Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/809568
THE DATA CENTER JOURNAL | 7 www.datacenterjournal.com ber of options for additional helpful capabilities. "ere is much more to today's racks/enclosures, which serve as the foundation of a complete data center infrastructure solution. By implementing a rack that has a flex- ible design and mounting options, a data center can streamline installation time and reduce overall costs," noted Spears. He cites three general feature categories that characterize modern racks: • Easy installation. Managers can more quickly add, replace or maintain equipment when the racks allow tool-less mounting, for example. • Protection. Secure combination locks can enhance the physical security of IT equipment from both insiders and outsiders who gain access to the computer room. • Management. Cable management, for in- stance, not only provides a neater appearance, it saves precious space and improves airflow around servers. In addition, racks or cabinets can implement other advanced capabili- ties, including local cooling—whether air or liquid—for high-density deployments. MIddle ManageMent Data center infrastructure management (DCIM) has been a hot topic, but like any such technology, it has been subject to hype as ven- dors rush to establish and capture a market. Questions regarding DCIM's actual value have arisen, leading to skepticism among some industry watchers. Although the technology may be better than a spreadsheet, can it even come close to delivering on its promises today? "DCIM is a great platform, but users have discovered that it isn't a standalone solution," said Spears. "From a power-management perspective, it's unique and promis- ing to know there are tools that can work in conjunction with DCIM and provide tangible benefits without add- ing complexity." For instance, using "new power-management solutions such as predictive analytics in tandem with DCIM technology, data centers managers can increase operational efficiency, mitigate risk and enhance performance." On the predictive-analytics front, Spears also noted that major develop- ments have taken place. "With so- ware, we're no long just talking about remote monitoring, but big data and machine learning. is change is shiing power monitoring from a reactive to an active model." He added that "in this early stage, there is still a human element. As a monitoring and management service, predictive analytics offers the ability to collect data from connected power-infra- structure devices and provide field technicians with the insight to make recommendations to their client. As these systems evolve and more data is collected, computer-based monitors will get better and better about mak- ing decisions on their own." the departMent of redundancy departMent Having one piece of infrastruc- ture is one thing. Having another piece of the same infrastructure is, well, redundant. But for greater uptime, redundancy can be a good thing, up to a point. Spears reiterated that in light of current UPS and pow- er-management features and capabili- ties, "more data centers will move to catcher systems and other new strate- gies to address data center efficiency and reliability. And with new features such as data center migration in play, managers may consider whether they need quite as much redundancy in UPSs and generators." Redundancy is effectively a way to buy reliability by adding more equipment—somewhat like physical insurance against equipment break- down. Clearly, though, less equipment means less cost, so methods of main- taining reliability while decreasing ex- penses are desirable. "Solutions such as data migration allow data center managers to make well-thought-out decisions on redundancy while doing more with less hardware," said Spears. "us, they're less likely to spend more money up front on UPS systems and can be more granular about how they make a choice. As companies continue demanding these types of efficient solutions, capabilities will only expand." InfraStructure dIgeSt Infrastructure isn't the most glamorous part of the data center, but it is crucial to keeping the facility running. is brief roundup provides a glimpse into what's happening in this realm, particularly with regard to power quality and distribution. Given the cost of energy, the efficiency and capabilities of this equipment will re- main a crucial consideration for data center operators. n