Gulf Construction Online - Cannon expands choice of data centres

ICT

Cannon expands choice of data centres

01 October 2014

CANNON Technologies Middle East, a leader in innovative containment systems, has reinforced its position as the foremost manufacturer of flexible data centre solutions with the introduction of the T4 Granular modular data centre.

Part of its T4 modular data centre portfolio, this latest innovation overcomes difficult site access and logistical challenges, using cutting-edge technology and components that can be manually assembled on site, without the use of a crane.

The new product follows the launch of the T4 Data Campus, yet another new addition to the T4 modular data centre portfolio.

Mark Hirst, head of T4 Data Centre Solutions at Cannon Technologies Group, comments: “The T4 Granular modular data centre is our most flexible and fully scalable solution yet and is the perfect option for areas that have traditionally found it difficult to accommodate this type of facility. Just as importantly, this can all be achieved using our existing best-in-class components, with all the cutting-edge features and benefits that our customers expect.”

He says the T4 Granular modular data centre can be scaled to suit almost any requirement, even in the most difficult-to-access environments. Maximum layout flexibility has been factored in at every stage to facilitate a data centre that is easy to configure, fast to install and minimises disruption.

He further adds: “Virtually any size is possible, from just a few racks to a few hundred, meaning that a data centre can start small and grow cost effectively, according to need. Furthermore, lead times are exceptionally short – typically just 12 weeks from order to delivery to the customer site.”

The T4 Granular modular data centres can be located on a simple raised floor concrete slab in locations such as car-parks, hangars, warehouses or even on roofs. Designed to cope with extreme temperature and protect against all types of environmental conditions, their thick insulated walls are surrounded by weatherproof galvanised powder-coated steel. In addition, non-combustible materials are used throughout, including insulated panel cores.

The Cannon T4 Data Campus. TOP: Inside the Data Campus.

Providing all of the essential elements of a modern high-performance data centre, it can be configured with Tier One to Tier Four resilience and a low power usage effectiveness (PUE) rating. Whatever the chosen format, it will benefit from the use of efficient and compact power solutions, cutting-edge infrastructure technology for optimised operation, and a robust and highly secure construction that meets the requirements of Security Equipment Assessment Panel (SEAP) Level Three.

Cannon Technologies is renowned for its innovative climate control solutions and the T4 Granular modular data centre utilises highly efficient cooling systems to provide optimised PUE. Close coupled cooling using Cannon’s WithIn Row Cooling (WIRC) units eliminates the need for long ducting runs, deep raised floors and large powerful fan systems. Combined with economic free cooling chillers to draw maximum benefit from ambient air, they reduce compressor run time and save energy consumption.

A variety of rack options are available, as are cable raceways, free form pockets to accept third-party cabinets and systems, within row cooling pockets and UPS (uninterrupted power supply), power distribution, cabling, fire suppression, CCTV (closed circuit television), access control and active lighting. A well-lit and airy working environment is provided with full width aisles, meaning that moves, adds and changes (MACs) can be carried out with ease.

T4 Data Campus

Meanwhile, the T4 Data Campus is a high-performance solution that uses pre-engineered factory built modules to facilitate rapid project delivery and world-class levels of operational efficiency.

Based on nearly 40 years of innovation, it provides all of the essential elements of a modern high-performance data centre. Easy to configure, fast to install and designed to minimise disruption, virtually any size can be achieved. A data centre can, therefore, start small and grow cost effectively, according to need.

Hirst comments: “The level of flexibility offered by the T4 Data Campus sets a new benchmark in modular data centre configuration and is perfect for those who want to be able to grow their facility as required. Just as importantly, this can be achieved without compromising on quality, reliability and ease of use, thanks to the cutting-edge technology that Cannon Technologies is renowned for.”

The T4 Granular modular data centre ... fully scalable solution.

A diverse range of configurations are possible, including single or multi-floor levels, Tier Three or Tier Four resilience with low PUE ratings, alongside free cooling options. The 250 kW design blocks are offered as standard, with other power densities also available. Whatever the formation, it will benefit from the use of efficient and compact power solutions, cutting-edge infrastructure technology for optimised operation, and a robust and highly secure construction.

The desired T4 Data Campus main modules can be selected from a comprehensive menu that enables the ‘pick and mix’ construction of data halls, network operation centres, offices, entry systems and people traps, and storage areas. Stair and lift modules, special application modules for security, and a wide array of power and cooling modules are all part of the range.

Similarly, the T4 Data Campus sub-modules form the working infrastructure and are designed to ensure a totally integrated solution. They include a raised floor system, a variety of rack options, cable raceway, free form pockets, within row cooling pockets and UPS (uninterrupted power supply), power distribution, cabling, fire suppression and lighting.

The T4 Data Campus combines two highly efficient cooling systems to provide optimised PUE. Firstly, the company’s free cooling chillers draw maximum benefit from ambient air, reducing run time and saving energy consumption. And secondly, its WIRC units offer close-coupled airflow, negating the need for long ducting runs or large powerful fan systems.

“Expansion couldn’t be simpler and modules can easily be added without disruption to the existing infrastructure. The addition of power and cooling equipment can boost capacity as the data campus grows, to increase power density or rack volume,” Hirst says.

Control is built in for both the T4 Granular modular data centre and Data Campus and the entire systems can be monitored with Cannon T4 Data Centre Manager software, enabling continuous real-time system management that ensures ultimate efficiency under all operating conditions.

With a 36-year pedigree, Cannon Technologies Middle East (part of Cannon Technologies Group) provides T4 data centre solutions around the globe – from building complete data centres as turnkey projects up to TIA 942 Tier Four to suites of intelligent, environmentally-managed infrastructure racks, including cold-aisle cocooning, per-rack access control, video surveillance, intelligent power distribution and UPS.