Modular vs. Traditional Data Centers

Discover the benefits of modular vs. traditional data centers, such as scalability, efficiency, lower TCO, and faster implementation.

In the digital era, technological evolution is constantly advancing at an accelerated pace. Data centers are the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, essential for companies in all sectors. However, the choice between a data center modular vs tradicional can raise doubts. Each approach offers distinct advantages and challenges, and understanding the differences between them is crucial for making an informed decision.

These traditional data centers follow a more customized and complex construction model, while Modular data centers bring innovative solutions focused on speed, scalability, and operational cost reduction. Let’s explore the main differences between these two approaches and understand which might be the best choice for different business needs.

What are the differences between a Modular Data Center and a Traditional Data Center?

Implementation vs. Construction

Traditional and modular data centers represent entirely different approaches to execution. This is because traditional data centers are built with fully customized masonry, which requires significant time and resources.

In contrast, a modular data center offers greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. Since it consists of prefabricated modules that can be implemented, or even removed, incrementally as needed, it allows for easy and quick resizing of processing and storage capacity.

When it comes to construction, the scenario is different. Any expansion process is naturally longer and more complex, as seen with traditional data centers. Expanding or updating a traditional data center is intricate and can involve significant service interruptions.

For comparison, if a traditional data center takes a year to be built, the modular approach can cut that time in half, completing implementation in just 6 months, representing a 50% schedule optimization.

Parallel vs. Linear

The implementation of a modular data center significantly differs from the construction of a traditional data center in terms of process and execution time. While the traditional follows a linear approach, sequencing project stages (or design), foundation work, shell construction, and finally equipment installation and commissioning, the modular approach is different. It runs activities in parallel.

Edgefy: timeline de implementação de data center modular vs construção tradicional

This is because, in a modular data center, the manufacturing process occurs in parallel with site preparation. While the land is being prepared, the data center modules are being fabricated.

Once the modules are ready, they are shipped to the installation site, where they are quickly integrated. Instead of building the data center shell as in the traditional method, the focus is on installing and integrating the modules. This process is much faster, since much of the work has already been done during manufacturing, and the components are pre-tested before delivery, further optimizing the process.

Once the modules are installed and integrated, the modular data center goes through commissioning tests. In comparison, in the traditional method, individual equipment installation, testing, and then data center commissioning would still be needed.

Advantages of Modular Data Centers

Time-to-Market (TTM)

One of the biggest advantages of a modular data center is the reduction in Time-to-Market (TTM). Due to its prefabricated and standardized structure a modular data center can be implemented in less time than traditional constructions, accelerating operations and generating a faster return on investment. This makes it the ideal solution for companies that need agility in launching new services and expanding their capacities.

Reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

The modular data center also stands out for reducing Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Prefabrication of the modules allows for quick installation, reducing construction and labor costs. Efficiency in getting the center operational enables a quicker return on the initial investment.

Additionally scalability of a modular data center allows companies to increase capacity as demand grows without needing to overbuild infrastructure from the start. With the "pay as you grow" model, organizations can better manage their spending, investing only in what they need at the moment.

Energy efficiency is another key factor. Modular data centers are designed with advanced cooling and power distribution technologies that reduce energy consumption, lowering operational costs over time. These centers are optimized to provide maximum performance with minimal resource waste.

Scalability – "Pay as You Grow"

The scalability of a modular data center is a crucial advantage for companies needing to adapt their infrastructure quickly. With the "pay as you grow" concept, organizations can add new modules as the need for data processing and storage grows. This eliminates the need for large upfront investments, offering flexibility for gradual and efficient expansion.

Edge Computing Compatibility

The a modular data center is ideal for supporting edge computing solutions. These centers can be deployed in strategic locations near data generation points, reducing latency and improving communication. This results in superior performance, especially in applications requiring fast responses and high availability.

