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Sun Microsystems renamed Project Blackbox as the Sun Modular Datacenter (Sun MD) S20 when it announced the product on January 29, 2008. It was a containerized data center built into an ISO-standard shipping container—not a consumer product or a change to Sun’s corporate name.

What was Project Blackbox?

Project Blackbox was Sun’s name for an enterprise data-center system housed in a shipping container. At its January 2008 launch, Sun marketed it as the Sun Modular Datacenter, or Sun MD S20. The container carried servers and network infrastructure, with the aim of deploying data-center capacity in a modular form.

ITmedia Enterprise reported that the system was intended for organizations in manufacturing, healthcare, and telecommunications. Those are the sectors named in the 2008 report, not evidence of a limit on other potential customers.

What did the Sun MD S20 offer?

ITmedia Enterprise reported maximum capacity figures of 250 servers, 7 terabytes of memory, and 2 petabytes of storage. These are figures reported in the 2008 launch coverage, not independently verified specifications here.

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#1 Best Overall
Kendall Howard 24" Performance 100 Series LAN Station - Folkstone
  • Patent pending open frame design
  • Completely modular
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  • Fully adjustable upper shelving in any increment
  • 7 layer laminate coating on the main surface to protect against damage

The announcement also described Sun MD Suite of Services, covering site preparation and validation, integration with a customer’s IT infrastructure, and remote monitoring. The service offering addressed the practical work around deploying the container, not just the equipment inside it.

When did Sun announce the rebrand?

Sun announced the product as Sun MD S20 on January 29, 2008, local time. ITmedia Enterprise published its report on January 30, 2008. The coverage presents the new name as part of the product launch, rather than as a separate later rebrand.

Rank #2
VEVOR 22U Network Cabinet Wall Mount, 23.6 in Depth, 300 lbs Max Load Capacity Server Cabinet Rack Enclosure with Locking Tempered Glass Door, Side Panels, Server Rack for IT Equipment, A/V Devices
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  • Tough and Built to Last: Constructed with a solid welded frame, our network cabinet is designed for durability and long-lasting performance. It can support up to 300 lbs (136 kg), providing solid, reliable support for multiple devices
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  • Installation Made Easy: Enjoy a hassle-free setup with our fully adjustable square-hole mounting rails. The wall mount server cabinet comes with multiple wiring holes, making it a breeze to organize and route your cables neatly

What was planned for Japan?

The report said Sun planned a Japanese product announcement during April through June 2008. It does not confirm whether that announcement took place or whether the product became available in Japan, so the plan should not be treated as a completed launch.

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What is known about Sun MD today?

The 2008 announcement establishes what Sun said it was launching at the time; it does not establish whether the S20 or Sun MD Suite of Services is available today, who supports it now, or what became of the planned Japan announcement.

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Rank #3
VEVOR 6U Wall Mount Network Server Cabinet, 14.8'' Deep, Server Rack Cabinet Enclosure, 200 lbs Max. Ground-Mounted Load Capacity, with Locking Glass Door Side Panels, for IT Equipment, A/V Devices
  • Space Saving: Maximum depth: 14.8". Use the wall mount network cabinet to maximize available space for retail locations, classrooms, back offices, network cabinets, and other locations where space is limited.
  • Fast Heat Dissipation: The server cabinet is designed with vents to optimize airflow and avoid critical IT equipment overheating. Heat sink holes in the top, bottom, and rear panels are more conducive to heat dissipation.
  • Sturdy Construction: Robust welded frame construction for durability and long service life. With 100 lbs wall-mounted load capacity and 200 lbs ground-mounted load capacity, you can place multiple devices in the server rack cabinet as needed.
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Source: ITmedia Enterprise, “Sun、輸送コンテナ型データセンターを投入,” January 30, 2008.

Best Value
Tecmojo 18U Wall Mount Rack,18U Rack 23.6 Inch Depth,Hold Up to 176 Lbs,Server Rack with Casters,Enclosed Network Cabinet for 19 Inch Network,Server and AV Gear,Mesh Door(Elite Collection)
  • Professional Steel Construction: 18u server rack is made from premium cold-rolled steel with a powder-coated finish, the Tecmojo Elite Series cabinet supports up to 176 lbs wall-mounted and 350 lbs floor-mounted, providing a strong, reliable housing solution for IT and server equipment.Maximum mounting depth is 21.3"
  • Space-Efficient Design:18u rack is compatible with standard 19" rack equipment, it offers flexible installation for both freestanding and wall-mounted configurations. Expanded side access enhances cable management and organization
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  • Easy & Customizable Equipment Setup: server cabinet With removable side panels, security locks, and included casters, the cabinet offers flexible configurations and mobility, making it easy to set up wherever the job requires
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Sale
ElaraBerry 2U Cantilever Server Shelf Rack Mount 19 Inch 2 Piece Set Center Weighted Vented Tray for AV Data Network Equipment Enclosure, 110lb Capacity, 10 Inch Deep, Black(2U10InD)
  • Modular Dual-Piece Design: this 19-inch rack shelf features a modular two-piece structure, offering flexible front, rear, or single-sided mounting for standard server racks and network cabinets to support custom IT and AV setups
  • Heavy Duty Alloy Steel Build: crafted from alloy steel, this vented rack mount tray supports up to 110 pounds, with a center-weighted design that prevents sagging and keeps heavy network switches and servers stable
  • Optimized Space Management: at 10 inches deep, this server rack shelf is ideal for shallow 19-inch enclosures, organizing cluttered data closets and providing a sturdy platform for non-rackable gear without wasting vertical rack space
  • Slotted Ventilation for Thermal Control: the slotted venting pattern promotes consistent airflow, helping to prevent equipment overheating and protect sensitive network devices like routers and switches in server room environments
  • Universal Compatibility: designed to fit all standard 19-inch cabinets and open frames, this server rack shelf includes all necessary hardware to streamline your studio or server room organization immediately

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