The winner of the Racks category is the Vertiv VRC-S Edge-Ready Micro Data Center System. The judges chose this product because it offers a comprehensive IT solution in a plug-and-play system that quickly and easily installs in edge applications or wherever IT need is. The solution offers a pre-integrated IT rack that incorporates the Vertiv Geist PDU for intelligent switched outlet level monitoring across the rack; the Vertiv VRC self-contained rack cooling kit, offering up to 3.5 kW of energy-efficient cooling with an integrated heat rejection system; and embedded Vertiv Intelligence Director software for remote monitoring and management of all system components.
Customer feedback identified the need for a complete infrastructure solution — rack, cooling, power, and UPS — in a compact footprint for edge applications with airflow challenges. Ease of installation was also critical. Based on customer input, Vertiv developed a system with increased airflow management in the front of the rack to decrease hot air mixing with cool air within the rack.