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Colocation provider standardises with Eaton for full solution suite

DC BLOX is a multi-tenant data centre provider with four sites strategically located to meet the needs of underserved markets in the southeast. The Tier 3 facilities offer colocation, cloud storage and network and connectivity solutions to support clients’ infrastructure requirements while also reducing the need for capital. Read how the firm standardised with an Eaton power protection solution to ensure high availability across all facilities.

Summary

Challenge
The fast-growing organisation was looking to standardise with a highly reliable UPS solution that could be easily deployed across all of its data centre locations, both current and future.
Solution
Result
DC BLOX can now ensure the highest level of uptime for its colocation clients, as well as easily roll out the same UPS solution within every new data centre.

Challenge: Standardising reliable UPS solution across data centres

As a colocation provider pledging 100% uptime to its customers, DC BLOX cannot afford to settle for mediocre power protection. While designing its Huntsville, Ala., data centre, the firm wanted to standardise with a solution that could be deployed not only in the new site, but also across all future facilities, as well. Carefully assessing multiple UPS manufacturers, DC BLOX sought a solution offering supreme reliability, modularity, efficiency, a small footprint and exceptional service.

“We would never even consider a manufacturer unless they had a time-tested, stellar reputation and had demonstrated proven reliability.”

Mark Masi, DC BLOX operations leader

Solution: Power Xpert 9395P high performance UPS, Eaton PDUs, RS enclosure, preventive maintenance

The organisation chose to standardise with the Power Xpert 9395P High Performance UPS, which it deploys in pairs of 500 kw units. DC BLOX was especially impressed with the model’s proven technology and advanced feature set, which result in exceptional performance and low total cost of ownership (TCO). In tandem with the chosen UPS, DC BLOX also opted to install Eaton three-phase power distribution units (PDUs).
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“Eaton fit all the criteria we were looking for. We wanted the same look and feel at all of our data centres. And with our charter to add more data halls and a bigger footprint, we are happy to have achieved this standardisation with Eaton.”

Mark Masi, DC BLOX operations leader
The 9395P’s industry-leading efficiency of up to 97% in double-conversion mode and up to 99% with Energy Saver System (ESS) was a critical feature for DC BLOX, since the company strives to achieve a PUE (power usage effectiveness) rating of 1.4 or lower. The organisation also values the modularity of the 9395P, which makes it possible to boost capacity at any time simply by adding power modules. In addition to the quality and flexibility of the products, the opportunity to engage with Eaton for ongoing service was another important selling point for DC BLOX.

“The ability to deal directly with Eaton rather than a third-party service organisation has been a high point for us. We really respect and appreciate how Eaton has responded to our preventive maintenance schedule.” 

Mark Masi, DC BLOX operations leader
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The capacity to standardise with a UPS solution was crucial for DC BLOX, as it affords advantages such as internal efficiency, cost savings and simplified management and maintenance for the technicians responsible for overseeing all of the technology among DC BLOX’s multiple sites. 

The goals behind UPS standardisation were quickly realised by DC BLOX; less than a year after installing the initial units in Huntsville, the organisation seamlessly rolled out an identical power protection solution within its fourth data centre in Birmingham. Prior to opening the doors to the new facility, the organisation turned to Eaton for help supplying additional data centre products, including more than 100 Eaton RS enclosures and numerous rack PDUs. Through its flexible design and customisable device mounting options, the RS enclosure server rack streamlines installation time and reduces costs for DC BLOX. 

“It was a combination of the technology, the service, the pricing and the footprint. We really get the whole package with Eaton.”

Mark Masi, DC BLOX operations leader

Results: With the Eaton solution, DC BLOX is now able to:

• Ensure the highest level of uptime for its colocation clients, thanks to the 9395P’s unparalleled reliability
• Seamlessly deploy identical equipment across all of its facilities
• Optimise power distribution throughout the sites with Eaton PDUs and rackmount PDUs
• Gain flexibility, ease of installation and reduced costs with the RS enclosure server rack

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Find out about the Eaton products and services used by DC BLOX:

Power Xpert 9395P high performance UPS

• High-performing, industry-leading efficiency
• Power rating: 200–1,100 kVA/kW, 200–1,200 kVA/kW models
• Voltage: 400V, 400/415V, 600/575V models
• Double conversion efficiency: up to 97%
• Lithium-ion battery options for longer operation life
Power Xpert 9395P High Performance 900 kW UPS left angle view

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