What Actually Is the Edge?
What Is a Modular Data Center?
The concept of a modular data center solution has often been ambiguous. However, through the evolution of modular solutions and vendor marketing, clearer definitions and categorizations have emerged over time.
Data centers of the future are moving away from traditional design principles, with modular products and providers leading the way into a new era. A modular data center integrates factory-built modules or delivers data center infrastructure in a modular fashion.
Modular solutions combine the best practices in design, reliability, and efficiency into prefabricated, repeatable, and operationally optimized modules.
The modular market began with the use of ISO (International Standards Organization) shipping containers and has since evolved into a diverse market. Vendors now produce a range of modular designs and solutions for IT, power, and cooling—from containers to various modular products.
In many ways, the shift towards cloud computing parallels the adoption of modular data center approaches.
Supply Shortage: Electrical transformers
As of April 2024, the average lead time for electrical transformers has increased to 130 weeks, up from 115 weeks in 2021. Specifically, lead times for large transformers, such as generator step-up (GSU) and substation power transformers, can vary significantly, ranging from 80 to 210 weeks.