The document discusses the background and role of data center infrastructure management (DCIM) tools. It describes DCIM tools as software suites that collect data from IT and facilities infrastructure to monitor capacity, power, cooling, space, and assets. It outlines nine key capabilities of DCIM tools, including energy monitoring, environmental monitoring, asset management, and capacity planning. Finally, it explains that effective DCIM tools provide centralized monitoring and management of both facilities and IT aspects of an organization's data centers.

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E-guide
The Background of DCIM Tools
and Their Role in the Enterprise

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Sponsor Overview
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Executive Summary
This guide dives into the background of data
center infrastructure management (DCIM)
tools, and inside Robert McFarlane reveals the
9 most critical capabilities every DCIM tool
should include—beyond just PUE calculation—
and what you should expect from today’s tools
on the market.
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The background of DCIM tools
and their role in the enterprise
Robert McFarlane, Principal, Shen Milsom and Wilke LLC
Data center infrastructure management tools arm administrators
with deeper insight into the performance of their IT
infrastructure and facilities. As DCIM tools evolve, and the
market grows, they offer more advanced features that provide
an even deeper look into the heart of the data center.
What is DCIM?
The definition of data center infrastructure management (DCIM)
can vary greatly. At a high level, DCIM is a software suite for
managing data center infrastructure and the resources it uses.
DCIM software collects data from IT and facilities, consolidates
the data into relevant information and reports it in real time to
enable the intelligent management, optimization and future
planning of data center resources such as capacity, power,
cooling, space and assets.
Capabilities of DCIM tools
DCIM tools range from relatively straightforward power and
cooling monitors to highly sophisticated products that reach
into every facet of the enterprise. Since tracking power usage
effectiveness (PUE) was the origin of the industry, all DCIM
packages include power and cooling monitors, but their features
extend beyond that. Capabilities go by many different names,
but can be classified in the following categories:
Energy monitoring: This feature includes real-time
readouts and historical tracking of power utilization and
can provide PUE calculation and tracking if total energy
information is available from the facility. DCIM tools allow
drill-down to the mosit detailed levels available from the
sensors, from major levels like UPS input, output and
batteries, and cabinet power strips, to deeper insight
such as individual outlets, or even power used from inside
computing hardware.
Environmental monitoring: This applies to real-time
readouts and historical tracking of temperature and
humidity via strategically placed sensors throughout the
room and in air conditioner supply and return air paths.
Deeper data might include sensors on the fronts and backs
of cabinets, and even temperatures from multiple locations
inside computing equipment. Readings can also be
available from individual air conditioners, pumps, chillers,
cooling towers and piping fluid flows.

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Asset management: This refers to database
management of computing hardware and software
resources, integrated with the other monitored aspects
of the data center. Database input and updates may be
manual or automatic via such methods as radio frequency
ID tags, in-rack sensors that report rack position, as well
as internal reporting from the computing hardware. When
combined with energy monitoring, asset management
capabilities can also include alerts to end-of-lease or
end-or-useful life terms, and total cost of ownership
computation.
Structured cabling management: This includes both
database and graphical tracking of network cabling and
patching, with either manual or automated data entry.
Automated tracking requires special patch cords and
panels.
Capacity planning or “what if?” scenarios: These
features can examine the impact on power, cooling and
equipment cabinet capacities by simulating the installation
in various locations. Some tools can show the locations
where admins can add particular assets in response to a
query.
Data center visualization: This refers to both 2D and 3D
representations of the data center floor and its equipment,
with the ability to select and view individual cabinets, the
equipment mounted in them, and in some cases, their
usages, software complements and cable connectivity.
When combined with a computational fluid dynamics air
flow modeling program, it can also reveal hot spots and
available cooling capacities.
Event management: This feature automatically logs
repeated occurrences to enable analysis and correct
problems before they become disasters. These tools may
also provide trending information such as the timeline of
temperature rising in a particular location or the number of
times an alarm occurred.
Workflow optimization: The ability to use predictive tools
in combination with work orders to optimize and track
equipment movement, additions, changes and software
upgrades for maximum operational efficiency. Systems
may include a historical database of changes, upgrades
and equipment component replacements and repairs that
can be useful to maximize uptime.

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Centralized, remote monitoring and reporting:
An intuitive user interface that provides operational
information in an easily understandable form, along with
the ability to drill down to any level of detail. Information
should also be available remotely via APIs with a high level
of security. Remote monitoring may be optionally read only
to prevent unauthorized access to actual control functions.
The various capabilities of DCIM tools will vary from vendor
to vendor. But above all, a solid DCIM platform in today’s
market should meet several expectations. The DCIM platform
should be a single integrated software suite that offers
centralized monitoring and management of both the facilities
and the IT aspects of the enterprise. It should also be modular,
enabling users to acquire only what they can initially support
and providing the option to expand these capabilities as an
organization grows. It should be compatible with any vendor’s
equipment, such as UPS systems, liquid flow sensors, network
and storage devices and so on. A DCIM system should also
provide secure remote access. The information that DCIM tools
deliver should be easy to understand, with the opportunity to
drill down to granular details.
The data center is one of the most valuable assets any
organization can have. Effective data center management has
become a complex task. Improper management can be costly
and even catastrophic, as some DCIM platforms can influence
every part of the enterprise. Those who are currently without
a DCIM platform should begin to investigate the capabilities of
DCIM tools to stay ahead of the curve as optimizing computing
resources and maintaining reliability in the data center becomes
increasingly critical.

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