Microsoft Shares Vision for Generation 4 Modular Data Centers
Many of you have asked for any data you could share regarding Microsoft’s data centers that support our cloud computing and S+S initiatives. So I wanted to share some exciting news from Microsoft’s Global Foundation Services team. Today we are sharing our vision for “Generation 4” modular data centers, a significant step forward that we anticipate will reshape how the industry approaches the design, build and management of data centers.
The concept behind the modular data center builds on the learnings and innovations garnered from our research and data centers like the Chicago facility, which was designed to house hundreds of shipping containers packed with up to 2500 servers each. From our experience in designing Chicago and exploring the benefits modularity can provide, we have developed our vision for the future. Our “Gen 4” modular data centers will take the flexibility of containerized servers and apply it across the entire facility, which will be composed of modular “building blocks” of prefabricated mechanical, electrical and security components, etc. in addition to containerized servers. These facilities can be built incrementally as capacity grows and deployed in only 3 to 6 months, reducing capital costs and construction wastes, packaging and energy, etc. Modular data centers will enable smart growth and efficiency that is scalable and sustainable, ensuring that our global footprint is only as big as capacity demands that it be.
For full background on our modular data center vision, please visit the blog of Mike Manos, general manager for data center services, as well as this video posted at Soapbox.