Data Center Rack Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Rack Type (Cabinets/Enclosed Racks and Open Frame Racks), By Data Center Size (Small and Mid-sized Data Centers and Large Data Centers), By Rack Height (40U and Below, 41U up to 50U, and Above 51U), By Industry (BFSI, Retail, IT & Telecom, Government, Healthcare, and Others), and Regional Forecasts, 2024-2032

The global data center rack market size was valued at USD 5.73 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 6.21 billion in 2024 to USD 13.80 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period (2024-2032).

A data center rack is a frame used to store and arrange servers, computing equipment, networking devices, and other hardware in a data center or server room. These racks are made of metal and have vertical posts with holes for mounting. They come in different sizes and configurations such as 23-inch racks, 19-inch racks, and more, based on industry standards.

These racks offer safe and orderly areas for IT equipment such as servers, switches, routers, storage devices, and more. Additionally, they come with built-in features or can be fitted with a cooling system to ensure the right temperature for the enclosed equipment. Data center rack solutions are utilized in various sectors including IT & telecom, BFSI, government, retail, and healthcare. A data center rack is mainly designed to store servers of various shapes and sizes, such as rack-mounted or blade servers. While their main purpose is to accommodate servers, some racks are also designed to hold other components, such as networking equipment, telecommunication equipment, cooling systems, and UPS.

The data center market growth is majorly attributed to the widespread adoption of cloud computing services by businesses and organizations, significant capital inflow by private equity firms, infrastructure funds, sovereign wealth, and other organizations into the data center ecosystem, and the rapid rollout of 5G across the world. 5G technology enables faster data transmission speeds and lower latency, driving the proliferation of data-intensive applications such as high-definition video streaming, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices. This surge in data traffic necessitates the expansion of data center infrastructure to handle the increased workload, leading to a higher demand for data racks to house servers, networking equipment, and storage devices.

The novel coronavirus pandemic augmented market growth due to the increased use of tech, social media & online streaming, and a rapid shift to remote working. According to the Asia Pacific Investor Intentions Survey by CBRE, in 2020, around 30% of respondents across the Asia Pacific region considered investing in data centers during the COVID-19 pandemic, a remarkable growth from 18% recorded in 2019.

IMPACT OF GENERATIVE AI

Increased Computational Demand for Training and Deploying Generative AI Models to Fuel Market Growth

Generative AI-powered chatbots have been making waves since the launch of ChatGPT. The ChatGPT is an AI chatbot that represents a major advancement in generative AI systems and has the potential to transform several industries. The growing adoption of generative AI applications is anticipated to increase demand for IT infrastructure. Generative AI has significantly impacted the architecture of AI clusters, needing a larger neural network and more hardware. This, in turn, results in the consumption of multiple megawatts of power, requiring denser server racks and cutting-edge cooling systems.

The energy required to train various AI models is contributing to high carbon emissions, prompting data center operators to prioritize more innovative and sustainable IT infrastructure to minimize their carbon footprint. Furthermore, due to the requirement of high computational power and storage, AI applications drive the demand for specialized racks capable of supporting high-density computing and storage infrastructure, leading to increased sales of racks.  

Data Center Rack Market Trends

Rise in Adoption of High-density and Modular Rack Designs to Propel the Market Growth

Data center operators are increasingly adopting high-density racks to accommodate more computing power in smaller footprints. This trend is majorly driven by the need for energy efficiency and space optimization in hyperscale data centers. As per the "2022 Global Data Center Survey" by Uptime Institute, more than a third of data center operators stated that their rack densities have increased rapidly in the last three years. This shift is majorly driven by the rapid adoption of high-performance computing (HPC) applications in aerospace, seismic engineering, 3D modeling, research and development, simulation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), weather forecasting, big data analytics, and 3D film rendering.

Traditional air cooling cannot dissipate the extreme heat generated by servers in a high-density rack, making it crucial for rack vendors to upgrade cooling technology systems. In high-density racks, liquid cooling solutions are majorly used to manage the heat generated by servers. These solutions use coolant to efficiently dissipate heat from servers and other hardware. Moreover, the racks used in data centers are becoming more modular, allowing for easy scalability. This approach simplifies the adoption or removal of equipment as needed, aligning with changing business requirements. Modular data center racks are equipped with efficient cable management solutions for reducing clutter and improving airflow. Innovations in cable management within racks help optimize data center performance.

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Data Center Rack Market Growth Factors

Increasing Number of Data Center Facilities across the Globe to Boost Market Growth

Data centers play an important role in efficiently managing vast amounts of data generated from digital services, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, social media, and online transactions. As a result, businesses and organizations require more data center capacities to store and process this data. As per Avendus Capital Private Limited, data centre market in India is poised to reach around 1,700 MW capacity by 2025 at approximately 40% CAGR, attracting USD 5 billion. The increasing demand for data storage and processing capacity fuels the construction of data centers, thereby driving the demand for racks to house server equipment.

