Micro data center company rolls out stackable data center for edge and AI
Network World · · g5506956
Australian micro data center specialist Zella DC has introduced a modular data center platform designed to bring more computing capacity into locations where conventional racks and purpose-built facilities are difficult to deploy. Called Zella Stack, the new system uses a stackable architecture that lets customers begin with a relatively small amount of infrastructure and add capacity as computing requirements grow. The company unveiled the platform at Yotta 2026 in Las Vegas. The approach is aimed at edge computing deployments, where space, installation time and physical access can be significant challenges. The Zella Stack modules are 12RU containers that measures approximately 51.2 × 27.6 × 22.8 inches. The stack is made up of up to four modules for 48RU of hardware capacity. A wheeled base module contains the infrastructure needed to operate the system, while additional IT modules are stacked above it to provide space for compute equipment. The modular design also lets customers configure the system around different power and cooling requirements. Customers can use either air or liquid cooling depending on heat density. The company says cooling options can reach as much as 124kW, making the platform potentially suitable for substantially higher-density workloads than traditional small edge installations. At the top end of the product line is the Zella Stack 48, which consists of a base module and three IT blocks. The system weighs approximately 185 kilograms/408 pounds and stands about 2.48 meters tall (just over eight feet) when fully assembled. The operating noise level of approximately 50 decibels. The company says the individual components can be deployed rapidly, potentially allowing an edge data center to be operational within days rather than requiring the construction and commissioning process associated with a conventional data center. Zella’s broader product portfolio is built around the same “ data center in a box ” concept. The company, formerly known as Zellabox, develops self-contained micro data centers for both indoor and outdoor deployment. Its systems integrate power, cooling, security and monitoring into compact enclosures. Stack runs on Zella Sense, a monitoring, control, and automation layer built into every Zella DC cabinet. It tracks power, cooling, servers, and suspicious activity, while monitoring things like temperature, humidity, smoke, motion, water, and doors through sensors. The system runs over SNMP, Modbus, and a full API, with email alerting and local, LDAP, RADIUS, or TACACS+ authentication. That means an edge location can be remotely monitored without requiring local staff. It also comes with access control and fire protection. Zella Stack is an indoor-only offering. Zella DC sells Zella Outback as its standalone, ruggedized outdoor micro data center , and the company says an outdoor version of Stack is planned for the second half of 2027.
Australian micro data center specialist Zella DC has introduced a modular data center platform designed to bring more computing capacity into locations where conventional racks and purpose-built facilities are difficult to deploy. Called Zella Stack, the new system uses a stackable architecture that lets customers begin with a relatively small amount of infrastructure and add capacity as computing requirements grow. The company unveiled the platform at Yotta 2026 in Las Vegas. The approach is aimed at edge computing deployments, where space, installation time and physical access can be significant challenges. The Zella Stack modules are 12RU containers that measures approximately 51.2 × 27.6 × 22.8 inches. The stack is made up of up to four modules for 48RU of hardware capacity. A wheeled base module contains the infrastructure needed to operate the system, while additional IT modules are stacked above it to provide space for compute equipment. The modular design also lets customers configure the system around different power and cooling requirements. Customers can use either air or liquid cooling depending on heat density. The company says cooling options can reach as much as 124kW, making the platform potentially suitable for substantially higher-density workloads than traditional small edge installations. At the top end of the product line is the Zella Stack 48, which consists of a base module and three IT blocks. The system weighs approximately 185 kilograms/408 pounds and stands about 2.48 meters tall (just over eight feet) when fully assembled. The operating noise level of approximately 50 decibels. The company says the individual components can be deployed rapidly, potentially allowing an edge data center to be operational within days rather than requiring the construction and commissioning process associated with a conventional data center. Zella’s broader product portfolio is built around the same “ data center in a box ” concept. The company, formerly known as Zellabox, develops self-contained micro data centers for both indoor and outdoor deployment. Its systems integrate power, cooling, security and monitoring into compact enclosures. Stack runs on Zella Sense, a monitoring, control, and automation layer built into every Zella DC cabinet. It tracks power, cooling, servers, and suspicious activity, while monitoring things like temperature, humidity, smoke, motion, water, and doors through sensors. The system runs over SNMP, Modbus, and a full API, with email alerting and local, LDAP, RADIUS, or TACACS+ authentication. That means an edge location can be remotely monitored without requiring local staff. It also comes with access control and fire protection. Zella Stack is an indoor-only offering. Zella DC sells Zella Outback as its standalone, ruggedized outdoor micro data center , and the company says an outdoor version of Stack is planned for the second half of 2027.