HP has been promoting their containerized datacenter solution as a ‘cloud computing’ solution, implying that this is a datacenter virtualization product as well, even though it is primarily infrastructure and the computers, disks and tape storage devices are all extra. I put together the basic statistics on the HP POD for you.
The HP’s Solution:
One of the biggest advantages of the HP solution is that it is identical to the standard datacenter layout, except you get some additional height. All racks are arranged front to back with a hot isle in the back for device exhaust fans and a cold isle in the front. You have standard access to the rack and the console from the front and you also have access to the rear of all the systems as you would in any datacenter. The video I have seen of this solution clearly shows that this arrangement is far less cramped than the Sun solution.
HP also claims the airflow containment design (the racks are side by side with rubberized seals between the racks) improves dissipation of heat. HP claims that the ‘cold’ isle can run at 90 degrees and utilize 65 degree water. Also, HP provides conduit pass-throughs for network and other cabling as desired. HP POD solution still needs power transformers, backup power and a water cooling system you must buy yourself, costs not included in their initial price tag.