IBM and APC Team to Create Data Center for Bryant University

IBM (News - Alert) has implemented the IBM Scalable Modular Data Center at Bryant University with the aim of meeting the school's technology requirements of its growing enrollment. The IBM Scalable Modular Data Center is a cost saving, energy efficient solution that was rapidly deployed as a pre-engineered data center, using IBM Global Services' capabilities, together with APC's (News - Alert) InfraStruXure data center architecture.

 

In addition, Bryant has replaced their Sun Microsystems (News - Alert) hardware infrastructure with IBM Power processor-based BladeCenter servers running Linux and IBM virtualization software technology. These technologies are part of IBM’s Project Big Green aiming to help clients sharply reduce data center energy consumption.

 

"In the past 10 years, Bryant University has added 144,000 square feet of new facilities and has experienced a 300 percent rise in applications," said Arthur Gloster, CIO of Bryant University in a statement. "We were not properly set up to handle this growth and it was time for Bryant University to make a cost-saving and energy efficient change. The IBM Scalable Modular Data Center solution allows us to concentrate on continuing to provide the student body, faculty and staff with the tools necessary to succeed."

 

According to a news release, the Scalable Modular Data Center service product is available from IBM's Site and Facilities Services business unit. IBM's data center design and build experience and services expertise that are utilized to bring the solution to clients. Scalable Modular Data Center services include data center strategy, data center design, server and storage integration, relocation planning, project management, infrastructure equipment sourcing, installation services and management, data center testing and start-up management. The entire solution can be put into practice in eight to 12 weeks and is 15 percent less expensive than traditional data center builds.

 

"IBM's long history and expertise with data center implementations enabled us to create a solution to save energy and ensure efficient server performance for Bryant University," said Steven Sams, vice president of IBM Global Site and Facilities Services. "IT departments won't be as concerned with growing energy costs when selecting the IBM Scalable Modular Data Center solution, which provides an efficient, reliable and secure data center."

 

The IBM Scalable Modular Data Center solution makes use of the APC InfraStruXure design, which integrates power, cooling, rack, management, services and security, facilitating selection of standardized components to create a solution through modular configurations.

 

"Bryant University is the beneficiary of what happens when two leading companies combine to create the best of both worlds," also Dave Johnson, senior vice president and chief sales officer at APC-MGE in a statement to the press. "IBM and APC have created an energy efficient solution that addresses Bryant's current and future IT needs. By adopting a scalable, modular approach to building its new data center, the university also realized increased speed in system design and deployment. This enabled the university to move quickly from design to commissioning the system."

 

APC and MGE UPS Systems have teamed to form a $3 billion (EUR 2.4 billion) Critical Power & Cooling Services business unit of Schneider Electric. Together, APC and MGE offer the industry's most comprehensive product and solution range for critical IT and process applications in industrial, enterprise, small and medium business and home environments.