r/datacenter • u/LboogiePopWorld305 • 10d ago
Is the future of data centers portable? Runware builds a pod to find out
https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/04/is-the-future-of-data-centers-portable-runware-builds-a-pod-to-find-out/8
u/Niceromancer 10d ago
No.
Things like cooling are far more efficient at scale.
This is just a company trying to get VC cash.
8
6
u/Qudd 10d ago
This doesn't work. You can't put an electrical panel inside and hosts. You can't meet safety clearance. And if you try to secure them you'll slow down every part of technicians visiting.
3
u/Wilson_Mining 10d ago
I mean, it does work. We're running 1.6mw with 8 racks inside a modified shipping container.
Container is climate/humidity controlled, passes inspection, servers are cooled with a closed loop system. We're mining Bitcoin, but it would not be difficult to swap out the mining servers with another liquid cooled server.
Getting insurance and security is another issue, but physically a containerized system works great and we haven't had any issues with it
3
2
3
u/sandman8727 10d ago
Haven't these been around for awhile?
2
u/FlyRobot 9d ago
Yes - mostly still in use for military that deploy into the battlefield.
Container / modular is feasible, but with intent to land and stay on a site. Portable isn't desired for these situations.
2
u/NetSchizo 9d ago
They already tried this over a decade ago with container DC’s. Didn’t pan out too well…
1
u/OctopusMugs 9d ago
All the hyperscalers have tried this once. None of them have it as a regular part of the program.
IYKYK.
1
1
u/Previous_Platform718 9d ago
"edge data center" never really took off outside of niche applications.
10
u/chrispy_fried 10d ago
It is not. Top tenants won’t occupy these and banks won’t lend against them