The components of data centers allow for the efficient processing, storage, and distribution of large amounts of data. These components include:
- Servers. Servers are pieces of hardware or software that provide functionality to a data center. They are connected to networks to make data accessible to computers. Servers are typically housed in server racks.
- Networking. Networking equipment enables the storage and processing of applications and data through switching, routing, load balancing, analytics, etc.
- Storage. Data center storage consists of technologies, software, and devices that allow for the storing of data and applications within a data center.
- Software. Software is the non-physical component of a computer system that comprises the programs, procedures, and routines involved in the efficient operation of a computer system.
- Cabling infrastructure. The foundation of data centers lies within the cabling infrastructure as it enables the power and data transmissions that are critical to operations. Failure to properly manage these systems can lead to serious issues such as downtime and large expenses.
- Power infrastructure. Physical infrastructure such as rack PDUs, remote power panels, busways, floor PDUs, and UPSs are necessary to provide power to IT equipment. Backup power is usually supplied by a generator to minimize downtime.
- Cooling infrastructure. Data center cooling equipment such as computer room air conditioning (CRAC) and computer room air handler (CRAH) units are designed to always keep the facility at an ideal temperature and to prevent critical IT equipment from overheating.
- Physical security. Data centers may include alarms, electronic door locks, biometric scanners, and other safety measures to protect the data and assets inside.
Managing Data Center Components with DCIM
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software is used by data center managers to remotely visualize, track, and manage all their physical data center infrastructure. DCIM software maintains an accurate representation of all IT equipment in the data center (i.e., servers, network, and storage equipment) and supporting infrastructure assets (i.e., racks, rack PDUs, patch panels, structured cabling, patch cabling, UPSs, busways, and branch circuits) with relationship mapping down to physical port levels and up to virtual machine and application levels.
Managing all physical data center components with DCIM software provides you a holistic view of all data center resources and capacity, allowing for better uptime, increased efficiency of capacity utilization, and improved people productivity.
A modern DCIM solution includes:
- Enterprise class monitoring. Data collection and monitoring, thresholds, and alerts that manage thousands of nodes within multiple data centers.
- Complete asset inventory information. Inventory information from racks, servers, storage, network equipment, including network connectivity, power chain, and applications.
- Multiple ways to visualize and report on data. Data can be visualized in a variety of ways including trend charts, dashboards, and floor layout plans.
- Change and workflow management. Built in processes to create systematic workflows to support modeling, planning, ticketing, work management, approvals, and auditing.
- Power chain and physical connectivity. The tracking of all physical connectivity across the entire power chain and cable/data network.
- Comprehensive models library. A complete models library that is continually updated and provided, containing over 37,000 smart models across 450+ manufacturers.
Want to see how Sunbird’s world-leading DCIM software makes it easy for you to track and manage all your physical data center infrastructure components? Get your free test drive now!
