[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”0px||||false|false” custom_padding=”0px||30px||false|false” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” width=”auto” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/shutterstock_764652970.jpg” alt=”Businessman,Putting,A,Card,With,Text,Ask,The,Expert” title_text=”Businessman,Putting,A,Card,With,Text,Ask,The,Expert” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”Actor||||||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Data center infrastructure management, or DCIM, involves monitoring and controlling the infrastructure within a data center. That means supporting the appliances and the underlying infrastructure\u2014everything from servers and switches to power and HVAC systems.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Though DCIM is crucial for maintaining your business-critical systems and networks, it\u2019s often misunderstood even by other IT professionals. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve asked two DCIM experts with 20+ years of experience to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about data center infrastructure management.<\/p>\n
Expert 1:<\/strong> At the company I previously worked for, I was a Sales Engineer selling and supporting their DCIM solution both pre and post-sales.<\/p>\n Expert 2: <\/strong>I have 25 years of DCIM experience, working as the director of design-build for a colocation company, and as the director of engineering\/CTO for a company named Global DCIM.\u00a0<\/p>\n A typical DCIM engineer is responsible for the following day-to-day activities:<\/p>\n Expert 1: <\/strong> Yes\u2014in my opinion, there are three components of DCIM that often go unrecognized or overlooked:<\/p>\n Capacity Planning:<\/p>\n Capacity planning means you\u2019re not just planning for your current setup, but also preparing to scale up in the future. For instance, let\u2019s say you get four new Dell PowerEdge R730xd and six new HP ProLiant Gen10 servers. What if you placed them in rack-5, row-2? How much extra heat would they generate, and would you have enough cooling to support them? Do you have enough available power? DCIM capacity planning gives you the ability to prepare for these \u201cwhat if\u201d scenarios.<\/p>\n Project and workflow planning<\/p>\n It\u2019s a DCIM expert\u2019s responsibility to plan out new builds and installs and determine the workflow for all stakeholders in the project. How much time will the facilities team need to build out the racks? When will the rack and stack be ready for the IT team to jump in? This often involves using a tool such as a Gantt chart to plan and manage these workflows and timelines.\u00a0[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/zpesystems.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Capture.-DCIM.png” alt=”Capture. DCIM” title_text=”Capture. DCIM” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Inventory management involves tracking the physical location of inventory in the data center using the following:<\/p>\n A quality DCIM solution should allow you to see server or asset locations on the map of the data center. It should give you a 3D view that you can zoom into on the rack level to see the exact U-space location of the asset. You should also be able to \u201cflip the rack\u201d view from front to back. The DCIM should also give you a proper visual representation of each device.<\/p>\n Expert 2:<\/strong> Most people don\u2019t realize that an appropriate expert of DCIM tracks and labels every cable and cross-connect in the data center, which is a massive undertaking.<\/p>\n Expert 1:<\/strong> Ensuring there\u2019s available power, backup, and cooling will always be a concern.<\/p>\n Expert 2:<\/strong> Our biggest concerns are power, cooling, and space, which are the same issues we were worried about 20 years ago. The difference now is that the client typically wants to be part of this discussion, and in the past, they didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n Expert 2:<\/strong> The client always says they want everything done right and documented thoroughly, but then when the timeline gets tight, they say, \u201cjust do it.\u201d Then, when the install or maintenance window is complete, you\u2019re not allowed to touch anything to label and document it correctly.<\/p>\n Expert 1:<\/strong> Reduce data center emissions<\/a>; it\u2019s essential to downsize, streamline, and organize. You should eliminate redundant and \u201cghost\u201d servers, for instance, and consolidate your infrastructure.<\/p>\n Expert 2:<\/strong> As data center density increases, the power, cooling, and water requirements per rack will also increase. However, telemetry-based lighting and evaporative cooling will help reduce emissions.<\/p>\n Expert 2:<\/strong> If anything, data center cloud migration<\/a> makes the job on the ground more critical. However, moving to the cloud gives DCIM experts a single pane of glass to manage their assets, cabling, and power, which makes our jobs easier.<\/p>\n Expert 1:<\/strong> Implementing cloud computing and more streamlined and centralized management solutions have created a more efficient DCIM environment.<\/p>\n Expert 2:<\/strong> To produce cloud services, compute power density has grown exponentially. This has led to higher power and cooling consumption.<\/p>\n Expert 2:<\/strong> The future involves finding more efficient cooling techniques. For example, building sites on cold water streams, or completely submerged in liquid. Or, DC power bussing to eliminate thermal load at a gear level.<\/p>\n Expert 2:<\/strong> Be diligent in doing things right, or it will come back to bite you in the ass later!<\/p>\n Expert 2:<\/strong> DCIM typically revolves around layer 1\u2014the physical layer\u2014of the OSI model, which means it cannot be changed or replaced in the near future. However, as I mentioned before, I predict we\u2019ll see a rise in alternative cooling strategies.<\/p>\n A DCIM expert is responsible for many crucial tasks in your data center, including asset management, environmental monitoring, and strategic planning. One way you can make their job easier is by consolidating your infrastructure management<\/a> behind one cloud-based pane of glass. For instance, Nodegrid gives your DCIM engineers complete control over your data center assets\u2014including on-premises, colocation, and cloud infrastructure\u2014from anywhere in the world. With additional features like remote OOB (out of band) management<\/a> and a full range of environmental sensors, Nodegrid provides full data center visibility even during outages.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#FFFFFF” background_color=”#358AAF” custom_margin=”||||true|false” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Contact ZPE Systems or request a demo<\/a> of the Nodegrid infrastructure management solution today.<\/p>\nTell us about a typical day in the life of a DCIM engineer.<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
Is there a part of DCIM work that people don\u2019t hear about enough? Too much?\u00a0<\/h2>\n
Inventory Management:<\/h3>\n
\n
What are the major concerns for modern data centers?<\/h2>\n
In your experience, do your clients approach your profession with realistic expectations of what you can do?<\/h2>\n
What do you think is the best thing data centers can do to reduce emissions and power\/water consumption?<\/h2>\n
Do you view DCIM cloud migration as a boon or a potential risk for your industry?<\/h2>\n
How have data centers changed over the last 20 years?<\/h2>\n
What do you see as the future of data centers?<\/h2>\n
What advice would you give to young DCIM up and comers?<\/h2>\n
What are the biggest DCIM industry trends coming in 2022?<\/h2>\n
The right solution for your DCIM needs<\/h2>\n
Give your DCIM experts the tools they need to succeed.<\/h2>\n