Monitoring Software
The Challenge We All Face
Increasing power costs and the pressure to reduce carbon emissions is forcing the IT industry to reassess its approach to power management.
Whilst traditional power distribution units (PDU) provide a reliable and cost effective solution for a safe, secure and reliable connection of power within a data centre, most offer little scope to proactively monitor power usage in an intelligent manner.
"If you do not measure it... you cannot manage it!"
An Intelligent Approach
2bm has developed an intelligent power management solution which is built on the following key elements:-
- Leading edge power strips
- Innovative approach to cabling
- User friendly Sensorium software
Power Strips
The power strips are designated as a Class 2 measuring device. What does this mean? Well it simply relates to the accuracy and the quality of information recorded. By polling up to 4000 times each second the reliability of the data provided is unrivalled in the industry.
In addition to providing accurate information, which in turn allows you determine exact costs of power down to rack level, the Class 2 status qualifies for Enhanced Capital Allowance (i.e. expenditure can be offset).
Innovative Cabling Approach
Each power strip has two RJ45 sockets. This allows you to 'daisy chain' up to 32 PDUs (or 16 racks with A and B feed) into one SNMP trap (RS485 cabling protocol)
Readings are taken from each PDU in turn and fed down the line to the SNMP trap which is linked to the Sensorium software.
If intelligent power strips are not used, a bespoke IN-LINE unit can be fitted to allow the rack to be part of the 'chain' and therefore recorded.
The benefits of this approach are threefold. Firstly the cabling process is easy and cheaper to install and manage. Secondly the RS485 protocol is more robust. And finally it only requires one IP address for up to 16 racks as opposed to one per PDU, thus saving on network ports.
User Friendly Sensorium Software
The Sensorium software has its origins in building management and therefore offers a holistic approach, capable of integration with both facilities management and data centre applications.
It allows you the user to manage the big picture, collating accurate and usable data from all your data centre equipment devices. In simple terms it allows you to:-
- Gain full control
- Monitor power consumption down to rack level
- Calculate cumulative KwH
- Understand your carbon foot print
The software is easy to use and capable of being tailored (either by yourself or the 2bm team) to your specific needs. At its heart are the clear and concise floor plans graphical displays that indicate data centre 'hot-spots' using dynamic 'Traffic light Icons'.
By moving the mouse over the icons you can quickly to 'drill down' for further more detailed information including, real-time data and analysis of archived trend logs.
More Informed Decisions
Armed with the information the above solution allows you to manage power consumption more effectively, understand how to reduce your carbon footprint and perhaps most importantly make informed strategic decisions.
