5 steps to maximize data center performance
EkkoSense identifies five organisations can take now to maximize data center performance. Much more accessible DCIM, tighter Edge integration, fully-sensed data centre environments, ditching subjective optimisation insights and greater input from other sectors all set to unlock significant bottom line benefits over next 12 months
EkkoSense has identified the five data centre optimisation trends that it believes will make a real difference for organisations in 2019.
According to EkkoSense’s Chief Technology Officer Dr. Stu Redshaw: “at EkkoSense we believe there are multiple innovations that are ready to generate real advantages for data centre operators next year – particularly given the fact that even the best run data centres still have considerable cooling and thermal issues. And with cooling now representing around 30% of a data centre’s operating costs, it’s more important than ever for IT teams to focus on monitoring, managing and maximising their data centre performance as effectively as possible.”
The five key trends to optimize data center performance identified by EkkoSense for 2019 are:
- Availability of DCIM for the rest of us– effective data centre infrastructure management is a key requirement, so why do most traditional DCIM suite solutions seem to make it so hard? 2019 will see an increased focus on more accessible approaches that are simpler to use and that directly address the requirement to have all the right cooling, power and space strategies in place. So, if you’re uncomfortable with over-complex DCIM or consultancy-led CFD approaches, you really don’t have to go down the DCIM route when there are equally effective SaaS-powered solutions available that can now give you all the control you need to monitor, manage and maximise your data centres.
- Greater focus on Edge integration– maximising your data centre performance isn’t truly achievable until you’ve successfully integrated all your operations – including all your different ‘edge’ micro and modular data centre activities. All too often advanced M&E Capacity Planning and Simulation capabilities have remained the preserve of the largest data centre halls and facilities. There’s no excuse for this to remain the case in 2019, particularly as features such as SaaS access, wireless sensing and mobile network access let you apply the same best practice optimisation standards to all your DC operations.
- Fully-sensed data centres become a reality– It’s only when data rooms are carefully mapped with all the appropriate data fields that operations teams can really start to gain a real-time understanding of their data centre performance. To do this properly we estimate that more than 1,000 sensors are required for the typical data centre, enabling the measurement of a range of previously unknown factors including energy usage, heat outputs and airflow (above and below floors). Until recently this used to be a problem due to the market cost of sensors, however the introduction of low-cost IoT-enabled wireless devices has changed the cost dynamic making new levels of sensing achievable.
- Beyond subjective data centre performance optimisation judgements– While data centre subject matter experts are able to build up a mental picture of the dynamic behaviour of any cooling system over time, the critical nature of today’s data centre operations means that cooling is just too important an issue to leave to the subjective judgement of expensive consultants. Now, however, having access to increasingly granular rack-level data provides operators with exactly the sort of data platform that’s needed for true software-enabled real-time decision-making and scenario planning.
- Learning from other sectors to secure new insights into infrastructure management – Some of the challenges we’re facing in the data centre and other built environments can be better addressed if we’re smart about using innovations from other sectors. At EkkoSense, for example, our powerful 3D data centre visualisation, immersive VR/AR engine and room builder capabilities draw directly on the latest gaming technologies. We’re also learning from the geospatial data sector to help our customers populate their advanced data centre models by using advanced LiDAR-enabled spatial mapping equipment.
About EkkoSoft Critical: Thanks to advanced DCIM-class features such as powerful M&E Scenario Planning & Simulation and unique Cooling Analytics capabilities, EkkoSoft Criticaldelivers the management and analytics solutions that help operations teams to maximise their data centre performance. EkkoSoft Critical offers the industry’s most comprehensive software-driven thermal optimisation provision, helping EkkoSense customers to achieve data centre cooling energy savings of 25-30%, typical ROIs of less than a year, and significant benefits in terms of released capacity, reduced energy costs and ongoing ASHRAE standards compliance management.
3D visualisation and ‘drag and drop’ room-building mean that in-house teams can safely experiment with rack, power and cooling layouts, using an advanced ‘What If?’ engine to assess the impact of proposed changes. Similarly, advanced cooling analytics capabilities including ‘Zones of Influence’ and real-time cooling duty monitoring combine to provide a holistic view of overall data centre cooling performance.
About EkkoSense: The EkkoSense team consists of thermal, mechanical, refrigeration engineers and Ph.D. thermal experts with 20+ years’ experience in optimising critical environments. EkkoSense provides advanced software tools, data analytics and expert services to reduce risk, increase capacity and save energy in critical infrastructures such as national telecoms and broadcast networks, as well as major data centre estates.
To maximise data center performance, EkkoSense solutions are available directly, or through the company’s expanding network of international partners across North and South America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific.
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Press Contact: Cheryl Billson, Comma Communications – PR for EkkoSense,
+44 (0)7791 720460
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