Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/709701
10 | THE DATA CENTER JOURNAL www.datacenterjournal.com of which are off ), you're wasting power. In this case, you know that you can add more equipment to that rack, or you can decide that you don't need the rack at all and can reclaim space in the data center. A DCIM system can also help with mean time to resolution (MTTR), resil- iency and disaster planning. You can run simulations to see what happens if a PDU fails, for example. It's far better to simulate scenarios than it is to go into the data center, unplug equipment and see what goes down. DCIM soware helps you simulate scenarios in less dangerous ways, and it allows you to report projections to management or use for disaster-recovery planning. Resolution times also improve. With- out a DCIM system, a help desk might have to log into three or four systems to diagnose a problem with a device, whereas DCIM provides a single point of interface so managers can tell precisely where the device is, how it's connected, and how it's cooled and powered. e combined infor- mation allows them to get the device back up and running more quickly. Finally, DCIM helps you avoid failures. It can interface with applications that tell you when servers are running hot—if a fan is starting to fail, for example. If a hardware parameter is something another system can query, the DCIM can integrate with that system and show where the device is by cabinet number and rack position. All of the benefits, however, depend on strong established processes. If you have well-defined processes, you should stick with them, and the DCIM should allow you to improve them and address gaps. But if you lack well-defined pro- cesses, the DCIM vendor or partner can help you establish them. choosing a dciM sysTeM ere are four main features to look for when choosing a DCIM system. • Open APIs allow you to integrate DCIM with other important new and legacy applications. For example, network discovery is a major function, and although some DCIM systems offer it, most organizations already have some type of network-monitoring solution. DCIM works with existing systems and takes advantage of the investment you've already made and and the processes that you have in place, in addition to unleashing the power of managing your monitored data. • Intelligence at the physical layer is cru- cial. Choose a DCIM system that works well with AIM and is proven to comple- ment an intelligent physical layer. • Asset management is valuable, so being able to integrate information from a CMDB is important. Your enterprise might know that an asset exists, but a DCIM product can tell you precisely which building, rack and rack position it's in. • Reporting and dashboard capabilities are important, whether it's a capability in the DCIM system or the ability to propagate data to a business-intelligence (BI) framework, you should have the flexibility to go either way. Many organizations have already made an in- vestment in a BI tool with which people are already familiar, and processes are already defined around that tool. A DCIM solution can help bring addi- tional value to those reports and charts. By combining monitored data with asset information (e.g., space reserved for a business unit versus actual space consumed), managers can make better decisions regarding capacity and usage. DCIM systems serve as the glue that unifies disparate sets of information under one interface. Taking your monitored data systems, combining them and adding in asset information, DCIM provides the comprehensive data center view you need to effectively expand your facility. It will allow you to move beyond monitoring and into active management of your data center. n about the authors leaann carl: Product-line manager, aim - LeaAnn Carl is the product-line manager responsible for CommScope's automated infrastructure management (AIM) solution. LeaAnn has more than 15 years of experience in software product development and integration. Before joining CommScope, she spent nine years at Hewlett-Packard in the Business Critical Systems division and held IT-management positions at other Fortune 500 companies. She has a BS in finance from Texas A&M University. James sherrin: Director of software and intelligent solutions - James is the Director of Software and Intelligent Solutions for CCS at CommScope. He is responsible for the iTRACS DCIM implementation and CustomerCare teams, helping to ensure customer success with DCIM solutions. In addition, he leads strategic relationships for software solutions with innovation partners, OEMs, major accounts and third-party developers. James also leads a cross-functional team to define and execute the global software- solutions strategies for CommScope. He has been at CommScope/iTRACS since December 2000. DCIM systems serve as the glue that unifies disparate sets of information under one interface. Taking your monitored data systems, combining them and adding in asset information, DCIM provides the comprehensive data center view you need to effectively expand your facility. It will allow you to move beyond monitoring and into active management of your data center.