Implement a pay-per-use model across your entire IT infrastructure
Dell APEX Data Center Utility enables you to pay only for what you use, aligning costs with usage while maximizing scaling flexibility. Featuring Dell's top-tier products powered by Intel and comprehensive professional services, it simplifies data center management with a single monthly invoice based on actual usage.
Dell APEX solutions availability varies by region. Please contact your Dell Sales Representative for more information.
Scope your environment
Develop rate structure
Track usage
Review monthly
Custom-build a single pay-per-use agreement tailored to your workloads and technologies
Buffer Capacity
Variable payment based on usage. Buffer capacity activates when needed capacity is greater than baseline capacity.
Current Baseline Capacity
Expected to continue for entire term.
Increased Commitment Capacity
Trigger lower usage rates as workloads increase beyond initial committed capacity, by selecting high levels of committed capacity.
Increased Commitment Capacity
Trigger lower usage rates as workloads increase beyond initial committed capacity, by selecting high levels of committed capacity.
Dell APEX Data Center Utility resources
Frequently asked questions
What is Data Center Utility?
Data Center Utility (DCU) is an as-a-Service solution that provides on-premises infrastructure with a consumption-based payment model. The technology assets are owned by Dell and deployed directly in the customer’s data center, edge, or co-location facility. You are then billed based on your actual usage of the equipment over a fixed contract term. DCU is designed for large, enterprise scale environments and provides the highest degree of customization and flexibility with pricing across multiple assets and sites.
How does Dell APEX Data Center Utility work?
Dell collaborates with customers to determine capacity requirements, growth expectations, SLAs, and reporting requirements. After the required solutions have been identified, a contract with a rate structure and term duration will be negotiated. Once the contract is executed, automated tools record the actual consumption levels, and this data will be reported so that deployed capacity and resources can be optimized. After usage data is reviewed and approved by the customer, Dell will provide an invoice reflecting monthly charges for use of the equipment.
What are the main business benefits of using Dell APEX Data Center Utility?
The primary benefits include optimized IT spending by aligning costs with actual usage and faster response to changing business demands without overprovisioning resources. Other benefits include:
- Eliminates the need for up front capital expenditure
- Assets reside on Dell books, no need for fixed asset accounting
- Flexible pay-as-you-use pricing
- Avoids up front purchase based on assumed growth
- Delivery and Asset Management support to ensure just-in-time deployment of assets for growth
- Flexible commercial model with customizable resource units and minimum commitments
- Customer Success Manager who serves as a single point of contact after initial deployment
How is Dell APEX Data Center Utility different from public cloud services?
Unlike public cloud services, Dell APEX Data Center Utility keeps your infrastructure and data on-premises, giving you full control over data sovereignty, security, performance, and compliance. It is designed to deliver predictable performance for latency-sensitive workloads that are best suited for a private environment. This solution offers the best of both worlds: cloud-like agility with the security, performance, and control of on-premises infrastructure.
How does Data Center Utility compare to APEX Infrastructure?
APEX Infrastructure is meant for discrete projects that can support standardized terms and minimal customization, with a focus on the specific assets needed. DCU is meant for larger opportunities that usually involve multiple technologies deployed across several locations in different geographies. It is built to accommodate customized terms and conditions to address unique customer needs with a focus on the broad data center requirements. DCU provides greater flexibility in solution design, pricing models, billing metrics, and contract terms. It is the ideal choice for highly customized, large-scale as-a-Service requirements.
What makes Dell's approach to Data Center Utility unique compared to competitors?
Dell’s approach is unique due to its extensive technology portfolio, partner ecosystem, and over 12 years of experience in as a Service solutions. Data Center Utility has enabled dozens of organizations to migrate from predictable, fixed-payment solutions to a model with variable charges based on actual usage.
What kind of infrastructure can be included with Dell APEX Data Center Utility?
The service is available with all Dell Technologies products and services. Non-Dell products, often referred to as third-party products, can be considered when they are a catalyst or prerequisite to the solution and commercial acquisition terms of third-party technology support it.
How does the utility model handle scaling resources up or down?
The utility model is designed for effortless scalability, allowing you to adjust resources based on real-time business needs. You can easily add capacity to support growth or scale down during slower periods, ensuring your infrastructure is always right sized. This agility ensures you can meet performance demands without the time, cost and complexity of traditional procurement cycles.
What is the deployment process like for Dell APEX Data Center Utility?
The deployment process is streamlined and reliable, using Dell's professional services and global deployment resources. This approach ensures that your environment is deployed quickly and consistently according to best practices. It also minimizes setup risks and accelerates your time-to-value, allowing you to focus on innovation.
What security features are integrated into Dell APEX Data Center Utility?
Security is integrated at every level to ensure consistent policy enforcement and secure configurations across your environment. This built-in approach helps protect your infrastructure and data against modern threats while simplifying security management.
What level of support is provided with Dell APEX Data Center Utility?
Dell provides comprehensive, solution-level support to simplify issue resolution and maximize uptime. Data Center Utility includes dedicated support from a Designated Delivery Manager and Asset Manager. These experts help ensure the just-in-time deployment of new assets as your business grows. They provide oversight and management support to help you get the most value from your solution.
How does Data Center Utility differ from a standard CapEx purchase?
While a traditional CapEx purchase requires a significant upfront investment, Data Center Utility provides a monthly billing model. With DCU, you pay for what you use, which avoids over-provisioning and aligns costs with consumption. The assets are owned by Dell Technologies, simplifying your asset management and reducing the time and effort needed to recycle or dispose of unneeded equipment.
Who owns and manages the equipment in a Data Center Utility model?
In the Data Center Utility model, Dell Technologies retains ownership of all hardware and software assets. The customer is typically responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the technology within its environment; however, Dell can provide Managed Services if needed. This gives the customer control over their operations while benefiting from a consumption-based financial model.
What are the qualification requirements for Data Center Utility?
To qualify for a new Data Center Utility engagement, the project should involve multiple technologies deployed in large enterprise environments and the typical minimum threshold is a total contract value greater than five million USD. Acceptance is based primarily on the customer’s specific business and technical requirements.
Is it possible to get an exception if the minimum requirements are not met?
Yes, exceptions to the standard qualification criteria can be considered for unique situations. A DCU Business Development specialist can explain the process for requesting an exception. Keep in mind that solutions approved under an exception may have a higher per-unit rate to reflect the operational costs.