IIJ to Implement Micro Data Center for Edge Computing Platform Demonstration at Its Shiroi Data Center Campus | News

October 4, 2021
Internet Initiative Japan Inc.

TOKYO-October 4, 2021-Internet Initiative Japan Inc. (TSE1: 3774), one of Japan's leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers, announced it implements micro data center (MDC) for edge computing(*) platform demonstration. IIJ deployed MDC on the premises of Shiroi Data Center Campus (Shiroi DCC).

(*)Edge computing: A distributed computing architecture for processing and analyzing data on the edge device like IoT or servers close to edge devices.

The MDC, from Australian manufacturer Zella DC, is the first to be installed in Japan. It is a 12U (W 68.5 cm, H 100 cm, D 110 cm) model of the available range of 12U to 38U. It comes equipped with the functions a data center needs, including a cooling unit, an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), environmental sensors, security cameras, and physical security, including a remote-controlled electronic lock. In addition, it has waterproof/dustproof performance and sound insulation, so it can be deployed anywhere, indoors and outdoor. For instance, an MDC can be installed physically close to IoT devices. It works for the edge computing platform of factory automation (FA) or other applications that requires ultra-low latency or a high level of security. MDC is also suitable for on-premise small machine rooms at customer sites. IIJ verifies the MDC facility and develops remote monitoring and operation scheme through this demonstration.
IIJ plans to develop a solution that will enable customers to easily and quickly deploy and operate their MDC-based edge computing platform. IIJ will launch the solution within FY2021.

Shiroi Data Center

Background

With growing digital transformation (DX), the public sector and enterprise shift their IT platforms to the cloud. The explosive growth of edge computing is almost certain to lead. Edge computing optimize network/cloud explosive workload and costs by distributing data processing. The gradual roll-out of 5G makes Multi-access edge computing (MEC)(*) more common. 5G and MEC technologies are able to implement smart factories, telemedicine, autonomous driving, and other applications that require low-latency processing, efficient communication processing, and security.

Digital/IT platform will be hybrids of cloud computing and on-premise/edge computing. IIJ already has containerized data center solution, "co-IZmo". IIJ adds MDC to its data center solution lineup, providing data center services and solutions that meet its customers' diverse needs, from cloud to edge environments.

(*)Multi-access edge computing (MEC) is an architecture that provides cloud computing capabilities and services at the edge of the network. MEC reduces latency, ensures highly efficient network operation and service delivery. It improves the customer experience.

Demonstration Overview

Verify equipment and autonomous operation scenarios for outdoor MDC
Develop remote monitoring and operation from the management system at Shiroi DCC

After the MDC technical demonstration, IIJ plans the MEC PoC (Proof of Concept) with its IoT, local 5G, and IIJ GIO cloud services.

Demonstration period

Scheduled for September 30, 2021 - November 2021

Concept Diagram

Zella DC's Endorsement

We are excited about this partnership with IIJ and to deploy our first Zella Hut in Japan. Edge Computing and 5G Connectivity are at the core of our business. It's great to be part of this trial and to work with IIJ to develop this innovative solution.

Angie Keeler, Zella DC CEO and Co-founder

About Zella DC

Zella DC is a next-generation data centre provider disrupting traditional server rooms and enabling the Edge, based in Perth, Australia. Their micro data centre is more cost-effective and significantly more flexible - it's a game-changer. As a specialist global micro data centre manufacturer established in 2010, they have been enabling the Edge with three key considerations, efficient, robust, and intelligent. Over a decade ago, Zella DC pioneered the micro data centre. Since then, they have been proven to work in the harshest environments on earth. The result is a vendor-agnostic approach to software, hardware manufactured to global standards, and clients and partners across six continents. They have targeted organisations that will need to process data at the Edge of the network. Their typical clients are hot and dusty mining sites, telecom, shipbuilder, government, health, and other enterprises. Zella DC is the time-proven micro data centre solution for edge deployment.

For more information on Zella DC, see https://www.zelladc.com/ .

About IIJ

Founded in 1992, IIJ is one of Japan's leading Internet-access and comprehensive network solutions providers. IIJ and its group companies provide total network solutions that mainly cater to high-end corporate customers. IIJ's services include high-quality Internet connectivity services, systems integration, cloud computing services, security services and mobile services. Moreover, IIJ has built one of the largest Internet backbone networks in Japan that is connected to the United States, the United Kingdom and Asia. IIJ was listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 2006.

For more information about IIJ, visit the IIJ Web site at https://www.iij.ad.jp/en/.

The statements within this release contain forward-looking statements about our future plans that involve risk and uncertainty. These statements may differ materially from actual future events or results.

For inquiries, contact

IIJ Corporate Communications

+81-3-5205-6310
+81-3-5205-6377
press@iij.ad.jp

(*) All company names and service names used in this press release are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.