Datapod Pty Ltd and APC announce strategic partnership and launch of the Australian developed Datapod system of containerised data centre solutions

SYDNEY, August 17, 2009 – Australian data centre engineering specialist Datapod Pty Ltd, in partnership with APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in data centre solutions, today announced the launch of the Datapod solution - a unique containerised data centre system that is locally designed, developed and manufactured.

Led by APC and Datapod Pty Ltd, the Datapod project also involves a number of Australian companies in key design, manufacturing and testing activities.

According to Datapod’s market research forecasts, the Datapod solution could generate up to $150 million in export revenue in its first five years and create up to 30 new Australian jobs in a technology intensive, export-oriented and ‘green’ industry.

Made up of preconfigured, modular data centre building blocks, the Datapod system is scalable, flexible, robust and can be deployed rapidly to meet the growing demands for increased data centre capacity.

 “In today’s enterprise IT landscape, organisations need to be able to adapt rapidly to changing business needs,” said Scott Carr, Managing Director, Datapod.

“Whether you need to expand, retract, or relocate your server room or data centre, you need to be able to do so quickly and ensure it is rightsized to meet your current capacity requirements. “Bricks and mortar data centre projects are slow to evolve and costly to install and expand. Our Datapod system of preconfigured, modular data centre building blocks is specifically designed to overcome the challenges posed by traditional data centres.”

Unlike other containerised solutions on the market, Datapod has extended the concept to include critical site infrastructure such as modular generators and chillers to deliver a complete containerised infrastructure solution for data centres. The core of the Datapod system comprises APC’s InfraStruXure data centre architecture and APC’s highly energy-efficient Hot Aisle Containment System and InRow Cooling solutions.

The Datapod solution features highly insulated walls and high tech LED lighting to further optimise power efficiency. It also utilises closed water loop ‘dry’ radiators rather than evaporative ‘wet’ cooling towers to eliminate water consumption.

The Datapod is designed to withstand extreme outside temperatures and lightning strikes, as well as the ingress of moisture, dirt and dust. It even features antistatic flooring to protect sensitive electronics, allowing companies to set up a temporary facility in any outdoor environments.

Through its strategic partnership, APC Australia will assist in securing local business opportunities for Datapod (Australia) Pty Ltd, taking advantage of its IT infrastructure expertise and marketing channels.

“APC is proud to be supporting Australian innovation with Datapod Australia. We are excited to be delivering this breakthrough data centre technology as part of our plans to support government and industry investment in Australian infrastructure projects.

“APC has a long history of investing in Australian innovation and supporting Australian companies,” said Gordon Makryllos, APC Vice President, Pacific.

“APC Australia will be adding additional staff in 2009 to manage the demand that we see for APC based data centre solutions, such as the Datapod system.”

The Datapod range includes the following modules:
Projectpod:
- A standalone self-contained transportable data centre system for rapid deployment. Low, medium and high-density versions, utilising condenser water or chilled water, are available.

Starterpod:
- The starting point of any expandable Datapod system, it incorporates expandable APC UPS, InRow Cooling and IT Enclosures.

Expanderpod:
- Prebuilt Expanderpods, containing racks, power and cooling, easily connect onto other ‘pods’ allowing you to grow your system as your IT requirements increase.

Entrypod:
- Entrypod is a 10’ cubicle fitted with a proximity card magnetic lock system that creates a man-trap to keep the elements out of your data centre.

Endpod:
- The last of the Datapod containers, the Endpod adds more power, cooling and IT enclosures as well as the end-door to the APC Hot-Aisle Containment System giving users the space and access expected in a typical data centre.

Connection node:
- Pre-deployable, pre-configured connection system for mains and generator power, cooling and data, the Connection Node makes the setup of the Datapod system a breeze.

Utilitypod:
- Housed in a 20’ enclosure, the Utilitypod consists of a diesel generator and fuel tanks to provide backup power supply and multiple air-cooled chillers to support the highest-density Datapod systems.

About Datapod
Datapod is a leading engineer and solution provider of energy efficient data centre infrastructure products, professional services and technical support. Through extensive experience in the design and deployment of turn-key datacentre projects around Australia, Datapod have the first-hand experience of the problems and pitfalls that befall typical unique datacentre projects: custom-engineering and the associated risks, delays and costs, as well as the lack of flexibility demonstrated by typical datacentres. By specialising in the creation of an end-to-end system of datacentre building blocks, Datapod aim to eliminate many of the traditional barriers faced by companies wishing to deploy new datacentre capacity. The Datapod system ‘building-block’ approach enables a dramatic simplification of the design process, reduced time-to-deploy, and precise alignment of IT capital expenditure with expected business ROI.

About APC by Schneider Electric
APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in critical power and cooling services, provides industry leading product, software and systems for home, office, data center and factory floor applications.  Backed by the strength, experience, and wide network of Schneider Electric’s Critical Power & Cooling Services, APC delivers well planned, flawlessly installed and maintained solutions throughout their lifecycle.  Through its unparalleled commitment to innovation, APC delivers pioneering, energy efficient solutions for critical technology and industrial applications.  In 2007, Schneider Electric acquired APC and combined it with MGE UPS Systems to form Schneider Electric’s Critical Power & Cooling Services Business Unit, which recorded 2008 revenue of €2,6 billion and employed 12,000 people worldwide.  APC solutions include uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), precision cooling units, racks, physical security and design and management software, including APC's InfraStruXure® architecture, the industry’s most comprehensive integrated power, cooling, and management solution.  Schneider Electric, with 114,000 employees and operations in 100 countries, achieved sales of €18,3 billion in 2008.  For more information on APC, please visit www.apc.com.  All trademarks are the property of their owners.

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APC by Schneider Electric
Contact: Andra Mednis, Marketing Director
Phone: +61 2 8923 9331