Microsoft develops a portable, box-shaped data center to bring the cloud to remote areas

[Polycount]

In context: Microsoft believes cloud computing is the future, and it might be right. However, if that's the case, the company will need a much better way to deliver those services to those in remote areas. Those areas might lack existing cloud infrastructure, or they might have limited access to the internet -- in either case, Microsoft already has a plan to tackle the dilemma

Microsoft has developed what it calls the Azure Modular Datacenter, or the MDC. It's a modular, portable data center that can extend satellite range anywhere in the world, thanks to close integration with Elon Musk's satellite broadband service. Microsoft hopes to work together with Musk's SpaceX to further "link up" Starlink and Azure, though it remains to be seen what the fruits of that partnership might look like down the line.

Microsoft lists several potential use cases for the MDC, including "mobile command centers," mineral exploration, humanitarian assistance missions, and anything else that requires "high intensity, secure computing" on Azure.

Microsoft promises full security with the MDC, from both physical dangers, such as adverse weather, high temperatures, and humidity, as well as less-obvious risks like radio frequencies.

"The MDC can give customers a path to migrate apps to Azure while still running these workloads on-premises with low-latency connections to their own datacenter," writes Microsoft's Bill Karagounis in a blog post. "This provides a stepping stone for transforming workloads to the Azure API with the option of continuing to run these apps on-premises, or in public or sovereign clouds."

Microsoft says the MDC stands apart from other cloud solutions due to its ability to let customers access it with full, limited, or zero access to a network. "This is a unique, powerful capability that allows customers to access the power of the Azure cloud on their terms," says Karagounis.

MDCs are now available for use with "defense and private sector organizations." On the off chance that you happen to be a decision-maker at such an organization, you can contact the company to find out more information on how you might go about getting your hands on one of the units.

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https://www.techspot.com/news/87212-microsoft-develops-portable-box-shaped-data-center-bring.html

 

[Uncle Al]

I may be wrong about this but it appears to me that the issue of remote access is a lot less about the data centers and a lot more about the extensively long routes and distances between customers. Running 10+ miles of fiber or even cable for one or two inhabitants just isn't going to be cost effective. The Stace-X satellite solution appears to be the best alternative, but I'm still waiting to see some spec's on it like up/down load speeds and most of all COST!

 

[sac39507]

I worked for a company called Rackable Systems 7 years ago and they made these trailer portable data centers. Microsoft, you're a little behind.

 

[Markoni35]

And then someone steals your data center with a truck.
"Officer, I swear my data center was there before I went to sleep!"