To ensure information or data is channeled back promptly from the distributed locations, IT infrastructure such as servers, storage and networks must operate optimally to ensure there is no bottlenecks to the information flow due to latency.

Edge computing deployments require multiple infrastructure elements similar to data centers and these elements may include compute, storage, racks, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), cooling, and fast networks.

Edge computing may pose concerns including

• Space Constraints:  Companies may be concerned about setting up a comprehensive data center away from central site.  There may be issues arising from lack of space.

• Technical expertise:  Companies may be concerned that they do not have the operational know-how or an IT dept to design, perform risk assessment and deploy the full solution to support Edge computing at remote locations.

• Challenging environments:  Companies may be concerned that the deployment may be at challenging locations, such as in dusty, hot or humid environments which may require dedicated power and in-rack cooling.

Micro Data Centers (MDCs) provide a “all-in-one” data center infrastructure solutions.  The MDC is sized to meet requirements and site limitations, arrives on-site as a pre-configured mini data center.

On-site IT staff will find the MDC simpler to maintain post-deployment and can be customized to support future add on requirements

Eaton’s Micro Data Center, known as iCube, provides power supply, power distribution, thermal energy management, environmental monitoring, system connection, remote and distributed management in one system, providing an “all-in-one” or an integrated solution to users at the edge with high reliability, low energy consumption, easy maintenance, and high scalability.