More than three per cent of the total global electricity output is now consumed by data centers, and the sector is one of the fastest-growing users of power today. In response, the recently launched Open19 Foundation has brought industry leaders together to help develop a new proposition based on standardised, modular IT infrastructures, higher efficiency, reduced costs, and greater flexibility.
Rittal, the largest rack producer in the world, is now a member of the foundation and will be working with other representatives to push the innovative approach forward. Driven by the Microsoft subsidiary, LinkedIn, along with global vendors such as HPE and GE Digital, the Open19 Foundation was launched in May 2017 with the aim of making data centers more cost-effective, more efficient and more flexible.
The concept of open source design is based on standardised architecture for computer and storage components within a standard 19-inch rack, in which the components from different manufacturers are compatible with each other.
“Energy costs continue to rise, which means we need to explore all available avenues for greater efficiencies as a part of our commitment to support our customers. Joining the Open19 Foundation will enable us to help shape future, innovative rack design”, says Jason Rylands, Global Director, Data Center and Open Compute Solutions at Rittal.
Yuval Bachar, who chairs the Open19 Foundation says, “The Open19 Foundation is a fast-growing community of companies across a wide range of data center and edge ecosystems.
“We are very pleased that Rittal, as a global player in the market, is now a member of the Foundation.”
Standardised Design at Lower Cost
One of Rittal’s first initiatives since joining Open19 has been designing the inexpensive and quickly applicable Open19 rack, based on the standard 19-inch rack.
The company will also in future be supporting the Open19 ecosystem, including promoting innovations both for existing data centers and for changing customer requirements.
“As a member of the Open19 Foundation, Rittal is now even better positioned to meet the needs of the data center market. These include the growing number of hyperscalers, colocation providers, as well as telecommunication convergence and edge computing,” Rylands added.
Standardisation for a Shorter Time-to-Market
One benefit of the innovative Open19 architecture is the use of direct current to supply the servers.
Electricity is distributed via a special cable harness connected to the power shelves, while the DC power supply ensures energy efficiency. The standardised, modular configuration cuts the time-to-market and its scalability enhances the flexibility in the data center.
Further information at www.rittal.co.uk and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com
