A PDC peek at a Microsoft server container (photos)
At its developer conference, Microsoft shows off the fourth generation of its data center design as it moves toward Azure and the cloud.
Studying a server container
At its Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles this week, Microsoft is giving attendees an up-close look at a self-contained server unit from one of the company's data centers. This particular unit had been stationed outside Microsoft's data center in Washington state. It was one of the more popular attractions on the PDC show floor.
Server container at PDC
This container was put together in four days. Microsoft's goal is to reduce the lead time for using the containers to boost data center capacity from many months to as little as six weeks.
Note the blue Windows Azure signage on the container. Azure is Microsoft's operating system for cloud computing, a style of computing in which servers--lots and lots and lots of servers--host the bulk of the data and applications that users access from their local PCs, smartphones, and other devices.
Container back
This is Microsoft's fourth generation of data center design. Units like this one can operate in a much wider range of temperatures--from 50 degrees to 95 degrees Fahrenheit, and from 20 percent to 80 percent relative humidity.
The fourth-generation units are newer even than the containers found at Microsoft's recently opened Chicago data center, which CNET toured earlier this year. This one is about half as long as the containers in Chicago and holds hundreds rather than thousands of servers.
Inside the container
Empty, this container ways 11,000 pounds. With the servers added, the weight more than doubles to 27,000 pounds.
Servers in the container
Microsoft generally prefers not to talk about details such as whose servers are used in its data centers. But clearly, the unit on display at PDC was running Dell boxes.
Another look at the servers
Like all computers, servers generate heat, so cooling and energy conservation are key considerations. The cooling system for the container shown at PDC is downright stingy in its use of water--only two to three gallons per minute, as opposed to hundreds of gallons per minute for some earlier designs.
More Galleries
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?