Off-Shore Backup

We’ve all heard of, and understand the importance of, off-site backup, but what about offshore? According to an article on Data Center Knowledge, off-shore could be the new off-site for those willing to brave the high seas. Apparently, a nautically fixated company, known as IDS (International Data Security), is planning to build data centers on de-commissioned cargo ships.

Concerns in the comments of the post reflect the sort of things you may imagine, particularly hurricanes, tsunamis and other potential oceanic disasters. However, the company literature claims that being afloat is actual protection against natural catastrophes. While I’m not sure I buy that (disaster-proof on the gulf coast?), I’m intrigued enough to want more info.

There are a couple of interesting “green” components to the plans to please those of us concerned about the impending global meltdown to which data storage is contributing to on an increasingly high level. Backup is still nowhere close to cow flatulence in terms of greenhouse gas emissions, but it is an increasing worry. The cargo ship data center claims a significant decrease in cooling costs due to being waist deep in sea water as well as an intention to make use of bio fuel and recycled drive heat.

Port security and weather concerns are definitely going to cause some hesitation when deciding to get on board with this project (I know, terrible pun), but it is an exciting way to recycle space. I will definitely be keeping an eye on IDS.