Vertiv has introduced SmartRun, a prefabricated infrastructure solution for data centers designed specifically for artificial intelligence workloads. This move highlights how the increasing demand for computational resources for AI is straining traditional data center construction methods.

Accelerating construction times

The need to accelerate data center construction is closely linked to AI model training and high-performance computing. These workloads often exceed the capabilities of traditional data centers. Traditional construction methods, which involve the separate installation of power, cooling, and cabling, struggle to keep pace with the speed required by modern AI environments. Prefabrication is emerging as a solution to reduce this friction, assembling systems off-site and installing them as pre-integrated units.

Liquid cooling: from edge case to necessity

Cooling is another critical area. With AI servers generating more and more heat, liquid cooling is becoming a necessity. Many existing data centers, designed for air cooling, lack the infrastructure needed to support liquid-based systems. SmartRun integrates a prefabricated stainless steel piping system, providing a ready-made path for liquid cooling deployment.

An integrated approach

By integrating power, cooling, and network infrastructure into a single system, Vertiv aims to reduce the number of components involved in new builds and upgrades. This could translate into more predictable timelines and fewer coordination problems during installation. For those evaluating on-premise deployments, there are trade-offs to consider carefully, as highlighted by the analytical frameworks available on AI-RADAR in the /llm-onpremise section.

Strategic implications for Vertiv

This launch indicates a shift in Vertiv's approach to the data center market. Instead of focusing on individual components, the company is increasingly offering infrastructure as integrated systems, supported by long-term services. SmartRun is supported by Vertiv's liquid cooling and services teams, which provide installation, maintenance, and optimization support for liquid-cooled environments.