Increasing concerns about energy consumption and environmental impact generated by data centers is another major factor attributed to the data center rack market growth. According to Vertiv Group Corp., data centers were responsible for about 3% of global electricity consumption in 2022 and are expected to reach 4% by 2030. This has led to the adoption of energy-efficient data center infrastructure, including racks designed to optimize airflow and cooling efficiency, thereby reducing operational costs and environmental footprint.

Governments and regulators across the world are closely monitoring the development of data centers to address sustainability concerns emerging from energy-intensive facilities and are imposing sustainability standards on newly built data centers. For instance,

• In January 2024, a new data center efficiency bill HB 116 was presented in the Virginia House of Delegates, mandating data center operators to meet various energy efficiency conditions. As per the bill, the operators of data centers would only be eligible for sales and utilize tax exemptions if they achieve a power usage effectiveness score of 1.2 or less.

Such developments are anticipated to increase the demand for racks with optimal airflow management, thereby reducing environmental impact.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Supply Chain Disruptions and High Initial Investment to Hamper the Market Growth

Global supply chain disruptions caused by ongoing geopolitical instability, material shortages, macroeconomic volatility, manufacturing delays, and transportation bottlenecks impact the availability and cost of data center racks. These supply chain challenges are anticipated to delay timely deployments and strain procurement of rack components and accessories.

In addition, building and maintaining data center facilities, including racks, is expensive. This includes costs related to construction, cooling systems, electricity, and ongoing maintenance. Cost considerations can impact the decision to expand or upgrade rack infrastructure for some price-sensitive customers. High-density racks generate more heat, which requires robust cooling solutions, presenting a challenge in balancing power and cooling needs. Incorporating new racks into existing data center facilities can be complex and time-consuming. Compatibility issues, interoperability challenges, and the requirement of skilled personnel to handle rack deployment and maintenance can pose restraints for organizations. 

Data Center Rack Market Segmentation Analysis

By Rack Type Analysis

Growing Importance of Physical Security of the Equipment to Augment Cabinets/Enclosed Racks Demand

Based on rack type, the market is segmented into cabinets/enclosed racks and open frame racks.

Cabinets/enclosed racks to hold major data center rack market share during the forecast period. The locked enclosures of these racks ensure physical security for the equipment. With the rise of generative AI and the need to quickly expand AI workloads, numerous users quickly looked for new IT infrastructure. Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft, and Google are currently delivering large amounts of computing power to customer sites, such as private data centers, central offices, and on-premises locations within businesses. This allows customers to create and operate cloud-based applications from their own facilities, utilizing the platform provided by the service provider.

Additionally, the open frame racks segment is predicted to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period due to the numerous advantages offered they offer such as easy access to IT equipment and cabling, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness. Open frame racks are inexpensive compared to enclosed server racks. The open frame racks are easier to ship, enabling customers to save money while buying, transporting, and installing it.

By Data Center Size Analysis

Large Data Centers Segment Dominated the Market Owing to Proliferation of Digital Technologies

Based on data center size, the market for data center rack is divided into small & medium-sized enterprises and large enterprises.

Large data centers dominated the market in 2023 due to the increasing demand for data storage and processing capacity across the world. This is driven by the proliferation of digital services, cloud computing, IoT, and big data analytics fuels the construction of large data centers, thereby driving the demand for racks to house server equipment.

Small and mid sized data centers are expected to grow with the highest CAGR during the forecast period, as they are cost-effective, flexible, and scalable, making it easier to adapt to a rapidly changing business landscape. In addition, they are easy to install and maintain. Their simplified operations, with less complexity in terms of infrastructure, networking, and equipment, contribute to their growth.

By Rack Height Analysis

41U up to 50U Rack Segment Dominated the Market Owing to Ability to Provide High Security to Data Center Equipment

Based on the rack height, the market is divided into 40U and below, 41U up to 50U, and above 51U.

41U up to 50U dominated the market in 2023, as 43U racks come with advanced locking mechanisms and other security features to safeguard the equipment from unauthorized access, adding an extra layer of physical security. Furthermore, enterprises can gain higher equipment density and consolidation using a 43U rack, minimizing the necessity for additional rack units and optimizing space usage.

40U and below racks are anticipated to expand at the highest CAGR, as they are more space-efficient and highly suitable for settings with limited available floor space including small server rooms or office closets. In addition, smaller racks are more inexpensive than larger ones, and they need less physical space, which results in lower construction and operational costs.    

By Industry Analysis

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Increasing Dependence on E-commerce Operations Propels the Adoption of Data Center Racks in Retail

By industry, the market is categorized into BFSI, retail, IT & telecom, government, healthcare, and others (education and media & entertainment).

The retail segment dominated the data center rack market in 2023, as retailers with online stores and e-commerce platforms depend on data center racks for hosting their websites, managing databases, and facilitating online shopping applications. Moreover, these racks aid in efficiently monitoring and controlling inventory levels.

The healthcare sector is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR in the coming years. The healthcare sector's growing focus on digital technologies leads to a significant increase in data, ranging from electronic health records (EHRs) to medical imaging. These storage systems ensure the safekeeping and organization of this sensitive information. As a result, the rapid adoption of digital technologies in healthcare is expected to drive market growth in the foreseeable future.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Geographically, the market for data center rack is studied across five major regions, including North America, South America, Europe, the Middle East & Africa, and the Asia Pacific. They are further categorized into countries.

