There are a variety of scenarios that might lead an organisation to require a more flexible data centre solution: a quick-to-deploy data centre for immediate data processing needs, or establishing data centre functions in specific locations to support growth, operate through disasters or to support high-density computing needs. In these cases, a flexible, scalable solution is ideal, but selecting the right method to reach this goal can be a challenge. Also, with the changes in how we process data, many organisations are turning to private cloud environments for many applications. But cloud hardware and storage typically require more power or cooling than current data centres can provide.

This paper explores IBM’s recommendations to alleviate these challenges by using a prefabricated modular data center approach. A prefabricated modular data center can provide all of the operational features of a traditional data centre, but in 25 percent of the time, with more flexibility to adjust to changing data processing needs, in a more energy-efficient data centre format, all while reducing capital and operating expenses