Rittal Rolls Out Edge Data Center, Partnership with HPE

IT infrastructure giant Rittal just took two big strides into the market for systems that bring data center capacity closer to where data is being generated by sensors or other devices collectively referred to as the Internet of Things.

First, the company revealed its Rittal Edge Data Center at CeBIT 2017 on Tuesday, comprised of modular cabinets designed to operate remotely, close to end users, and with low network latency—all requirements for companies struggling to support mobile services and IoT applications.

Consisting of two TS IT racks, the Rittal Edge Data Center comes pre-configured so it can be shipped and installed at edge locations where a small amount of equipment is required to be close to users or devices. The modules are equipped with climate control, power distribution, UPS, fire suppression, monitoring and secure access, and can be extended two racks at a time. Installation can be done in an IT security room, or in a container, basically wherever it is required.

The enormous amount of data being generated by the IoT requires that it be processed close to its place of origin with real-time capabilities. Then, additional IT capacities are created via these modules at the edges of the corporate network. Rittal said providers will increasingly use modular, pre-configured IT solutions this year that they can quickly and easily set up and operate at their locations. This could be in an IT security room or in a container, basically wherever it is required. At the same time, these systems must also support the future growth of the company, so they must be scalable and based on open technologies.

Customers who would prefer not to operate the edge data center themselves can opt for Rittal’s managed services. This is part of Rittal’s data-center-as-a-service (DCaaS) offering.

According to market analysts IDC, by 2019, around 43 percent of data generated through the IoT will be processed by edge computing systems.

The second announcement made by Rittal—a partnership with Hewlett Packard Enterprise—positions both companies to capture a chunk of the growing market.

Rittal’s shift from micro data centers to a new focus on largely scalable container solutions will be complemented by HPE’s Pointnext services to provide customers with what Rittal referred to as a “one-stop” shop. The partnership will provide complete IT solutions, from equipment to worldwide technical support and consultation from 25,000 experts on cloud computing, hybrid IT, Big Data and Analytics, Intelligent Edge, and the IoT.

“Hewlett Packard Enterprise is a valuable partner for Rittal, bringing us a broader reach to help customers quickly with high end complete data center solutions according to their needs”, said Andreas Keiger, Executive Vice President Sales, Rittal, in a press release.

Commenting on this partnership Brian Whelan, WW Director Data Center Facilities, HPE, said: "Rittal´s modular ‘lego-style’ system for IT Infrastructures fits perfectly with our own offerings and capabilities, helping to provide customers a simplified and seamless experience."

Rittal is one of nearly 150 companies exhibiting at Data Center World - Global - 2017 on April 5 and 6 in Los Angeles.