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North America is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period. The growth in this region can be attributed to the rapid adoption of data centers, the surge in the adoption of AI applications across various sectors, and strong technology investment activity bolstered by government funding and support. The regional growth can also be attributed to the presence of well-established IT software and hardware providers such as HPE, Dell Inc., and Vertiv Group Corp., among others.

The U.S. has maintained its dominant position in the region due to the robust investment in AI research. As per the new report by Stanford University, the U.S. government spending on AI contracts reached around USD 3.3 billion in 2022. Furthermore, the U.S. boasts the highest number of data centers globally. In the U.S., Northern Virginia is currently the largest data center market in the world, with over 275 facilities. Additionally, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Chicago and Silicon Valley are witnessing significant construction activity. These advancements are expected to drive market expansion in the coming years.

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Moreover, the Asia Pacific market is anticipated to show the highest growth rate due to the increasing demand for data storage and processing capacity in the region.  The proliferation of digital services, cloud computing, IoT, and big data analytics fuels the construction of data centers, thereby driving the demand for racks to house server equipment. The rollout of 5G networks and the expansion of telecommunications services across the region further augment market growth in the region. In 2019, South Korea became the first country across the globe to roll out a nationwide 5G network, followed by Australia, China, the Philippines, and New Zealand.  

The market in Europe is primarily fueled by robust AI and ML investments, the presence of high-quality digital infrastructure, and the rapid adoption of HPC. Many companies in Europe are investing in data center facilities to support digital government initiatives, public services, and data analytics. For instance,

• In January 2024, Alphabet Inc. (Google) announced an investment of USD 1 billion in the U.K. for a new data center, aimed at addressing the rising demand for internet services in the country.    

In South America, the adoption of cloud-based solutions is expected to augment market growth. Brazil is anticipated to maintain its dominant position on account of the rapid adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies in the manufacturing sector, requiring racks to support automation, IoT devices, and data analytics in production environments. 

The Middle East & African countries are increasingly adopting digital technologies. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are increasingly spending on high-tech technology as part of economic transformation strategies. All these factors are expected to offer ample growth opportunities to market players in the region.  

List of Key Companies in Data Center Rack Market

Key Players Focused on Strengthening their Market Position to Boost their Product Portfolio

The global market is dominated by the leading players such as Schneider Electric SE, Vertiv Group Corp., Eaton Corporation plc, Cyber Power Systems, Inc., Legrand S.A., nVent Electric plc, Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP, Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, Dell Technologies Inc., and FUJITSU Limited.

These key players are expanding their operations by adopting strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, product launches, collaborations, and partnerships. For instance, in May 2023, nVent Electric plc launched RDHX PRO rear door coolers (RDC) for cooling high-density racks up to 78kW. RDC helps to meet the demand for the increasing use of AI-based applications, higher energy efficiency and sustainability, and the requirement for data center space utilization.

List of Key Companies Profiled:

• Schneider Electric SE (France)


• Vertiv Group Corp. (U.S.)


• Eaton Corporation plc (Ireland)


• Cyber Power Systems, Inc. (Taiwan)


• Legrand S.A. (France)


• nVent Electric plc (U.K.)


• Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP (U.S.)


• Rittal GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)


• Dell Technologies Inc. (U.S.)


• FUJITSU Limited (Japan) 

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• August 2023: Cyber Power Systems, Inc. redesigned their server racks and rack accessories to lighter and smaller models. The new server racks include CR42U11001, a 42U freestanding server rack, and three wall-mount rack models in various sizes from 6U to 12U.


• March 2023: Vertiv Group Corp. launched Intelligent Fingerprint Rack Access Control System (iFACS) in India. iFACS helps to secure racks housing equipment, assets, and enterprise data.


• February 2023: Eaton added Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, a manufacturer of enclosures to its xModular partner programme to augment innovations within the modular data center space.


• May 2022: Legrand unveiled a new Nexpand configure-to-order cabinet series for data centers. Nexpand cabinets feature solid doors, and electronic temper-proof locks, with superior cable management system. Nexpand offers the scalability and sustainable architecture required to support the rise in Internet-of-Things (IoT) connectivity, 5G services, edge computing, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.


• April 2022: Rittal GmbH & Co. KG announced a partnership with TD SYNNEX Corporation, an IT distribution firm to distribute IT rack enclosures and accessories to information technology (IT) customers through TD SYNNEX.

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The report offers qualitative and quantitative insights into the market and a detailed analysis of the size & growth rate for all possible segments in the market. It also provides an elaborative analysis of market dynamics, emerging trends, and the competitive landscape. The report offers key insights, such as the implementation of automation in specific market segments, recent industry developments, such as partnerships, mergers, funding, acquisitions, consolidated SWOT analysis of key players, business strategies of leading market players, macro & micro economic indicators, and major industry trends. This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive view of the market and its potential for growth and development.

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