Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) Quick Facts

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) is the software used for optimizing and managing data center infrastructure operations and performance.

What is Data Center Infrastructure Management Software (DCIM)?

DCIM Software monitors manage and measures data center performance. It covers IT equipment and the infrastructure that supports it, such as power, networking, and cooling systems. It aids managers in achieving optimum energy efficiency. This is used to avoid equipment malfunctions that may lead to downtime.

Traditional Data Center Infrastructure Management Software

DCIM was previously defined as a tool to measure, manage, and monitor data centers. This covers the equipment that provides cooling, security, and power. And a lot more equipment that makes sure IT systems are running.

DCIM does not only cover basic device monitoring. The system also enables an understanding of the data center environment, including power and cooling status. The premise of Data Center Infrastructure Management is to assist managers to prevent the emergence of problems. It also helps in making plans for future requirements and identifying the ideal locations for equipment. It is important for organizations from medium-sized data centers to have a DCIM tool since it will aid in cost optimization.

However, there are challenges with traditional DCIM tools. It often takes too long to deploy, and it was often complicated to use and maintain.

Next-Generation Data Center Infrastructure Management Software

The emergence of next-generation DCIM software was to solve the issues of traditional DCIM software. With the same primary functions, one of the main differences is it is hosted in the cloud. Due to this, more functionalities are available.

Next-Generation DCIM is quicker and easier to deploy than the traditional. It is delivered through a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model. Automatic delivery of firmware, software, and security updates are also available. Through a cloud-based backup cluster, a disaster recovery feature is present as well.

Next-generation Data Center Infrastructure Management software utilizes real-time analytics, Machine Learning (ML), and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These technologies enable more advanced features to incorporate into the Next-Generation DCIM.

Some DCIM providers garner anonymized data from various customers to help their benchmarking. Through this, the real-time performance of the infrastructure of a customer will have a comparison. This enables data center managers to pinpoint when a specific component is deviating from the baseline. Downtime and maintenance costs are reduced. Instead of performing scheduled maintenance even when it is unnecessary, maintenance is only done when it is needed.

For edge data centers, next-generation DCIM is a good fit since they most often do not have a lot of IT, staff, on-site. Next-generation DCIM can monitor the edge data center from any device that supports a web browser.

Components of a DCIM Software

DCIM software often involves two categories:

Monitoring and Automation

This category refers to the monitoring and automation of the IT room, security, and environmental control. It assures that the data center operates as designed. Users may also be able to configure the thresholds for the alarms and physical devices. This may include ventilation, air-conditioning, and heat. It also generates reports about average and peak power use in real-time. Furthermore, it also measures Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE).

Planning and Implementation

Meanwhile, planning and implementation software aid IT managers in making changes. From equipment deployment for maximum efficiency to asset tracking. It also supports the “what-if” scenarios in planning and reducing the total cost of ownership.

Essential Data Center Infrastructure Management Features

components of data infrastructure central management

Photo Credit: www.vxchnge.com

Power and Bandwidth Usage Data

These are important for customers since these are the two initial cost factors in colocation pricing. High power consumption indicates that the servers are doing more processing functions than normal. This data can be compared with traffic history. If there is an increase in traffic, there may be a need to accommodate the increase in demand. If there is no correlation, means the server is not working or is not well deployed. Bandwidth monitoring lets the customers know how much data their network needs to function. Through DCIM software, alerts can be arranged to monitor bandwidth and usage in real-time.

Asset Tracking

Since a company’s network infrastructure is important to its business, entrusting its hardware and servers to a colocation facility is a big decision. They want to be able to observe the assets at all times and DCIM software made that possible. RFID sensors allow colocation customers to know the exact location of every piece of equipment anytime. They are also able to receive alerts and notifications whenever their hardware is relocated or accessed.

Ticketing Support

Excellent DCIM software enables customers to issue and manage IT support tickets. This is essential for facilities that address issues associated with colocated software. Remote hands technicians can serve as an extension of a customer’s IT inspection. This will be done by conducting a visual inspection of connections, rebooting a server, or installing a cross-connect cable. Remote hand technicians can tend to ticket tasks issued through the DCIM software. Customers are updated, in real-time, on the status of the problem once tickets have been issued.

API Functionality

Managing an IT network environment is challenging. It often needs custom-built solutions to meet specific business needs. Many DCIM solutions allow customers to remotely manage their assets. However, they can only do so based on the colocation provider’s terms. This could mean setting up separate systems. With Application Programming Interface (API), IT personnel can incorporate the platform into existing IT systems. Through this, organizations can manage assets without the need to set up another system. API functionality allows organizations to respond to issues about collocated infrastructure.

Mobile Support

Colocation servers can go down in the middle of the night when there is little staff present. This is why it is important to use DCIM tools that are accessible through mobile devices. Through a DCIM app, IT personnel can monitor status from any location at any time of the day without being on-site. They can also issue a ticket and manage the problem from their own smartphones. Through this, problems are solved faster and more efficiently than before.

AKCPro Server DCIM

AKCPro Server Central Management Monitoring

AKCPro Server is our world-class central monitoring and management software. Suitable for a wide range of monitoring applications. Free to use for all AKCP devices. Monitor your infrastructure, whether it be a single building or remote sites over a wide geographic area. Integrate third-party devices with, Modbus, SNMP, and ONVIF compatible IP cameras.

Monitor all your AKCP Devices

All deployed AKCP base units and attached sensors can be configured and monitored from AKCPro Server (APS). Base units communicate with the server through your wired local network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN). Remote sites with no wired network send data to the server through the cellular data network* via a VPN connection. * Requires base unit with cellular data 3G/4G modem

Cross-Platform Access

AKCPro Server can be accessed on your smartphone, tablet, or PC. Access is operating system independent, and viewable through the HTML5 user interface on any web browser. Chrome and Firefox are recommended.

Integrated Monitoring of all Devices

Integrates all your environmental, security, power, access control, and video in a single, easy-to-use software.

AKCPro Server has a variety of ways to display and monitor the data from your deployed sensors. Desktops are customizable, with different users able to save their own configuration. Add graphs, maps, rack maps, video feeds, sensor status, and logs to your desktops. Choose from a selection of gauges to display sensor data.

Environmental Monitoring

Monitor all your temperature, humidity, airflow, water leak, and other environmental sensors. Configure rack maps to show the thermal properties of your computer cabinet, check the temperature at the top, middle, bottom, front, and rear, as well as temperature differentials.

Security Monitoring

Ensure that your facilities and critical infrastructure are secured. Door contact sensors and audible and visual alarms are configured and managed from your custom desktops in APS.

Power Monitoring

Monitor single-phase, three-phase, generators, and UPS battery backup power. AKCP Pro Server performs live Power Usage effectiveness (PUE) calculations so you have a complete overview of your power train and how adjustments in your data center directly impact your PUE.

Access Control

AKCPro Server is used to administer the access rights and schedules for all AKCP Door Control, Cabinet Control, and RFID Cabinet locks. Secure your assets, control access, and generate reports to give a complete audited trail of access.

Video Monitoring

Video feeds from Integrated ONVIF compatible IP cameras and cameras connected to AKCP securityProbe base units can be monitored and recorded in AKCPro Server. Synchronize sensor events with video in the playback window for an “eyes on” any sensor events.

Reference Links:

https://www.vxchnge.com/blog/dcim-solutions

https://www.bmc.com/blogs/dcim-data-center-infrastructure-management/

https://blog.se.com/datacenter/dcim/2020/02/06/dcim-101-what-is-data-center-infrastructure-management/