2011 Prediction Comments - January 20, 2011

I got several comments on my predictions for 2011, specifically on containers and innovations.

Addressing manufacturer innovation, I believe what really started the trend was a drive to differentiate. The Eaton 9395 UPS power module drive many to multi-mode operation with their introduction of their Economy mode. That, and Eaton FINALLY produces a 750+ kVA module, after many of us had waited almost 10 years for it.

This then was taken one step further by Chloride/Emerson with the module that can operate on inverter, economy or line interactive mode. You can argue who started the trend, but none the less, we have newer and sharper tools to use.

For containers, I think it's just as simple as several owners are now using containerized IT packs. While the first systems did not have on board critical power, many of the applications we now see do (we just finished a job of this ilk). So, some of the ME packaging is following the IT trends. And since several firms now produce ME packs as part of their business (Rosendin certainly does!), there are many influential parties that seek to place their newly developed products. We do have some sales "gravity" toward this issues.

What we have not seen is an adequate or prolonged discussion on the long-term viability of containerized utility systems. While there is certainly a shelf life to IT packs and technology, that shelf life is far longer for MEP system. Similarly, I don't think anyone has taken a critical eye to the maintainability and life-cycle cost of the pack versus a stick-built system that is typically around for 10 years, at a minimum.

We will acknowledge that we can build a containerized MEP solution more quickly than a stick-built solution, but that should not be the only criteria for selection.

Biggest Data Center Trends for 2011

I was reading the Data Center Dynamics Focus Dec 2010/Jan 2011 edition, and they had several touts speak to what the biggest developments in 2010 and what they feel is in store for 2011. Here's my two cents on that one:



Cloud Computing


With the rise on location independent content, specifically in the social networking, gaming and media businesses, we will grapple with how that applies to critical environment. And the result will be the reduction of critical environment footprint and storage to house the same amount of enterprise information. On the other hand, the media and content side of the web will continue to explode.



The Rise of the Modular Data Center


While originally seen as a platform-specific application, mechanical and electrical systems are now being elegantly and efficiently packaged, completing the modular circle. By extension, the Class level of the containerized systems now approach or equals the traditional stick-built environment for reliability and quality of construction. This will finally bring containerized solutions into the mainstream outside of the web- and content-based business who have traditionally employed them.. And the result will be the massive and widespread use of containerized solutions by enterprise customers outside of the collocation business. The collocation business will begin to provide both "white" space and "parking" space for containers on their campuses. So will enterprise users.

Creativity From Manufacturers

After over a decade of iterative changes and improvement in manufactured systems, we now are being presented with a host of new systems and components from the industry's manufacturers. This is being driven by several factors: designers demanding new gear and system application approaches; energy consumption; arc flash safety; and the modularity of larger systems. And the result will be the constituent systems of the data center, whether that be in the traditionally-built or modularly-built environment will look far different in 36 months than they do today.

And in January 2011, I'll reflect on these prognostications to see if I'm full of feathers.

Make it an "up" day everyone!