Prefab data centers are gaining ground, but experts doubt their scalability.
The demand for data center capacity continues to rise, and manufacturers are responding with modular, prefab solutions promising faster installations. This saves time and costs: according to Vertiv, these installations can be up to 85 percent faster.
Plug-and-play
Vertiv has introduced new modular infrastructure with SmartRun. The system combines power, cooling, and IT equipment in a single prefab module. According to Vertiv, this can result in up to 85 percent time savings on-site, thanks to the plug-and-play design and single-lift installation process.
The focus is on ready-made racks that can quickly fill an existing data floor, as opposed to container-like systems such as those from Schneider Electric. Schneider Electric builds complete prefab halls with integrated cooling and power supply.
Prefab or Traditional Construction Method?
Experts are divided on the future of this approach. Analysts question the limited scalability. Prefab is particularly useful for quick and small-scale use but would be difficult to scale up for larger sites. As a result, its share in the total data center market remains limited for now.
International players, especially from the US, are showing interest. Standardization and speed make prefab attractive for multiple similar sites. In Europe, custom-building and outfitting data centers remains popular.