10 March 2025

Bob Hart, Field CTO at Device42

Choosing the right data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) solution is more important than ever so that you can manage growing data centre networks and assets while meeting stringent service-level agreements for performance and reliability. While you can zero in on features immediately, you’ll likely make a stronger choice if you use target business outcomes to drive decision-making.

You need strong inventory management capabilities to discover, report, and maintain the accuracy of all IT resources and configurations. A DCIM tool should support:

27 February 2025

Martin Docherty, Director of Inside Sales, Assetspire Limited

Not all DCIMs are created equally. Some are a patchwork (or bucket full) of many other products, some are more like a single platform. Some vendors charge per asset or rack or monitoring point, some charge per user.

For the purposes of this article, let's agree that DCIM software should be delivering accurate, up to date and actionable data from your data centres and digital infrastructure, from M&E, through to IT, network and building fabric. A DCIM platform should be providing you with data you can trust and a view across your whole estate, site by site, incomer to rack, floor by floor, room by room, CRAC by CRAC etc.

10 February 2025

Dean Adams, IT Product Manager, Rittal

In today’s data-driven world, the performance and efficiency of data centres is crucial. As the foundation for critical IT infrastructure, 19-inch racks/enclosures play a pivotal role in housing and supporting vital equipment. Selecting the right racks requires a meticulous evaluation of various factors to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and scalability.

The initial step involves a thorough assessment of specific requirements. An equipment inventory must be conducted, encompassing servers, networking devices, storage systems, and other components. This analysis informs the number and types of racks required, as well as necessary dimensions and weight capacities. Equipment density within each rack must be carefully considered, taking into account factors such as power consumption and cooling requirements. This will determine the appropriate rack depth and necessitate the evaluation of high-density cooling solutions. Planning for future growth and expansion is also crucial. For example, modular rack designs offer flexibility for accommodating new equipment and adapting to the evolving needs of the facility. The data centre’s environmental conditions, including temperature, humidity, and airflow, must be evaluated. Racks should be constructed from materials that can withstand these conditions and ensure optimal ventilation.

04 February 2025

Bas Jacobs, Data Center Marketing Manager, Legrand

As the global spotlight on sustainability grows, data centres are increasingly scrutinised for their energy consumption and environmental impact. For data centre operators, adopting infrastructure best practices is no longer optional — it's essential. Rising energy costs and evolving regulations emphasize the need for innovative strategies to minimize energy usage and reduce carbon footprints.

12 December 2024

Peter Savereux, Marketing Manager, Highlight

Investing in network monitoring equipment is a critical decision that can impact the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation’s IT operations. Choosing the right solution requires careful consideration of current needs, future goals, and the primary purpose of the monitoring system. Here are some key factors to consider:

Define the purpose
The success of a network monitoring solution hinges on a well-defined purpose. Businesses must clearly identify what challenges the tool will address and how it will contribute to operational improvements. With a defined purpose, decision-makers will then be able to evaluate vendor claims and focus on solutions that can deliver measurable results.