Why Custom Server Racks Are Becoming the Industry Standard

The rapidly accelerating fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, along with an ever-growing demand for cloud computing, have driven the need for more data center storage. Edge and hyperscale data centers are helping cloud service providers meet the need for high-density capacity. A big part of making these facilities as efficient as possible — now, and as the need continues to grow — is choosing the right data center racks for the build-out. 

As their needs become more complex, companies are finding a standard data center rack won’t fit their requirements. They’re increasingly turning to custom data center racks.

Let’s start with a look at why customization is becoming standard for so many in the tech industry.

Efficient and Versatile Data Center Infrastructure

More organizations are finding that to get the type of efficient, cost-effective data center they need, standard “one size fits most” infrastructure won’t cut it. They’re custom designing everything they can, including their servers and other components. That means they need racks that support their infrastructure designs and unique footprints. A custom rack solution takes the guesswork out of the process. 

Opting for custom racks and cabinets allows for greater efficiencies in equipment access, cabling management, airflow and other factors, cutting operational expenses and cooling costs. When it’s time for a company to expand or move to another location, having custom racks can streamline the installation process.

Here are some of the benefits organizations see after implementing custom server racks:

1. Better Airflow

Proper airflow management is critical to maintaining optimal temperatures in your data center. Custom server racks are designed to provide better airflow, ensuring that your equipment stays cool and runs efficiently. Custom racks offer features you may not find with an off-the-shelf solution such as perforated doors, adjustable vertical rails, and cable management that help to increase airflow and reduce hot spots.

2. Enhanced Security

Data centers store sensitive information which means security is a top priority. Custom server racks offer enhanced security features such as locking doors and access control systems. Custom racks can also be designed with specific security requirements in mind, such as compliance with regulations like HIPAA and PCI.

3. Scalability

As your data center needs grow and change, you need a server rack solution that can accommodate that growth. Custom server racks offer scalability options that can be customized to your specific needs. Custom racks can be designed with features such as modular construction, adjustable rails, and compatibility with various equipment types. This allows for easy expansion and flexibility to meet the demands of your changing data center environment.

4. Surprisingly Cost-Effective

Despite the fact that custom server racks are designed specifically for your data center’s needs, they can often be more cost-effective than standard racks. Custom racks maximize space utilization, reduce power consumption, and improve equipment cooling, all of which can lead to a reduction in operational expenses over time.

What’s more, a custom rack only includes what’s necessary for successful installation. Since standard racks are trying to be all things to all data centers, they typically ship with parts and pieces that may never need to be used in a certain layout. That’s simply wasted money and wasted material.

What Factors Matter When Considering Custom Racks?

It’s difficult to overstate the value of a data center rack or cabinet that complements its environment. Custom data center infrastructure and equipment are typically best supported by custom data center racks. When you’re evaluating your data center needs, we recommend looking at these seven key considerations:

1. Physical Space: A rack with a footprint that optimizes data center floor space helps to reduce real estate costs.
   
   
2. Cooling Environment & Cooling Systems: Rack design plays a crucial role in maximizing airflow and controlling cooling costs, whether in a hot-aisle/cold-aisle configuration or traditional raised floor environment.
   
   
3. Rack Strength: A rack that meets strength requirements will not buckle or lose its structural integrity when subjected to seismic or transportation stresses. The ability to rack, stack and ship fully populated racks helps decrease the time required for data center deployment.
   
   
4. Cabinet Bracing: Bracing provisions, seismic floor mounting plates, floor mounting anchor points and levelers should be positioned so that they can be accessed when the rack is fully populated.
   
   
5. Cable Routing and Power Configuration: A rack that conforms to the custom specifications improves the accessibility of equipment within the rack, airflow through the equipment and cable management.
   
   
6. Application: The rack should meet the requirements of the equipment while offering the flexibility to support mixed environments.
   
   
7. Security Protocol: If rack-level security is required, door locks should be available in keyed alike, keyed unalike or combination configurations; otherwise, doors and door locks should be optional.

Working with a server rack supplier that has deep experience engineering and fabricating to exacting specifications can make getting custom racks for your data center almost as simple as choosing standard models. Want to learn more about how to start choosing your custom data center hardware? Contact our team!