Demand for cloud computing and big data technology shows no sign of abating, and as such, data center operators have a massive incentive to keep building larger and larger facilities. The problem some are starting to run into, though, is that property prices are also increasing, making it difficult to build on a wide footprint.
What are data center operators to do? The same thing any other developer would do when faced with expensive land: build up. As pointed out by a recent article by Data Center Dynamics, the pressure to do so is growing as data center rack enclosures grow in height.
"Across the globe, many data centers are reaching the limit of their life," read a recent report by research firm TechNavio. In the report entitled "Global Data Center Rack Market," TechNavio notes, "There is a need for restructuring and redesigning of data centers to facilitate more efficient computing."
The report added that, only a decade ago, the standard size of a data rack was 36 units (36U). However, 42 unit racks now make up the majority of the market, and soon more facilities will be adopting 48 and 51 unit racks as well.
Increases in demand will lead to some notable changes in data center architecture. A move toward taller buildings that can accommodate taller rack enclosures and increase rack enclosure density will require designers to develop new cabling techniques, as well as implement improved cooling strategies that will maintain the required environmental conditions even on upper floors. It will also be important to focus on methods of facilitating energy efficiency so that data center operators can keep their operating expenses down over time.
