Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure offers a fully integrated building management and power monitoring system accessible through a single pane of glass. (Source: Schneider Electric)
This week we close our series of articles on the evolution of software to measure and manage the data center. In our last article, we looked at some of the key DCIM features. This week we take a look at how modern DCIM tools are already making an impact in the data center and hyperscale space by diving into a real-life use case.
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For those who own and operate a portfolio of data centers and/or edge sites (distributed, often unmanned, small IT sites at the edges of the network), data center infrastructure management (DCIM) software tools are necessary.
Modern DCIM designs also act as security tools to ensure you have a secure and resilient environment. Since DCIM systems consist of software apps, servers, gateways and critical infrastructure devices, all interconnected via mobile and IT networks, it is essential to ensure that both the supplier and the end user continuously follow best practices in the field. field of cybersecurity. Next-generation DCIM should simplify this for the end user by automating the discovery and reporting of DCIM gateway and device vulnerabilities. Some DCIM solutions do this using a threat assessment tool. Users are notified if device configurations (for example, set to use SSH or Telnet) put the device at risk of attack. Devices with outdated firmware are also identified. This greatly simplifies management and automates a critical function of the DCIM system.
Today, DCIM solutions are smarter with data-driven technologies and even AI integration. Furthermore, these technologies aim to improve data center business outcomes while supporting data center operators and business leaders.
Let’s pause for a moment and look at a modern DCIM solution that aims to revolutionize the way we manage our most critical infrastructures.
DCIM: Innovating at every level
EcoStruxure is the open, interoperable, IoT-enabled architecture and platform of Schneider Electric. (See image above.) This data center management solution delivers greater value in terms of security, reliability, efficiency, durability and connectivity.
To help shape the future of data center management, one customer went above and beyond in the way they manage their hyperscale ecosystem.
Digital Realty leverages EcoStruxure platform
As Digital Realty continues to grow its footprint, everything from system architecture to end-user reporting needs to be consistent across all locations.
“Over the past year, we’ve made an effort to standardize our global platform to ensure we can provide consistent monitoring and measurements, but the same look and feel on a global basis.” — Digital Realty
Using non-standard solutions from site to site leads to operational inefficiencies and high costs. With such a diverse customer portfolio, standardizing operations globally is a must, and even with their current reach, it’s a tall order.
They currently provide colocation data center services to a diverse base of US and international companies in financial services, cloud and information technology, manufacturing, energy, gaming, life sciences and consumer products. The 170 data centers serve more than 2,300 customers in 33 metro markets on four continents. They are poised for rapid expansion in Europe and Asia-Pacific, and building a consistent infrastructure will be the key to success. That’s where Schneider Electric and EcoStruxure come in.
A single pane
As Digital Realty and Schneider Electric collaborated to develop standard solutions and configurations of delivered systems, keeping the installations standard was a major concern. Different teams in different regions of the world will provide the systems and the installation must support a globally coordinated design and configuration.
“To achieve global consistency, we need a partner who can deliver products on a global level.” — Digital Realty
Digital Realty uses Schneider’s EcoStruxure platform for various installation products, and the advantage EcoStruxure offers is the ability to integrate all moving parts into one large solution. Combining EcoStruxure Building Operation and EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert, Digital Realty leverages the specialized and powerful tools within each platform for a more unified and efficient approach to monitoring and controlling its facilities. EcoStruxure rises to the challenge by offering a fully integrated building management and power monitoring system accessible through a single pane of glass.
The solution
Digital Realty and Schneider worked together to develop standard solutions and configurations to ensure consistency for both existing and new customers. Combining EcoStruxure Building Operation and EcoStruxure Power Monitoring Expert, Digital Realty leverages the specialized and powerful tools within each platform for a more unified and efficient approach to monitoring and controlling its facilities. It is all accessible through a single pane of glass. Digital Realty leverages Schneider Electric’s comprehensive portfolio of infrastructure solutions to support its growing global facilities base, including HyperPod integrated rack systems. With HyperPod, Digital Realty has the flexibility to scale to fit customers’ different configurations, with shorter installation time and faster deployment.
Results
Site operators now have the right tools to efficiently run their data centers around the world, and Digital Realty has improved operational visibility, improved reporting and optimized facility monitoring. Through the partnership with Schneider Electric, Digital Realty has all the tools it needs to successfully execute its vision of the future.
Furthermore, Digital Realty experienced the following benefits:
- Annual savings of nearly $1 million by leveraging a software-defined bottom-line approach to data center management.
- Significantly improved visibility of operations across primary sites, remote sites and critical customer infrastructure.
- End-user reporting became consistent across all sites. Furthermore, Digital Reality was able to lower their GHG emissions and improve their ESG attitude.
Partnering with Schneider has made it easier for Digital Realty to provide site operators with the right tools to run their data centers efficiently while maintaining the level of resilience to the current demands of the colocation market. Digital Realty has improved access to information, increased productivity and optimized facility control with EcoStruxure, all through a single pane of glass.
“The future of colocation is limitless; what you can imagine will become reality.” — Digital Realty, Global Engineering and Design Team
Through the partnership with Schneider Electric, Digital Realty has a clear vision for the future and the tools to get there. Finally, let’s wrap up the conversation about what to expect from digital infrastructure and how to get started leveraging the next generation of data center management solutions.
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