-quality construction, reducing the likelihood of errors.

Advanced technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) enhance precision and minimise errors during the construction process. This controlled environment results in fewer construction defects and higher overall reliability, ensuring your data centre meets the highest standards and improving its life span.

Security

Modular data centres are built to meet stringent security standards. For example, all our modular room builds have options to meet NPSA forced entry standards for the protection of UK Government assets, information, or critical national infrastructure.

With options for blast protection, ballistic resistance, and EMI/RFI shielding, our data centres offer unparalleled security. This ensures that your valuable data and IT infrastructure are well-protected against various threats.

Conclusion

Modular data centres represent a transformative approach to IT infrastructure, offering rapid deployment, scalability, cost efficiency, sustainability, flexibility, and superior quality control.

At Datacentre UK, we are committed to delivering modular solutions that meet the highest standards of performance and reliability.