Modular deployment costs up to 14 percent lower than traditional data center build

LONDON, UK: DCD Intelligence, a division of DatacenterDynamics that offers an array of market research, business intelligence, analysis and reporting services, released a report assessing the comparative costs of deployment of modular solutions versus traditional builds.

Its research findings conclude that the actual cost of deployment of a modular solution is between 13 and 14 percent less than the build of a traditional data center of similar capacity, when all associated costs are taken into consideration.

Modular approaches to data centers have grown in popularity during the past two years. But one of the problems facing not only end-users, but also modular vendors themselves, has been the lack of clarity into full cost comparisons of modular solutions versus traditional brick-and-mortar data centers.

The DCD Intelligence White Paper 'Assessing the Cost, Modular vs. Traditional Build' offers insight into the real cost comparisons of both approaches, and is a valuable tool for any infrastructure manager or modular solutions provider looking for real cost comparisons.

The main findings of the paper point to cost savings when all costs are taken into account, and also concludes that for operators looking to lower PUE in their data centers, a modular approach may offer a solution. The research also states that the greater density and more efficient use of space mean that modular facilities are able to achieve significantly better PUE compared to traditional data centers in many cases.

Chris Drake, lead analyst at DCD Intelligence and Author of the white paper, does point out that, in spite of the paper's findings, the issue is far more complex than simply assuming that a modular approach will always offer significant cost savings.

"It is important to recognize that there are a vast number of modular products available; not all of which offer the same standards and certifications and levels of support to end users," comments Drake. "This paper offers the first real cost comparison of modular versus traditional build. But, as with any market, the potential savings will vary depending on the particular modular solution chosen."

The research was undertaken with the support of three key players in the modular space: IO, Colt and Gardner all of which provided DCD Intelligence with valuable information that made the costs comparisons possible. Other prominent players in both the modular and traditional build space also contributed data.