How to Manage Your Data Center Infrastructure
High-tech facilities like data centers must be organized and efficient in all aspects. From servers and network switches to power distribution units (PDUs) and cooling systems, there are countless components that need to be continuously monitored and improved. Employing data center infrastructure management (DCIM), or the tools to monitor and manage all of your facility’s technology is a great way to accomplish this.
Without proper data center infrastructure management your facility will be disorganized and vulnerable to threats. Even the smallest locations can have scores of devices to check on. And there are even more tools and software available to help. Luckily, JG Blackmon & Associates DCIM solutions give administrators the ability to monitor and optimize their data center’s performance with ease. In this blog, you’ll learn about the benefits of a good DCIM solution and what you can do to maintain it.
Increase Productivity
At JG Blackmon & Associates we understand that increasing efficiency is one of your top priorities. Data center infrastructure management tools like Liebert SiteScan Web Centralized Monitoring and Control observes all of the equipment in your facility, specifically looking for areas of improvement. While monitoring tools will notify you when issues arise, they will also help you prevent them. These systems will note any dips in efficiency and report these findings to data center operators. This way your data center is always up and running at peak performance.
Monitoring and management tools also reduce manual human work by conducting annual audits of all systems to ensure everything is working as it should be. These audits quickly reveal issues like performance inefficiencies, security weaknesses, quality control and more. Automated systems like these don’t miss anything and compile all discrepancies for data center operators to review. Now you get to implement solutions because your monitoring system found an issue in its audit instead of you having to search for it yourself.
Improve Energy Efficiency
Sustainability and energy conservation have become necessities in nearly every industry. Data centers and other high-tech facilities require massive amounts of energy to operate, although they are also searching for ways to be energy efficient. DCIM solutions can help improve energy management through their monitoring of every system.
DCIM solutions have planning functions, so while they measure energy consumption, they can adjust various systems as needed. By using controlled automated shutdowns, these tools power idle infrastructure resources down or even turn them off to conserve energy. DCIM solutions are programmed with cooling charts to make sure the data center is at an acceptable temperature and humidity level. And while keeping data centers cool is crucial to protecting the technology and data inside, DCIM tools can safely increase the temperature to set points. This saves energy and keeps the inside conditions at a safe setting.
Maximize Capacity Planning
You must monitor and manage your high-tech facility to prepare for the future. DCIM solutions automatically report how much of your present building capacity is being used, as well as how you are currently using the equipment in your data center. The information gives managers the knowledge needed to predict when more space and/or power will be needed instead of waiting for capacity to run out and having to rush to get everything fixed.
DCIM solutions can also estimate, model, and allocate how much physical space you will need for new equipment. This not only saves you time you would have spent trying to figure all this out, but also ensures no space or resources are being wasted.
Preparing for the future through capacity planning is how data centers make sure their workload demands are met. If your physical structure isn’t working properly or organized well your operations will suffer. DCIM solutions reduce the possibility of errors or of missing a capacity issue so you can rest easy knowing your space and power usage are always optimized.
Best Practices in Data Center Management
DCIM tools are extremely useful, but they can only take you so far. Ultimately it is up to you and your team to ensure the smooth operation of your data center. For instance, regularly audit your infrastructure to ensure all of its components are working at optimal levels and identify areas where upgrades are needed. By keeping all your systems up to date, you are protecting them from vulnerabilities and improving overall efficiency.
Similarly, your IT staff should also be knowledgeable about the latest technological trends and effective data center management strategies. This requires continuous training and development for your IT team that covers a wide range of topics from technical skills to emergency response techniques to strong security practices. By working together with DCIM tools and software like the Trellis™ Real-time Infrastructure Optimization Platform, you ensure that you are doing everything to improve your data center and keep it safe.
JG Blackmon & Associates Can Help Transform Your Data Center Infrastructure
Optimizing the way you manage your data center infrastructure is a must to protect your facility from risks and increase its efficiency. In a high-tech facility where data and support systems work together to keep things running, if even one piece of equipment stops working everything could be at risk. JG Blackmon & Associates offers a wide selection of Vertiv monitoring and management solutions that give you the power to track how your technology is working together and improve it. Contact us today to learn more about our solutions and get the most out of your infrastructure!