Local ICT developer and innovator, Netshield, is challenging the way the industry approaches IT with its Data Centre in a Box, a self-contained IP 54 rated mobile unit that gives business the power to wheel in, plug and go an entire IT infrastructure that can be managed from a single IP address in minutes.

The Netshield development team created the units to eliminate the need for costly construction of data centres and distribution centres and create ease-of-use with a technology that enable the management of all services from a single IP address. With the Data Centre in a Box the complexity of Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) fades into the background as users will gain access to a simple click through interface in the form of a status dashboard summary of the exact alerts and statuses of a selected device.

"The data centre in a box completely rules out the need for companies to invest in scarce technical skills, large construction investments in server rooms and is preconfigured which will save hours on configuration time. This unit is all about giving businesses a fast and low maintenance solution that enables employees to start working straight away,” says Inus Dreckmeyr, CEO at Netshield.

“We can tailor-fit the units with most of the major network product brands and services including routers, network switches, wireless AP’s, networking switches and cable structure patch panels available through our partner, WestconGroup Southern Africa, before shipping. The units are fully self-contained and house all the applicable services as would normally be installed in any other data centre.”

Devices are dependent on the specific requirements of the user and as such are scalable and come in varying sizes from 15U to 47U (67cm to 209cm) in height and 80cm, 100cm and 120cm in depth.

Equipped with an air conditioner, access control keypad, electronic locking, Netshield UPS, centre management and control device, temperature monitor, humidity monitor, flooding detection, as well as smoke, fire and flood detectors this unit protects company IT assets. The built in fire extinguisher makes use of potassium nitrate ejectors that can be used without damaging the equipment or leaving a residue.

“This device is all about convenience and has 24/7 remote monitoring from a single IP address per cabinet for all service as well as emergency reporting and remote SMS control – like opening the door for select people. It’s a product for businesses that crave a complete data centre solution but either can’t afford or do not have the time to source the required IT skills necessary to develop one.”

“Statistical event reports can also be received via email. The data centre in a box gives businesses the advantage of security and control on the go, which is absolutely an advantage in the mobile era,” ends Dreckmeyr.

 The Netshield Data Centre in a Box is available through all Netshield and Westcon resellers throughout the continent and can be customised to include technologies from more than 50 vendor partners from within the Westcon Group.