Moving computing power to the edge has become essential for many business functions, but some environments, like oil refineries, cell towers, and even battlefields, present much harsher and more complex conditions than traditional, or even indoor, IT settings. Traditional IT environments provide the ideal conditions for sensitive equipment: controlled temperature, restricted access, environmental separation. Harsh IT environments differ significantly, oftentimes featuring unpredictable, wide temperature ranges and unrestricted access to the space. This added challenge can have a detrimental impact on equipment, operations, and the environment itself.
Yet, at the same time, the demand for IT infrastructure in these settings is only set to increase in the coming months and years as at home shopping and delivery, US-based manufacturing, and 5G applications continue to rise. Many industries will need to grapple with the risks associated with building IT equipment in harsh, outdoor environments. Fortunately, there are ways to mitigate these risks and prevent costly equipment failures.