Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson and the global leader in enabling Business-Critical ContinuityÔäó, has unveiled its Containerized Computing Solution, a modular approach allowing telecom providers to quickly deliver communications and computing equipment closer to the network edge.
The "central office in a box" concept debuted at the NXTcomm event in Las Vegas in June and features components exclusively from Emerson Network Power's various business divisions. Those components include embedded computing and DC power conversion equipment, precision cooling units, power transfer switches, server racks and enclosures.
"Emerson Network Power is uniquely positioned to provide the grid-to-chip capabilities that make this kind of solution not only possible, but valuable to telecom providers racing to reach customers with increasing telecommunications demands," said David Gerhart, vice president of business development and planning for Emerson Network Power's Energy Systems business.
The Containerized Computing Solution is made up of a few basic components, each from the Emerson Network Power suite of products. They are:
Power Input Management (ASCO power transfer switches)
Power conversion & protection (NetSureÔäó power conversion devices)
Computing or network equipment (Embedded Computing AdvancedTCA systems and blades)
Environmental conditioning (Liebert Precision Cooling)
Additional cooling for hot racks (Liebert Precision Cooling and Knurr racks)
Shelter or container (Outside Plant enclosures)
Emerson Network Power has deployed containerized solutions internationally, but those units include only infrastructure equipment - not the embedded computing needed to actually support a network. Gerhart said those experiences have shown that a modular solution employing components from a single source enable an easier, faster deployment and ensure a low total cost of ownership due to reduced service demands.
"Our customers understand that Emerson Network Power makes outstanding power conversion and protection products and solutions," Gerhart said. "They know all about our embedded computing business and our Liebert precision cooling products. But this is the first time we are demonstrating the clear advantages of deploying those capabilities together in a single solution."
Emerson Network Power is seeking industry feedback on its Containerized Computing Solution through sharing their thoughts at www.EmersonContainer.com, a blog set up to gather industry input. Gerhart said feedback will be collected and evaluated to help refine the concept going forward.