SOFTWARE
DCIM tools like StruxureWare from Schneider Electric allows data centre owners to keep track of capacity utilisation through smartphones and tablets.
DCIM software is able to simulate temperature and airflow for current data centre layout and future scenarios.
Analysis
The best indicator of future performance is measurement of past performance; the goal with analysis is to arrive at optimal or realistic decisions based on real data. Analysis of physical infrastructure operational data can also determine the cause of problems (i.e. what is slow, what is costly). Combining analytics and predictive simulation is yet another way the data centre can help to generate business value. Performance reports track outages
2nd generation DCIM tools provide a holistic overview of data centre operations
by rack, row, and power distribution zone. When servers fail more frequently in one area, an underlying reason can be determined. Without a frame of reference, the value of metrics is limited if the purpose is to raise efficiency and reduce data centre cost. Modern analytics software tools
perform the following functions: Identify discrepancies between planned energy
usage, based on nameplate information, and actual usage, based on actual power data. This helps operators plan more accurate capacity forecasts which help influence budgeting and acquisition decisions. Generate inventory reports organised by
device type, age, manufacturer, and properties of the device. This enables the operator to quickly identify underutilised assets, assets out of warranty, and assets that need to be upgraded. Generate energy usage reports by subsystem.
DCIM tools track Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and show in which sub systems the energy is spent.
36 NETCOMMS europe Volume I, Issue 6 2011
This allows the operators to determine which racks or subsystems generate the most energy cost and to benchmark whether energy consumption is increasing as a result of recent changes to the IT room. Provide details to enable the link of operating
costs to charge backs for each business unit user group. This allows the operator to modify
the energy consumption behavior of various business units and enables the business to make better decisions on which technologies they deploy.
When data centre floor and rack
space specifications are not coordinated with power, cooling, power distribution, and cooling distribution capacities, the result is stranded capacity – a frustrating management problem for data centre professionals. It is difficult to explain to users or management that a data centre with 1 MW of installed power and cooling can’t cool new blade servers when only operating at 200 kW of total IT load. Effective capacity management not only identifies and highlights stranded capacity, but also helps prevent the situation in the first place.
Conclusion
With the challenges of higher-density computing, dynamic workloads, and the need for more efficient energy consumption, organisations require software that allows them to plan, operate at low cost, and analyse for workflow improvement. Only higher visibility, more control and improved automation can help deliver improved business value. Holistic management capabilities
can enable data centre professionals to maximise their capacity, control energy costs and advise the business on how to utilise IT assets more effectively. By sharing key data points, historical data, and asset tracking information, and by developing the ability to charge back users, the new planning and implementation tools allow users to take actions based upon data centre business intelligence.
www.netcommseurope.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52