Editing Data center (section)

====Modularity and flexibility====
{{main|Modular data center}}
Modularity and flexibility are key elements in allowing for a data center to grow and change over time. Data center modules are pre-engineered, standardized building blocks that can be easily configured and moved as needed.<ref>Niles, Susan. "Standardization and Modularity in Data Center Physical Infrastructure," 2011, Schneider Electric, page 4. {{cite web|url=http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/VAVR-626VPD_R1_EN.pdf|title=Standardization and Modularity in Data Center Physical Infrastructure |access-date=2012-02-08|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120416120624/http://www.apcmedia.com/salestools/VAVR-626VPD_R1_EN.pdf|archive-date=2012-04-16 }}</ref>

A modular data center may consist of data center equipment contained within shipping containers or similar portable containers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.datacenterknowledge.com/archives/2011/09/08/strategies-for-the-containerized-data-center/|title=Strategies for the Containerized Data Center|date=September 8, 2011}}</ref> Components of the data center can be prefabricated and standardized which facilitates moving if needed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.infoworld.com/d/green-it/hp-says-prefab-data-center-cuts-costs-in-half-837?page=0,0|title=HP says prefab data center cuts costs in half|first=James|last=Niccolai|date=2010-07-27}}</ref>