February 01, 2023
The Vertiv VRC-S Edge-Ready Micro Data Center System is designed to address the challenges of enclosure, ambient control, and intelligent power distribution in edge deployments.
With the proliferation of critical applications that use more and more data —from telehealth to remote learning to streaming video — companies increasingly need to process data closer to the user and at the edge of the network. Protecting edge infrastructure inside the rack isn’t a “nice-to-have;” it’s a “must-have.”
However, edge deployments are often challenging to manage. You may need to deploy IT equipment in an environment for which the equipment was not originally designed. Space is at a premium, so you will likely need to repurpose spaces you already have. Further complicating your efforts, those spaces may not have sufficient cooling in place, and installing additional cooling isn’t always easy or cost-effective. Your edge deployment might also be in a location where IT staff aren’t on-site, making it critical for you to know about issues or anticipate potential issues in real time from wherever you are.
Simplifying your edge deployments
Luckily, the edge isn’t uncharted territory, and an expert partner like Vertiv can help provide an infrastructure solution to meet your needs. For example, the Vertiv™ VRC-S edge-ready micro data center system is an integrated, plug-and-play rack solution, ideal for IT network closet deployments.
The Vertiv VRC-S is designed to simplify edge deployments. Here are the top-five benefits of the Vertiv VRC-S:
1. Pre-integrated for quick and easy deployments
The Vertiv VRC-S fits into small spaces and can be installed in many different environments. It is available in eight pre-built standard configurations, with four rack sizes and two voltages (120V or 208V), offering multiple solutions to fit your needs. The design incorporates a rack power distribution unit (rPDU), embedded monitoring software, and the Vertiv™ VRC self-contained cooling kit in an enclosed standard IT edge rack, giving you everything you need all in one system.
The Vertiv VRC-S is easy to install and configure. In fact, an end user can install it with minimal technical knowledge. This micro data center is designed to be up and running at your edge site in hours, and the system is typically in stock and ready to ship within days for most standard configurations.
2. Provides remote monitoring and management
Vertiv™ Intelligence Director software is embedded into the Vertiv VRC-S, giving you insights into all the system components of your edge infrastructure without needing to be on-site.
3. Increases resiliency at the edge
Unplanned downtime not only disrupts your business operations and brings financial risks, it also can have a negative impact on mission critical applications. The integration of the Vertiv VRC-S can help mitigate these risks and boost resiliency. The remote management capabilities provide proactive alerts to help you assess potential problems before they become issues. Integrated cooling prevents heat from forcing servers and switches to go offline due to overheating, and the UPS prevents power disruptions and outages.
4. Boosts efficiency
The Vertiv VRC-S self-contained system does not require an outdoor condenser for cooling and can modulate the compressor from 25% to 100%, so it will consume the minimum amount of power to meet the preferred temperature parameters you set for the cabinet. This can lead to better energy efficiency, including up to 40% reduction in energy consumption by close-coupling power and cooling in an enclosed rack. The solution also allows for simple heat rejection, either into the room if the room is large enough, or with a heat rejection duct into a ventilated dropped ceiling.
As a result of this increased efficiency, the Vertiv VRC-S can lead to a lower total cost of ownership and reduced operating expenses.
5. Offers peace of mind
A three-year warranty is standard with the Vertiv VRC-S, with optional five-year protection, giving you peace of mind in your investment. In addition, you’ll have 24/7 access to Vertiv experts through a professional helpline to assist you with troubleshooting issues and helping to keep your systems optimized. The Vertiv VRC-S includes complete installation and comprehensive on-site service and support, including installation and startup by factory-trained Vertiv Services technicians. The optional preventative maintenance service package takes work off your plate by having Vertiv Services technicians care for your equipment and all of its components.
No matter where your critical applications take you, integrated solutions can help you tackle the challenges of edge deployments. To learn more about Vertiv’s edge data center management capabilities, visit What's Your Edge page. A recording of my DCD session, “Tech Showcase - Innovations at the Edge” is available on-demand here.