Schneider Electric develops as-a-service micro data centre

Schneider Electric, in partnership with Intelli-Systems, has developed a micro data centre as-a-service solution for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, to transform how customers consume and manage edge data centre solutions. Schneider Electric’s innovative service model delivers micro data centres without the need to own, operate or maintain power, cooling and integrated IT server racking systems. It responds to the growing trend to more effectively manage consumption rather than own the assets.

This new solution for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council will simplify its operations, improve capital utilisation and free internal resources. Designed and implemented in conjunction with Intelli-Systems, the four-year contract will see the Council make use of a suite of digitally enabled micro data centres at an agreed monthly rate, which includes management and support services by Schneider. IT equipment is not included as part of Schneider Electric’s solution.

Howard Bowland, Vice President (Field Services Australia) at Schneider Electric, noted that the as-a-service solution represents an innovative and sustainable approach to deploying data centres for businesses and organisations.

“The real beauty of the as-a-service approach is reflected by its flexibility, improved efficiencies, convenience and cost-effectiveness when it comes to micro data centres,” said Bowland.

The number of sites and the secure power, cooling and server racking capacity required can be scaled up or down as needed over the agreement term, at a pre-agreed cost. This model allows for significant efficiencies in planning and budget management. It also helps the customer avoid the ownership and responsibility for all micro data centre hardware and software. This new service includes installation, monitoring, maintenance, support, end-of-life management and a commitment to ensuring uninterrupted power quality, cooling, server racks and supporting equipment for the duration of the client’s agreement.

Hany Tayel, Systems Procurement Manager for the NSW Aboriginal Land Council, said Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure Outcomes Micro Data Centre as-a-service solution will help the Council to continue focusing on protecting the interests of its members and ensuring a better future for Aboriginal people.

“We can double down our efforts to pursue cultural, social and economic improvements for Aboriginal people in NSW while they manage the micro data centre solution on our behalf as experts in their field. The ability to pay only for what is consumed while being agile with capacity provisioning is critical for our organisation as we transition away from owning and servicing this type of critical infrastructure,” said Tayel.

Tayel added that the NSW Aboriginal Land Council will no longer have to worry about CAPEX requests and the unpredictability around costs or lifecycle servicing requirements, as the Council’s customer success manager will be the key enabler to consult on the organisation’s future critical infrastructure roadmap.

Intelli-Systems Director, Glen Montgomery, has worked closely with Schneider Electric to be the first partner to specify and provision this innovative solution to the NSW Aboriginal Land Council. Montgomery said the collaboration with Schneider Electric enabled the customer to transition away from the ownership and management of micro data centres and enabled them to access their integrated IT supporting infrastructure purely on an as-a-service basis.

“This solution solves issues experienced from infrastructure ownership, eliminating any unexpected costs and disruption to their critical IT, networking and telephony applications. Whether it is aspects of the solution lifecycle or their ability to easily flex up or down capacity, peace of mind is key to the customer,” Montgomery said.

The unique solution is also more sustainability-friendly; with Schneider retaining accountability for the hardware, it can ensure it is serviced regularly and maintained to the proper standards, thereby increasing its useful lifespan. It also means that proper recycling or refurbishment processes are taken when equipment reaches the end of its lifespan.

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