Connecting the Edge -Considerations of Deployments
Connectivity is everything in todays world, and the edge is expanding.
We ask the questions and look at the demands in this series of 5 short articles with special guest contributions
A running server provides instant results. Instant gratification IT style. The processes could be Financial, Retail, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Utility and the growing volume of all Mobile and Internet connectivity.
Enter the real world of carrying data. Connectivity is not always obvious, nor does it always exist. There is an ever growing need of adding inter connection points along the way. When the masses can not log in due to geography or lack infrastructure- we bring it to the masses. Like a large ever-growing jigsaw puzzle we add the ability by deploying ready-made centers.
Managed with new technologies we focus on the - Power, Cooling, and Network. Put it in an enclosure/container and provide the appropriate back up systems . Complete the build with optical network equipment, storage, and high density servers. Plan for redundancy, set up real-time alerting and keep it simple, cost effective and efficient.
The result of good monitoring is easier management overall, and providing risk mitigation . We must support remote ability to check status, control and maintain uptime while keeping all secured. Placement of the new " interconnect " is where it is most needed to fill the gap of vacancy . We are always looking for new extensions of service, like the ever growing web itself.
We need to ensure our systems run operationally, and perform with efficiency .We are required to NEVER lose power, cooling and network . As an absolute must- the requirement of 7x24x365 security. Why ? because the price tag of high density network edge equipment could exceed the cost of your primary residence.
In this series we will be exploring the criteria of these small builds and modular deployments . We will be adding real world advise with some of our colleagues who are experienced and active in infrastructure. We will provide some insights on the following topics:
- Edge Deployments- We will look at new deployments at the edge- power, cooling, equipment considerations, and why.
- Modular Containers/Small Center - This is a different approach ! Small spaces need more planning
- Location Considerations for adding Network, Connectivity, and Emerging IoT
- Threat Planning-How setting up the network requires carefull threat planning
- Risk Mitigation -unexpected equipment issues or network outages and other “Tales from the Crypt “
This morning I cannot help to reflect on these points; as a group of my colleagues will be discussing these very topics in NYC, at the DCD Focus event “Building Edgeâ€.
Am onsite other side of town, with the job at hand of upgrading access controllers to provide enhanced security. We bring added value today with fit and function. Utilizing a new web based controller; we will expand the ability of our client's access system and enhance security by integrating the existing ‘eyes’ in the room.
On every opening of a door - we will capture video feed and simply know who is coming in and out- and with what. Seeing is believing, and logging is history and trend. Its not just about having clearance, it’s about confirming credentials; and keeping our view on our world. The smart building and security technologies that we are deploying and commissioning today offer huge cost and operational savings.
In the next 3 weeks , we will ask share thoughts from the experts in our industry engaged in the new trend of modular, smaller, micro data centers and projects on the edge.
We look forward to offering best practices and valued contributions to our infrastructure community .
