Modular data centers are one of the latest innovations in the IT world. In many cases, they are capable of increasing business productivity while reducing costs. We went looking for answers to some common questions about these data centers and what implications they have for the future. So, what is a modular data center? A modular data center, unlike a traditional data center, can be defined as a portable method of deploying data center capacity anywhere and everywhere it is needed. It incorporates contained units and standardized deployment options that give you flexibility and scalability. What’s so important about these ‘mobile facilities’? Modular data centers are designed for rapid deployment, are energy efficient and high-density computing systems that deliver services at lower costs than traditional construction methods, as well as reducing the construction time from years to a matter of months. In what kind of shape or form are these data centers available? Modular data centers typically come in two forms: The more common type, referred to as containerized data centers or portable modular data centers, fit data center equipment into a standard shipping container, which is then transported to a desired location. Containerized data centers typically come outfitted with their own cooling systems. For example, Cisco’s Containerized Data Centers fit in to this category. The other form of modular data center fits data center equipment into a facility composed of prefabricated components that can be quickly built on a site and added to as capacity is needed. HP’s version of this type of modular data center, Flexible Data Center, is constructed of sheet metal components that are formed into four data center halls linked by a central operating building. Modular data centers can be defined as more of an approach to a design...

SubTropolis is the “World’s Largest Underground Business Complex,” developed by Kansas City Chiefs owner and real estate developer Lamar Hunt. The excavated mine, located in Kansas City, Mo., is approximately the size of 140 football fields. The underground city, 160 feet beneath the earth, was created through the mining of a 270-million-year-old limestone deposit which began in the 1940s. It wasn’t until 1960 that the owners realized they had a gigantic area they could rent, sell and lease for business operations. Now, 14 million square feet of the 55 million square-foot cave is an industrial park with illuminated, paved roads and several miles of railroad track. SubTropolis is home to over 50 national, international and local companies in the fields of e-commerce, automotive and storage industry. Approximately 1,700 employees work under the “World’s Largest Green Roof,” with the facility storing everything from postal stamps to the original film reels of Gone With the Wind. Currently more than 6 million square feet is occupied with 8 million more to move into. The eco-friendly underground campus also houses a state-of-the-art data center; SubTropolis Technology Center. STC, an underground data center carved out of 18,000 to 24,000 pounds per square inch solid limestone which is six time stronger than concrete, provides a level of security and strength unmatched by any other traditional data center facility. Armed security, 24x7x365 patrols, monitoring, key card, gated barriers and biometric readers make the technology center an indestructible and impenetrable fortress. STC also has a six-acre equipment yard on the exterior surface for future infrastructure. SubTropolis Technology Center has the advantage of space, with millions of square feet available for IT and raised floor area. The facility provides customers with data center suites ranging from 5,000 square feet to 100,000 square feet,...

Yardi is meeting the data security and infrastructure needs of its rapidly growing client base in Southeast Asia by opening a new data center in Singapore. The Singapore data center adds to a network of more than 10 centers in North America, Canada, Europe, Asia and Australia. Together they form the Yardi Cloud, a secure, scalable and cost-effective software provisioning and data management solution that relieves clients of IT infrastructure, support services and security responsibilities. “This step will help our clients in Asia gain the greatest possible value from their Yardi Voyager, the foundation of a comprehensive back office and front office technology solution. The Singapore data center extends to our growing roster of Asia-based clients the Yardi Cloud’s fast, best practice-based solution deployments, painless upgrades and reduced overhead and capital costs,” said Neal Gemassmer, vice president of international for Yardi. Yardi’s data centers are protected by multiple firewalls, onsite security, video surveillance, biometric screening, real-time offsite replication, fire suppression systems and other electronic and physical protections. Now in its fourth decade, Yardi is committed to the design, development and support of software for real estate investment management and property management. With the Yardi Commercial Suite, Yardi Residential Suit, Yardi Investment Suit and Yardi Orion Business Intelligence, the Yardi Voyager platform is a complete real estate management solution. It includes operations, accounting and services with portfolio-wide business intelligence and platform-wide mobility. Yardi serves clients worldwide from offices in Australia, Asia, Middle East, Europe and North America. For more information,...

Yardi today announced the opening of a new data center in Sydney as the company continues to see rapid adoption of the Yardi Voyager™ platform in Australia and New Zealand. Yardi has a network of data centers across North America, Canada, Europe, Asia Pacific and Australia that form the Yardi Cloud. “We are excited about the expansion of our infrastructure in Australia while increasing the value-added services that we can provide clients.” comments Neal Gemassmer, Vice President of Asia Pacific & Middle East at Yardi. “Yardi Systems continues in our efforts to invest in the region while being committed to supporting the strong demand for our products and services. This is bolstered by strengthening our drive to develop greater value-add services for our client base across the region with investments like our new Sydney data centre.” For the full details of this news, visit...