Using Modular data centers for edge computing solutions also helps reduce operational costs, as the infrastructure can be adjusted according to local demand. This flexibility makes modular data centers a strategic choice for companies seeking efficiency, performance, and scalability in their IT operations.

Geographic Mobility

The modular data centers can be installed in virtually any location, providing a significant advantage for companies operating in remote or hard-to-reach areas. Their mobility also allows the modules to be transferred to other locations if needed, something impossible with traditional data centers..

Flexibility

Another important advantage is the flexibility of modular data centers to be installed indoor or outdoor. For organizations in commercial buildings, the modular data center can be installed either internally or externally, offering great flexibility.

What are the types of modular data centers?

Edgefy: Data center em sala com infraestrutura para armazenamento seguro de dados.
Room Data Center

A versatile solution, especially suitable for indoor applications, particularly in environments with multiple risks arising from multidisciplinary buildings.

Edgefy's Rooms offer your company the advantage of quick and modular implementation, facilitating scalability. This approach not only reduces the total costs associated with building a data center but also significantly decreases decreases the time needed to deploy new infrastructure

Edgefy: data centers em containers modulares
Container Data Center

Edgefy Containers provide an ideal solution for for outdoor applications, acting as "all-in-one" systems that integrate components into a single compact unit, simplifying the installation process.

The standout feature of Edgefy’s Containers is their integration into a modular construction system, facilitating scalability without the limitations of constructing a shell.

Edgefy: data centers em racks autônomos, recomendado para aplicações de 1 a 3 racks
Rack Data Center

Edgefy Racks are independent cabinets designed to occupy minimal physical space. Strategically planned to align with current IT market trends, they are developed for quick installation and easy configuration, requiring minimal site preparation.

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+ 150

racks

+ 1,82

MW

III

Tier

1,4

PUE

Case SERPRO

Block building, modular, alta capacidade de processamento, escalável, infraestrutura de energia eficiente

Certificação NBR/ABNT 10636

O novo data center modular do SERPRO (Serviço Federal de Processamento de Dados) possui certificação conforme a norma NBR/ABNT 10636, atendendo aos critérios estabelecidos para garantir um ambiente protegido contra diversos riscos.

Edgefy: Data center modular SERPRO: Corredor principal

Tier III

Além de uma infraestrutura física robusta e resiliente, o Data Center possui certificação Tier III pelo Uptime Institute. Dessa forma é possível realizar manutenções concorrentes sem impactar no serviço para garantir a disponibilidade.

Edgefy: Case SERPRO: usina de geradores

PUE 1,4

O data center modular do SERPRO tem um PUE de 1,4 que é altamente eficiente, consumindo apenas 40% da energia total para operações de suporte, como climatização. Esse desempenho reflete um design otimizado e sustentável, garantindo economia e alta performance operacional.

Edgefy: Data center modular SERPRO: Tela de gestão do ar-condicionado

Planta baixa simplificada

O data center modular do SERPRO é formado por múltiplos containers e oferece uma infraestrutura completa e segmentada, garantindo eficiência e segurança. Com áreas separadas para front desk, NOC (Centro de Operações de Rede), data halls, salas elétricas, e uma usina de geradores, ele permite maior controle e gestão operacional. Essa estrutura modular também proporciona escalabilidade, permitindo que novos containers sejam integrados conforme a demanda cresce, além de oferecer alta resiliência por meio da segregação de sistemas críticos e operacionais.

Edgefy: Data center modular SERPRO: Planta baixa simplificada
Edgefy: visão em perspectiva do SERPRO, formado por data centers em containers.
Edgefy: Case SERPRO: corredor frio.
Edgefy: Data center modular SERPRO: Vista da parede do container com logo
Edgefy: Case SERPRO: Front desk
Edgefy: Data center modular SERPRO: Sala elétrica
Edgefy: Case SERPRO: Sistema de monitoramento e controle de energia
Edgefy: visão superior do SERPRO, formado por data centers em containers.
Edgefy: Data center modular SERPRO: sala elétrica

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