China fights quakes with modular data centre

21.11.2008
The China National Disaster Reduction Centre (CNDRC) has recently been given a Sun Microsystems' modular data centre to help build a world-class satellite disaster reduction application system in China.

The Sun modular data centre operates as a virtualised data centre that meets CNDRC's data centre expansion and mobility requirements. The modular data centre integrates computing, storage and networking in an enhanced 20 shipping container with cooling capacity, monitoring and a power splitting system which is said to be easy to deploy and applicable in an outdoor setting such as disaster-stricken areas.

Formally established under the ministry of civil affairs in April 2002, the China National Disaster Reduction Centre is tasked with improving national comprehensive disaster reduction work through its collection and analysis of disaster information, timely on-site support, and disaster analysis and scientific research.

"Sun's donation of the revolutionary Sun MD (modular data centre) demonstrates its deep concern for the welfare of the Chinese people, especially those affected in the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake in May. As a prominent company, Sun realises its commitment to social responsibility." said Dou Yupei, vice minister of China's ministry of civil affairs.

In 12 May 2008, Sichuan province of China was hit by an earthquake measured at 8.0 on the Richter scale. Official figures state that 69,227 were confirmed dead, including 68,636 in Sichuan province, and 374,176 injured, with 18,222 listed as missing.

Disaster monitoring and forecasting