Micro data center


A micro data center is a smaller or containerized data center architecture that is designed for computer workloads not requiring traditional facilities. Whereas the size may vary from rack to container, a micro data center may include fewer than four servers in a single 19-inch rack. It may come with built-in security systems, cooling systems, and fire protection. Typically there are standalone rack-level systems containing all the components of a 'traditional' data center, including in-rack cooling, power supply, power backup, security, fire and suppression. Designs exist where energy is conserved by means of temperature chaining, in combination with liquid cooling.
In mid-2017, technology introduced by the DOME project was demonstrated enabling 64 high-performance servers, storage, networking, power and cooling to be integrated in a 2U 19" rack-unit. This packaging, sometimes called 'datacenter-in-a-box' allows deployments in spaces where traditional data centers do not fit, such as factory floors and dense city centers, especially for edge-computing and edge-analytics.
MDCs are typically portable and provide plug and play features. They can be rapidly deployed indoors or outdoors, in remote locations, for a branch office, or for temporary use in high-risk zones. They enable distributed workloads, minimizing downtime and increasing speed of response.