Microsoft's has pre-assembled component based proof of concept data center containers in development.

The firm's general manager for global data center services Kevin Timmons told DatacenterDynamics New York conference that the company is working on a data center container concept which can be pre-assembled within four days by one person.

As part of a keynote address citing his belief that the industry is at an inflection point Timmons told the assembled audience: 'Microsoft's future data centers will reduce time market by 50% and cut costs by 50%. We're on track to deliver outstanding PUE and outstanding efficiency.'
 

He added that the next generation of Microsoft's data centers would use more steel and aluminium, both renewable resources - in a structure that 'really resembles a pole barn.'

He said the current concept was still being developed Microsoft will announce a next generation data center in the coming months.

The ITPAC - or IT pre assembled component unit would have a PUE of less than 1.1 with the emphasis of the development being put on location and overcoming the major challenge of humidity.

Microsoft has a team scouring the globe for the best locations for its next generation data centers as the need was to 'maximise efficiency by focusing on site selection.'

He said 'You'll see something that looks and feels quite different in next generation - this is proof of concept.'