Schneider Electric solves edge computing challenges with EcoStruxure solutions

The latest evolution of Schneider Electric’s integrated systems, EcoStruxure data centre solutions bring together power, cooling, racks, and management to support the deployment of distributed IT networks in all environments from small edge applications to hyper-scale cloud data centres.

Within the portfolio announced today, Schneider brings to market the first-of-its-kind EcoStruxure micro data centre in a 6U wall mount model designed to support large edge servers in a low-profile cabinet that maximises floor space.

EcoStruxure Micro Data Centre C-Series 6U Wall Mount

Four fast, flexible, manageable, and configurable solutions that are highly secure and use the latest management technology are presented below.

EcoStruxure Micro Data Centre: S-Series; C-Series; R-Series

Self-contained, single-rack enclosure inclusive of remote monitoring and management, services, physical security, UPS, power distribution, and cooling devices for a fast, simple, and customised way to design, deploy, and manage edge computing solutions in multiple environments.

EcoStruxure Row Data Centre: S-Series; C-Series; R-Series

Pre-engineered single row solutions to modernise infrastructure are highly configurable and scalable encompassing racks, power, cooling, and management systems, removing time and complexity from design to installation and operation in multiple environments.

EcoStruxure Pod Data Centre: Pod

Innovative rack-ready pod systems to deploy IT at scale offer simple integration with a variety of cooling and power configurations resulting in a simplified design and installation process and up to 15 per cent reduction in CapEx cost.

EcoStruxure Modular Data Centre: All-in-One; IT Hall; Power

Prefabricated, pretested solutions delivered as functional building blocks of power, IT, or all-in-one data centres delivering flexible and predictable deployment and the ability to scale capacity quickly.

EcoStruxure Micro Data Centre 6U Wall Mount addresses edge computing challenges

Prefabricated, pretested solutions delivered as functional building blocks of power, IT, or all-in-one data centres delivering flexible and predictable deployment and the ability to scale capacity quickly.

To meet the needs of today’s always-on world, companies of all sizes are undergoing digital transformation. As a result, IT systems are being placed closer to where the data is created and processed – a disruptive trend called edge computing.

Edge computing presents new challenges with many distributed systems in locations unstaffed by IT with new cyber and physical security demands and in environments not optimised for IT systems.

Schneider Electric’s 6U Wall Mount is designed for edge computing where space is at a premium and resiliency is a must. It allows large, heavy edge servers, networking equipment, and the UPS to be safely mounted on a wall, so it consumes zero floor space and is 60 per cent less intrusive than traditional wall mount enclosures.

Shock packaging means partners and integrators can pre-install IT for quick and standardised rollouts, and its integrated dust filter and fan ventilation make it ideal for light industrial environments. The 6U Wall Mount empowers customers to support critical business operations in non-IT environments.

“With the EcoStruxure Micro Data Centre 6U Wall Mount’s creative design and functionality, we are able to open up new possibilities to deploy resilient IT at the edge, making digital transformation a reality,” said Jim Simonelli, senior vice president, Emerging Businesses, Secure Power Division, Schneider Electric.

“No one else can provide the full, standardised IT infrastructure solutions that Schneider can along with the partner ecosystem to ensure simplified deployment and compatibility. A fully integrated EcoStruxure Data Centre Solution, including EcoStruxure IT and Asset Advisor 24/7 remote monitoring and services, ensures resiliency in the cloud and at the edge.”

New Device Security Vulnerability Assessment enhances cybersecurity

As edge networks proliferate, IT professionals face new security challenges. An estimated 61 per cent of small- and medium-sized businesses are hit by cyberattacks annually.

To defend against cyberattacks, Schneider Electric has also announced the new Device Security Vulnerability Assessment, now available in EcoStruxure IT Expert, Schneider’s cloud-based monitoring and management software for local edge, distributed IT, and data centre. Today’s release includes the assessment of all Schneider Electric connected devices with future updates to expand vendor-neutral capabilities.

The new assessment reduces the risk of a security breach and saves time by helping users determine threats and engage in preventive measures sooner, ultimately lowering the possibilities of major business disruption and data loss.

Specifically, it helps customers identify and report vulnerabilities, prevent risks, comply with security policies and regulations, and understand the industry best practices for security. EcoStruxure IT Expert users can find the Vulnerability Assessment on the "Assessments" tab in the tool.