As data center space becomes harder to find, alternate forms of data storage like data center containers are becoming more popular.  This is clear, for example, from Active Power's recent success with its PowerHouse systems.  These act as extensions of more conventional data centers, providing extra space in the form of containers, typically until a more permanent structure can be prepared.

Active Power has just sold three of these c ontainers between two customers - deals amounting to $5 million.  Two of the containers are rated at 480 kW and each feature a standby generator, Active Power's CleanSource 600 kVA UPS, a generator starting module, switchgear, and chiller.  The third is rated at 240 kW with all the same features except with a CleanSource 300 kVA UPS.

Using the containers is said to save 25% on capital and 60% on operating expenses.

photo by Robert Scoble under flickr creative commons license

Interestingly, the Department of Defense is also getting in on containerized solutions, in Texas.  It looks like they are using containers to extend cooling and power capabilities at a pre-existing site with the aid of Lee Technologies.

For more news, check out Data Center Knowledge.

-Elizabeth English