Electronics Protection - September/October 2013 - (Page 13)

Feature • Real-Time Monitoring – Alarming, notification, and real-time data is a crucial aspect in the definition of DCIM. To the facilities group, real-time monitoring may be the key aspect. Having immediate views into the inner workings of all supporting infrastructure allows for automation to be put in place, key indicators to forewarn of potential threats, and ultimately provides the data necessary to validate other core DCIM features. Asset monitoring for IT is sometimes handled by the NMS, but DCIM can add an additional layer to this by connecting real-time data such as processor utilization, fan speeds, and memory allocation to values including inlet temperature, power draw, receptacle connectivity, and more. • Reporting and Dashboards – One of the most important elements of DCIM is the ability to gather historical data to identify trends and make decisions based on past experience. Both facilities and IT require easy ways to configure reports to extract pertinent data from massive amounts of historical information. Providing dashboards or “at-a-glance” views into key performance indicators and metrics are a key element to overcoming the data overload issue that can exist in many systems. Proposals (RFPs) to try to express their needs more adequately to those who wish to bid. However, that process is lengthy, costly and time-consuming for both the seller and the buyer when what is really required is a more specific, in-depth preliminary discussion before the RFP is completed. Standardized RFPs for DCIM The way that the term DCIM is applied is ultimately confusing to the end-user. My proposal is that, as an industry, we need to work towards a standard RFP format that aligns the needs of the end-user with the functionality of the DCIM provider. The concept is that a vendor can release and validate their ability to check specific boxes to signify they comply with industry standards associated with certain prescribed features. Ultimately, this should save everyone a great degree of time and money in the pursuit of the product that fits the given business need, meaning that the enduser is happy with the entire process and eventually gets the DCIM system they want for the most competitive price. Surely, that is what all end-users want from their DCIM and we as providers are keen to offer. Geist designs and manufactures intelligent hardware and software for the four cornerstones of data center management: Power, Cool, Monitor and Manage. Together, these products combine to create a system for maintaining a secure and efficient data center. With a host of scalable systems for single cabinets, entire enterprises and everything in between, each customer benefits from data center infrastructure management (DCIM) solutions custom-fit for their specific needs. For more information, visit www.geistglobal.com. Making Sense of DCIM The nine core elements described above encompass most of the features available within the offerings of the 80 plus vendors considered to inhabit the DCIM space today. There are some features that may not fit exactly into those categories, but for the most part, the majority of providers are offering features and functionality outlined above. Facilities vs. IT However, facilities and IT have differing needs within the core elements. So for a provider to say that they offer ‘capacity planning’ doesn’t really fly. IT may need capacity planning for the switches and maybe even processor capacity. On the other hand Facilities will be looking for power, cooling, and space capacities. Real-time monitoring may mean connectivity to management cards on IT equipment, or it could mean integration with hundreds of thousands of points coming from electrical, HVAC and other critical data. So how is an end-user to work through their specific needs, and how is a vendor supposed to understand the opportunities that best fit their business model? Providing demos and Q&A sessions is time-consuming and often the first sales approach when a DCIM provider discovers that a company is looking for a DCIM product. But, because the current term is too broad to understand specific needs much of that time is wasted for both providers and end-users. Many companies produce very specific and lengthy Requests for September/October 2013 www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com 13 http://www.geistglobal.com http://www.stockwell.com http://www.stockwell.com http://www.ElectronicsProtectionMagazine.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Electronics Protection - September/October 2013

Geist Unveils Rapid Deployment Data Center Environmental Monitoring System
Enabling Effective Thermal Management with DCIM
Predicting Gasket Performance: SE Measurements with a TEM Cell to Study Gasket Reliability
Rack Containment 101
The Nine Core Elements of DCIM
Using Electronic Locking Solutions to Secure Enclosures and Meet Storage Compliance Needs
Hammond’s HJ Series Ticks All the Boxes
Rogers Introduces Poron SlimGrip Foam
Ferrite Suppressors Clear Interference
Fujipoly Thermal Sheets are a Cooling Influence on LED Lighting
GE Introduces TLE Series UPS Platform
Gore PolyVent XL Improves Reliability of Large Outdoor Enclosures
IMI Sensors Launches Linear Adjust Mechanical Vibration Switch
Industry News
Calendar of Events
Five Ways to Realize Server Room Profitability

Electronics Protection - September/October 2013