The Smart Data Center – How Good Technologies and Management Make All the Difference

I’m always on the hunt for relevant info and I loved this - one of the best articles I’ve seen on this topic for a while. Here are a few paragraphs as a taster...

Here are three core areas to focus on when working with a smarter data center: 

• Efficiency is still key; and won’t work without good integration. The environmental variables of the data center aren’t going anywhere. In fact, we still need to focus on power, cooling, and things like airflow. The biggest difference today is that we have smarter sensors and better integration with DCIM systems. Look for solutions that not only help you with airflow and power management, but also integrate new solutions like machine learning and DCIM. From there, you can start making better decisions for your overall data center health. In the world of smart data centers, data will be absolutely critical. These sensors and smart systems will be generating a lot of information. Integration with data center management and DCIM will allow you to make sense of this data and clearly illustrate what steps you need to take to integrate this information. Remember, we’re already seeing investment made into machine learning and DCIM. Aggregating smart sensors into DCIM data pools will give you better visibility into your overall data center operations.   
• Sensors don’t replace people and good processes. This is an important point. Just because you have a sensor or smart sensor in place, doesn’t mean you can ‘set it and forget it.’ Data center environmental variables are more like a science—you’ll still need to be calibrate and test regularly. Keep sensors smart by testing their accuracy and ensure that they’re reporting the right data. To that extent, people are also a really important part of the process. Yes, sensors and smart systems can help automate a lot of processes; but it’s your people that’ll need to validate much of the data you’re receiving from your sensors. Furthermore, smart data center systems don’t replace people, they allow your staff to conduct IT and business functions which help  increase the value of your data center and saves you time and money wasted on simple and mundane tasks.  
• Align your business when making investments into a ‘smarter’ data center. As amazing as smart sensors and IoT in the data center might be; don’t just deploy these systems for the sake of it. Aligning with your business goals to ensure proper data center operations is important. Business stakeholders can help shed light on where your organization is headed, and help with future decisions regarding more edge location possibilities and where investments should be made. Remember, you’re not just creating a smart data center, you’re working to create a smarter business as well.  

Pretty valuable stuff, I’m sure you’ll agree! Why not check out the whole article here and share your thoughts with me afterwards: call (0410) 660-444 or email me at [email protected].

Thanks,

Tony