Phil Rafferty, Data Specialties
Phil Rafferty is the president and co-founder of Data Specialties Inc
Phil Rafferty数据专家，Data Specialties公司的主席和联合创始人
由DCD中国授权DKV编译并发表于DeepKnowledge微信公众号。
边缘计算是未来的趋势
边缘计算是企业计算的一个关键部分，尤其是在金融服务和制造业，这些行业的业务模式促使他们尽可能早的启用边缘计算。
企业边缘设施是什么组合?
无论是核心数据中心还是在郊区或偏远位置的边缘设施，企业都需要计算设备。
对于边缘部署，许多组织没有可以利用的空间。或者他们利用一些适合空间，其空间比较合适建设为微型数据中心。
由于这些区域不是为关键的IT设备而设计的，因此它们很少有足够的空间、可靠的电源、适当的环境控制设备和安全保障。
如果可能的话，试图改造这些空间可能会很昂贵，也很耗时。
对一个企业来说，增加一个边缘设施是一个复杂的计算决策——他们想花多少费用，它将如何实现业务目标？
市场情况驱动着边缘的发展
Gartner预测，在未来4年内，75%的企业数据将被边缘化处理。
实时交互的需求日益增长，这促使企业将计算能力更贴近终端用户。
根据IDC的数据，到2025年，全球30%的数据将是实时的。
部署模块化数据中心可以快速提供所需的IT服务，确保未来的扩展空间，并使企业能够跟上不断发展的技术和实时服务的需求。
模块化和边缘化
边缘模块占用的空间很小，并且在机房外，最大程度的集成建设所必须的基础设施，因此它们可以在一天内就投入使用。
因为它们是自给自足的，所以不受天气和环境的影响。这使得它们非常适合部署在困难的位置或远离核心数据中心的地方。
这些系统经过了测试和操作验证，可以在短短几个月内部署完毕，而且它们的成本比正常的数据中心低20- 30%。
易于部署
模块机房可以与机柜、UPS设备、电池、开关设备、空调设备、灭火系统和监控系统一并交付。
模块机房可以根据大型站点的要求，组合使用。
制冷
模块化数据中心可以根据边缘的需要设计多种冷却模式，包括行间制冷、浸没式制冷或自然冷却模式。
供电
部署模块化的边缘机房包括市政电源供电、备用发电机、不间断电源(UPS)和配电系统，以确保正常运行。
安全和消防
模块化机房配备了灭火系统和集成的安防系统。它们与现场或企业的安全系统相连，与数据中心监控系统和建筑管理系统相集成。这使得IT团队能够远程监控所有关键参数，制冷、电源、机架、温度、消防系统和安防系统。
结论
为了满足其客户和合作伙伴的更多的实时方面挑战的需求，各领域的企业对边缘设施的需求将继续增长。
在很多情况下，建立一个新的数据中心或将关键的it设备强行投入局促的空间内，是扩展企业边缘计算的一种可接受的选择。
模块化数据中心是为了满足当前的市场需求而设计的，并且具有足够的灵活性以便于满足未来的可扩展性。
英文原文
Edge computing and modular data centers: a marriage made in heaven
Computing on the Edge is the future
Edge is a critical piece of enterprise computing, especially in thefinancial services and manufacturingindustries, which have business models pushing them to the earliest adoption.
What do enterprise Edge facilities look like?
Whether it is a core data center or an Edge facility in a regional or remote location, enterprises need computing equipment.
For Edge deployments, many organizations don’t have available space. Or they make do with spaces adapted to act as micro data centers.
Since these areas are not designed for critical IT equipment, they are rarely adequate - lacking space, reliable power supplies, proper environmental controls, and security.
Trying to retrofit these spaces, when possible, can be expensive and time-consuming.
Adding an Edge facility is a complex calculation for an enterprise - how much money do they want to spend, and how will it help achieve business goals?
Edge Move is driven by market conditions
Gartner predicts that 75 percent of data generated by enterprises will be processed at the Edge within the next four years.
The growing desire for real-time interactions is driving businesses to bring computing power closer to end-users.
According to IDC, 30 percent of the global data sphere will be in real-time by 2025.
Deploying a modular data center is a way to quickly provide the needed IT services, ensure room for future expansion and enable enterprises to keep up with evolving technologies and demands for real-time services.
Modular and the Edge
Edgemodules have a small footprint and are built offsite with all the necessary infrastructure, so they’re ready to go on day one.
Because they are self-contained, they are protected from the weather and environment. This makes them ideal to deploy in difficult locations or far from the core data center.
The systems are tested and certified for operation and can be deployed in as little as a few months - and they cost 20-30 percent less to build than a standard data center.
Ease of deployment
Modules can be delivered complete with equipment racks, UPS equipment, batteries, switchgear, cooling equipment, fire suppression systems, and monitoring systems.
The modules can be ganged together as required for larger sites.
Cooling
Modular data centers can be designed for a variety of cooling options, based on the needs for the Edge, including in-row cooling, immersion cooling, or free cooling solutions.
Power
Deploying a modular Edge facility includes utility power hookups, standby generators, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) modules, and power distribution to ensure uptime.
Security and fire protection
Modular units are delivered with fire suppression systems and security built-in. These connect with on-site or enterprise security and operations to integrate with the Data Center monitoring system and the building management system. This enables the IT team to monitor all the critical functions, cooling, power, racks, temperature, fire protection system, and security - from a remote location.
Conclusions
As organizations in all fields face more real-time challenges to meet the requirements of their customers and partners, the need for Edge facilities will continue to grow.
In many instances, building a new data center or forcing critical IT equipment into inadequate spaces are acceptable approaches for expanding an enterprise’s presence on the Edge.
Modular data centers are designed to meet current needs and should be flexible enough for future expansion.
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