DCD Intelligence Releases New White Paper, "Assessing the Cost, Modular vs. Traditional Build"

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwired- Sep 19, 2013) - DCD Intelligence, a division of DatacenterDynamics that offers an array of market research, business intelligence, analysis and reporting services, releases a report today assessing the comparative costs of deployment of modular solutions versus traditional builds. Its research findings conclude that the actual cost of deployment of a modular solution is between 13 and 14 percent less than the build of a traditional data center of similar capacity, when all associated costs are taken into consideration.

Modular approaches to data centers have grown in popularity during the past two years. But one of the problems facing not only end-users, but also modular vendors themselves, has been the lack of clarity into full cost comparisons of modular solutions versus traditional brick-and-mortar data centers.

The DCD Intelligence White Paper 'Assessing the Cost, Modular vs. Traditional Build' offers insight into the real cost comparisons of both approaches, and is a valuable tool for any infrastructure manager or modular solutions provider looking for real cost comparisons. The main findings of the paper point to cost savings when all costs are taken into account, and also concludes that for operators looking to lower PUE in their data centers, a modular approach may offer a solution. The research also states that the greater density and more efficient use of space mean that modular facilities are able to achieve significantly better PUE compared to traditional data centers in many cases.

Chris Drake, Lead Analyst at DCD Intelligence and Author of the white paper, does point out that, in spite of the paper's findings, the issue is far more complex than simply assuming that a modular approach will always offer significant cost savings.

"It is important to recognize that there are a vast number of modular products available; not all of which offer the same standards and certifications and levels of support to end users," comments Drake. "This paper offers the first real cost comparison of modular versus traditional build. But, as with any market, the potential savings will vary depending on the particular modular solution chosen."

The research was undertaken with the support of three key players in the modular space: IO, Colt and Gardner all of which provided DCD Intelligence with valuable information that made the costs comparisons possible. Other prominent players in both the modular and traditional build space also contributed data.

"Every new market or technology is misunderstood early in its life cycle, and modular data centers are no exception," states Troy Rutman, Director of Corporate Communications for IO. "IO was delighted to be involved in a project designed to quantify actual customer benefits rather than to market a particular product or service. The DCD Intelligence project offers real information on modular solutions and particularly the cost benefits versus traditional data center builds. By collaborating with DCD Intelligence, we ensured that we can offer our customers neutral educational information that will play a substantial role in determining the future of the data center industry."

"Participating in this project gave us the opportunity to get independent insight into the costs of the modular approach to building data centers and traditional methods," adds Victor Smith, Product Director for Colt. "We've known for some time that the benefits of a modular approach, in particular around costs and efficiency, are very compelling. This study however offers an impartial comparison and view. Colt is delighted that this paper can offer end-users actual cost comparisons and aid their own decision making."

A full copy of the paper can be downloaded fromhttp://www.dcd-intelligence.com/Products-Services/Whitepapers.

About DCD Intelligence

Specialist research and analyst company in the Data Center, Telecoms and IT sectors -- with the global reach of parent company DatacenterDynamics, DCD Intelligence is uniquely placed to offer professionals in these sectors holistic yet statistically sound business intelligence whether in form of research reports, data tools or fully bespoke projects.

DCD Intelligence is committed to basing our analysis on stringent research techniques accepted by research communities worldwide. An understanding of the process we employ gives our client base confidence in the reports,