This is due to a combination of factors, including the weak global economy, improvements in IT equipment, outsourcing and consolidation, and competitive pressure. Growth in the IT rack and enclosure market is slightly stronger than the projected growth of other data center infrastructure products such as uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and cooling equipment, but weaker than that of the rack PDU market.
While rack PDU market growth is driven by product shifts toward higher-priced smart PDUs, leading to higher replacement rates, most other data center infrastructure equipment, including racks and enclosures, is not replaced as frequently and therefore relies heavily on the construction of new data centers. "The IT rack and enclosure market typically experiences higher growth rates than the UPS and cooling markets due to the relatively small product shifts that occur: from two-column to four-column, from four-column to enclosures, and from basic racks to high-end racks," says IHS analyst Sarah McElroy. The increased use of cable management and passive airflow accessories also contributes to market growth.
Enclosures continue to dominate the market, accounting for 86% of units sold in 2014. They are priced higher than open-frame racks and have a number of advantages over open frames, including improved airflow management capabilities, better cable management options, greater stability, security, and even aesthetic appeal. Enclosures are expected to continue to see more growth than open-frame racks. After enclosures, accessories are the second-fastest-growing segment of this market in terms of revenue, which is justified by the benefits they bring to overall efficiency.
Equinix selects Infinera Cloud Xpress for data center interconnection in Hong Kong
Infinera announces that Equinix has selected Infinera Cloud Xpress to interconnect its data centers in Hong Kong. Infinera Cloud Xpress offers Equinix a platform with hyperscale density, operational simplicity, and low power consumption.
