Issue 18, October/November
ADVERTORIAL FUTURE FACILITIES
power, networking and more included - from infrastructural design, right down to chip level. Not only would this combat misinformed design/management choices, but it would allow a facility manager to optimise every aspect of the facility.
An intelligent tool like this may seem beyond our reach, but it already exists - in the form of powerful computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations.
Uniquely, the 6SigmaDC software suite provides the ideal environment for DCIM by linking all information relevant to every area of operation and management within a Virtual Facility - a complete, 3-D scientifically accurate representation of any facility in its past, present or future state. The software, provided by Future Facilities, is the only simulation tool that works to bring all aspects of data centre design, optimisation and management together in one place. Compatible with asset management packages such as Aperture and nlyte, 6SigmaDC is also able to receive live data from commonly used equipment and sensors, can accept any data delivered in a standard format, is compatible with CAD design packages, and is in itself a powerful investigative simulation tool for a data centre.
Facebook’s much-anticipated Open Compute Project utilises 6SigmaDC as a major platform for exchange and viewing of Open Compute design information such as physical configuration, thermal properties and performance. The project in itself highlights the benefits of open distribution of data center design information, and the use of 6SigmaDC is an indication of the software’s capabilities as a comprehensive tool for design, scientific analysis, and information dissemination. Veerendra Mulay, Thermal Engineer at Facebook, will be discussing the role played by 6SigmaDC in the Open Compute Project at the 6SigmaDC Data Center Conference and User Group this November.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
The overall benefits of using simulation in an integral way to design, optimise and manage data centres are great; a user can test their facility thoroughly in any way they wish with the Virtual Facility acting as a buffer zone, protecting the real facility from harm. The 6SigmaRoom and 6SigmaRoomLite modules allow the build of the Virtual Facility at different levels of complexity according to the user’s requirements, while other modules allow closer examinations of facility workings at rack level, chip level, and management level. The complex CFD calculations are hidden from the user, but provide simulations which include airflows, power calculations, network mapping, and even efficiency calculations such as PUE. Libraries of thousands of scientifically correct vendor specific equipment models, ACU’s, PDU’s, floor grilles and more are provided to ensure the model is a perfect match with reality. Design details like load capacities, cabinet layout, grille placements, server locations, and any other detail you can think of can be tried and tested safely within the Virtual Facility.
A bespoke VF model can contain and record every necessary detail of design, operation or management, and be made available to anyone who needs it. This approach removes the chance for inaccurate assumptions to be made in design - all possible configurations can be tested for optimal results before any equipment is deployed. It also
Gartner defines DCIM as “the integration of information technology (IT) and facility management disciplines to centralise monitoring, management and intelligent capacity planning of a data centre’s critical systems”. The comprehensive solution provided by the Virtual Facility fits in with this seamlessly. Simulation gives a valuable insight into the nuts and bolts of data centre operations and removes the inevitability of ill-informed decisions, estimations and unknowns. DCIM and the Virtual Facility methodology enables every facility operator to gain complete control of their facilities by taking data centre infrastructure management to the next level.
To find out more about 6SigmaDC and what it could do for your facility, contact Future Facilities on +44 207 840 9540, or visit
www.futurefacilities.com.
means that all necessary parties can work together on the model to test and accommodate unavoidable data centre changes such as fluctuating load capacity, equipment characteristics, and so on. Simulating the results of changes like these before they happen allows proactive prevention of any problems that could potentially occur.
The software specifically works to improve the management process, giving modification permissions only to those who need it, and facilitating detailed communication between all parties in visual or textual formats. For example, management modules allow facility managers and IT workers to function harmoniously and keep a synchronised, organized view of the entire facility and its workings. IT workers can use the Virtual Facility to plan and analyse future equipment deployments, and use 6SigmaITM to remotely submit change requests for review, acceptance or rejection by facility managers within 6SigmaFM.
The 6SigmaDC software provides unmatched accuracy and power; each module within it contains in depth instruments to replicate, test and analyse your facility in as much detail as you require - while maintaining ease of use.
PROVIDING UNLIMITED POTENTIAL...
The Virtual Facility’s detail and compatibility with asset management tools and sensor monitoring makes it a powerful, all encompassing solution for the majority of data centre related problems. All information can be displayed as part of the 3D graphical representation, in tabular form, or output as automatic reports, and the inclusion of all of this relevant data makes simulations even more accurate. There are no limits as to who can or should consider employing this “super DCIM” approach; the software is suitable for all facilities, and anyone who wishes to expand their horizons and improve their operations.
WWW.FUTUREFACILITIES.COM www.datacenterdynamics.com 77
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