DataPod Container System Gets U.S. Partner

Australia's Datapod will be bringing its system of containerized data center infrastructure solutions to the United States through a partnership with Universal Networking Services, the two companies announced today. Datapod has developed a system of customized container "building blocks" in a variety of sizes, which can include either IT equipment or power and cooling gear such as modular generators and chillers.

Last year APC by Schneider announced plans to distribute Datapod containers in Australia and the Asia-Pacific market. Universal Networking Services is a leading APC distributor based in Denver.

Datapod uses APC’s InfraStruXure data center architecture, Hot Aisle Containment System and InRow Cooling solutions. The containers range up to a 20-foot shipping container, and can include both all-in-one containers with both IT and infrastructure equipment, or specialized modules which can include "entrypods" that serve as access control man-trap systems or "utilitypods" holding generators and fuel tanks.

Like other emerging modular data center solutions, Datapod and UNS say their system provides faster deployment and more flexibility than building a corporate data center.

"The enterprise IT landscape has to be able to adapt to changing business needs," said Scott Carr, Managing Director for Datapod. Whether you need a server room or data center for a new site, a refurbishment or a temporary facility, the problem is always the same. From its conception, a traditional 'bricks and mortar' installation can take up to 2 years to design and build. Often by the time the facility is ready to be commissioned, the needs of the business have changed and the installation is no longer fit for purpose.

"By enabling data center users to deploy when they like, where they like, and for how long they like, the Datapod system offers performance superior to that of a 'bricks and mortar' data center facility, deploys faster and at a more cost-effective price point," Carr said.

"The average data center operator can achieve the highest return investment through rightsizing," said Waite Ave, Managing Partner of UNS. "With Datapod we can provide the data center community an alternative solution that maximizes their investment and increases the reliability and availability of their mission-critical facility."

Here's a video overview of the Datapod container system: