Containerized Data Centers: Are They Better Than Traditional Data Centers?
Introduction
Data centers are specialized IT facilities that house computer servers, networking equipment, storage devices, and other essential tech components. They are needed to perform different applications, like processing, managing, and storing large amounts of data.
The thing with data centers is that they used to be so large that they take up entire rooms, buildings, or compounds. Today, this problem with space is addressed by mobile data center containers offered by trusted IT solutions providers. Compared to traditional ones, container data centers are more compact, lightweight, and portable. Despite their size, they can provide the computing and processing power different businesses need.
This article helps you understand containerized data centers more. Read through the end to learn whether you should get them or stick with traditional options on the market.
Containerized Data Centers vs Traditional Data Centers
The choice between traditional and containerized data centers can depend on the specific needs of your business. Both types have their own perks and drawbacks, but some of the factors to consider are:
Design and Architecture
As mentioned earlier, traditional data centers are large. They are typically built in spacious rooms inside buildings, and they sometimes consist of high-end maintenance facilities, like raised floors, server racks, and cooling systems, to ensure they are not damaged easily.
Meanwhile, containerized data centers are often found in shipping containers or prefabricated modules that can be easily transported anywhere. Because of this, they are sometimes called modular or mobile data centers. They are smaller than their traditional counterparts but contain all the necessary components, including servers, cooling systems, power supply, and more.
Reliability
Traditional data centers are known for their high computing power. They are perfect for organizations that run a large number of operations at the same time. These data centers also have a backup power supply, so users won’t experience any problems even if the power suddenly gets cut off.
Similarly, containerized data centers are quite reliable. However, their computing power is less than others as they were mainly created for portability. They are more suitable for smaller organizations that rarely process multiple operations simultaneously.
Flexibility and Scalability
Both traditional and containerized data centers are scalable. However, the process of scaling them up differs slightly from each other. With conventional data centers, you need to procure more servers and improve your infrastructure, and this process can be complex and time-consuming. Not to mention, scalability is limited by the physical space available in your building or office.
Luckily, you will not experience such a problem with mobile data centers in containers. They are designed to be highly modular and can be rapidly expanded by simply investing in more machines.
Affordability
Compared to traditional data centers, mobile data centers in containers are much more affordable. Their upfront and maintenance costs are not high, so they are perfect for startups and small businesses that do not need a large data center facility yet.
On the other hand, organizations spend a lot of money building a traditional data center. Operational and maintenance expenses can be pretty high, too. Furthermore, these technologies tend to occupy a lot of space, so companies must invest more in real estate to build the facility.
Energy Efficiency
Older models of traditional data centers require a lot of energy because they have less efficient cooling and power distribution systems. However, with advancements in IT tech, newer models of traditional data centers are becoming more and more energy-efficient, so their power consumption isn’t as high as before.
Right now, containerized data centers are undoubtedly more energy-efficient. They are designed to have advanced cooling and power management systems, allowing them to use less energy while maintaining their processing and computing power. And because they don’t consume too much energy, they are the perfect option for small organizations treading the eco-friendly route.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, both options require regular upkeep to keep them running in their optimal conditions. Routine maintenance can disrupt business operations with traditional data centers, so planned downtime often happens. During this period, many of the company’s operations are temporarily suspended.
In contrast, maintenance in containerized data centers is typically easier, considering their size. It can be less disruptive also since each container can be checked and inspected one after another. Because of this, long downtime periods are less likely to happen.
Security and Safety
Robust security and safety protocols should be in place in both kinds of data centers. Doing so prevents loss, damage, and unauthorized access to your organization’s data.
When it comes to physical security, traditional data centers are enclosed in large rooms that only authorized people can enter. They have security cameras, too, to ensure that no unwanted person can get inside the facility and possibly tamper with the equipment, leading to different kinds of security problems.
The same thing can be done with containerized data centers. However, the portability feature of these data centers can present unique challenges to their users. This means stronger physical security measures are needed, especially when the containers are often moved from one place to another.
Find a Reliable Data Center Solutions Provider Near You!
Whether you want to build a traditional data center or a containerized one, seeking help from professional IT technicians and consultants is necessary. This is where InfoBahn Communications, Inc. can assist you. We are in the business of providing excellent IT, tech, and engineering solutions to our clients in the Philippines, so we can provide you with high-quality components for both traditional and containerized data centers.
Conclusion
Data center containment allows traditionally large data centers to be placed in shipping containers, providing portability, scalability, and loads of other benefits to users. These data centers are perfect for different kinds of organizations, particularly small ones that do not have enough room to spare to build a traditional data center.
If you are looking for a company to provide you with containerized data centers in the Philippines, reach out to us here at InfoBahn Communications, Inc. We will be more than happy to help you! Contact our team today to learn how we can assist you.