Exploring Data Center ‘Rack and Stack’ and Rack Integration Services and Solutions

Agility is the name of the game in today’s data center. IT teams must respond rapidly to business demands for new applications and services and ensure adequate resources for growing numbers of users.

Procuring and implementing the necessary IT equipment can be complex, particularly in the current IT market. Servers, networking gear, and other equipment remain in short supply due to component shortages, with long lead times for orders. The equipment for a particular project may trickle in over months and must be stored until everything is available for integration.

Once it all arrives, the IT team must “rack and stack” the equipment. These tasks alone are time-consuming and disruptive.

That’s why many organizations are opting to use rack and stack services. By outsourcing the process to a systems integrator, organizations can reduce the burden on the IT team and accelerate the time to value of the project.

What Is 'Rack and Stack'?

“Rack and stack” (also referred to as "rack-and-roll") is a method used to maximize efficiency when deploying server racks and cabinets. The racks or cabinets are first loaded up with all necessary equipment (“racked”) off-site and then moved into the data center for immediate use (“stacked”). Without employing a “rack and stack” process, new server racks on the data center floor are rendered useless until they’re loaded up with equipment and tested.

What Is Rack Integration?

The term “rack integration” refers to the “rack” component of the rack and stack process. It involves mounting the equipment in a server rack or cabinet before it’s moved into place on the data center floor — and is not as simple as it sounds. Each piece of equipment must be positioned based on its weight, height, purpose, and how often it will be accessed. Unboxing and mounting the equipment can be time-consuming and disruptive in and of itself. Check out our blog for network and server rack layout best practices.

Rack Integration Solutions

Rack integration services allow organizations to outsource these tasks. Think of these vendors as “rack and stack” managers. Qualified systems integrators have facilities with dedicated space to receive, test, configure and store the equipment. The integration center is staffed by experienced professionals who use well-defined processes to handle the rack integration from end to end. The customer receives a fully populated rack that’s ready to “stack” by rolling it into place and deploying the equipment within the data center.

Benefits of Rack Integration Services

It might seem cheaper and easier to perform the rack integration in-house. There are downsides, however. Few organizations have adequate lab and storage space for a large rack and stack project. The process also distracts the IT team from the day-to-day management of the data center.

Rack integration and rack and stack services eliminate these headaches and provide other benefits as well.

Greater Efficiency

Using third-party rack integration services allows data center technicians to focus more on rack deployment and keeping the data center running smoothly and less on rack integration and rack and stack management. The system integrators require little to no oversight from data center technicians.

Less Disruption

Offsite rack integration minimizes the disruption and lost productivity associated with installing, configuring, and integrating equipment within the data center environment.

Faster Implementation

With rack integration, the IT solution is up and running more quickly, which translates into a faster time to value for the equipment and data center space.

Choosing the Right Rack for Rack Integration

The structural integrity of the rack or cabinet becomes critical with offsite integration. The rack must withstand the stress of shipment as well as the weight of the equipment and rack accessories.

Some racks have a maximum dynamic (rolling) weight load of about 2,000 pounds. If this limit is exceeded, the rack tends to become deflected when shipped. The rack may buckle, damaging valuable equipment. Even if the rack appears undamaged when it is uncrated and moved into the data center, IT personnel often find it difficult to remove equipment from the rack for servicing. The deflection of the rack alters the distance between the rails.

When selecting a rack for rack integration, it’s important to check the dynamic weight load. The rack will also need casters to roll into place, and these must be able to support the weight. Lastly, you need to choose a vendor that uses superior shipping practices (like Enconnex) to ensure your server rack or cabinet and the equipment within are not damaged in transit.

Enconnex InfiniRack Was Engineered for Rack Integrators

The Enconnex InfiniRack data center cabinet was designed with rack-and-stack/rack-and-roll applications in mind. It has excellent load ratings of 4,000 lb static and 3,000 lb dynamic on four heavy-duty swivel casters and leveling feet. Additionally, we offer a custom-engineered Shock Packaging Option for easy rack integration. This option gives you maximum protection during transit. It went through a rigorous third-party testing process to meet ISTA 3E standards. Built with engineered plywood, high-density polyethylene foam, and steel reinforcements, it's the perfect solution for rack integrators. 

If you’re planning a project using rack-and-stack or rack integration services, look no further than the InfiniRack data center cabinet with shock packaging. Contact one of our specialists to learn more.