The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet, all collecting and sharing data. In today’s world, more and more things are becoming IoT devices; lightbulbs, cars, cell phones and cameras are just a few simple examples.
The more devices we connect, the more data our data centers must store, process and analyze.
The data center industry faces several challenges due to the rapidly changing landscape of technologies and the dramatic increase of data that these new technologies bring. The challenges include, but are not limited to the Internet of Things (IoT), Artifical Intelligence (AI), Edge Computing and recently, the emerging 5G technology. In this article, we focus on the impact of IoT on data centers and propose the implementation of a Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) solution as a mechanism to help address the challenges.
The Internet of Things, or IoT, refers to the billions of physical devices around the world that are now connected to the internet, all collecting and sharing data. In today’s world, more and more things are becoming IoT devices; lightbulbs, cars, cell phones and cameras are just a few simple examples. Some facts about the rise of IoT; by the end of 2020, it is estimated that there will be more than 31 billion IoT devices connected to the internet. Based on the predictions of statista.com and idc.com, this number could, by 2025, rise to anywhere between 41.6 and 75.44 billion devices. In terms of data center resources, this technology comes with a cost. The more devices we connect, the more data our data centers must store, process and analyze.
Read more: The rise of IoT: why you need software to manage your office network infrastructure.
Image 2: Connected devices (billions) by year – Source: statista.com
A solution to this exponential growth in IoT could be for data centers to increase capacity ‘ad infinitum’ to satisfy demand. However, adding new resources and building new data centers are time-consuming and expensive processes, so consideration should first be given to the question of whether the current resources available to a data center are being utilized efficiently. For example, the average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratio for a data center in 2020 is 1.58, only marginally better than 7 years ago, according to the latest annual Uptime Institute survey. Secondly, if capacity expansion is required, how can this be achieved in the most efficient manner. A crucial aspect in the decision-making process for both questions, is being able to have detailed insight into the physical layer assets and connectivity of the data center. In a nutshell, being able to know exactly which assets you have, where they are located, how they are interconnected and what resources they consume.
A DCIM solution provides a framework for both the effective management of current resources, and for planning future changes. By using the DCIM solution to document and manage their existing infrastructure, data center professionals can make more effective decisions regarding the usage of their data centers, resulting in reduced costs and an infrastructure that is easier to sustain and expand.
For future growth, consider a case where planning needs to be made to determine how many new racks, servers and network devices are needed, along with the type and length of cabling that is required to connect the new assets. While in theory, this could be planned manually or based on custom calculations and excel files, with a dedicated tool, these plans will be easier to create, more accurate, and will provide a means for reporting and auditing. In possession of this insight, organizations can far more simply optimize the projected costs of the expansion.
PATCH MANAGER is a unique, best-of-breed software solution planning, managing, and maintaining all aspects of the physical layer in a data center infrastructure. This state-of-the-art product offers data center professionals detailed insight into every asset and cable.
PATCH MANAGER provides you with:
Image 3: PATCH MANAGER reporting: Cabinet Capacity Information
If you would like to request a personal online demo with one of our consultants, click here.
IoT has also impacted modern office networks. If you are further interested in how PATCH MANAGER can help you make the management of your office building network more efficient, read our previous article, which focuses on this topic.
Download the printable version of this article here:
Contact Us
info@patchmanager.com
Europe, Middle East and Africa
+31 20 5209555
North America
+1 855 281 8340
Asia Pacific
+61 28 014 7555
About Us
Since our founding in 2002, we have been continuously committed to product excellence and customer service. With our software development expertise, coupled with our full understanding of the complexity of the domain, we created PATCH MANAGER, a comprehensive cable and asset management solution. PATCH MANAGER is a vital component in making your IT infrastructure more efficient and hassle-free. At Patchmanager B.V., we value longstanding and durable relationships with our customers and partners.
© 2002-2024 Patchmanager B.V.
Wouldn’t you like to directly contribute to the success of a software solution that will be used by some of the world’s most well-known companies? This is your chance!
As a templates engineer at Patchmanager B.V., you will be creating high-quality templates of network components based on manufacturer specifications for our PATCH MANAGER product. You will work in a dynamic environment and be part of an inspiring team.
For this position, we value your desire to learn and attention to detail more than your work experience and educational background. We will provide you with all the training you need to create high-quality templates!
Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers, we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.
To strengthen the team, there is a vacancy for a templates engineer. As a templates engineer, you will be responsible for the production of accurate, detailed and high-quality interactive templates of network components.
Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.
Wouldn’t you like to make graphics that will be used and appreciated by some of the world’s most well-known organizations? This is your chance!
As a graphics engineer, you will be a driving force behind PATCH MANAGER customer satisfaction. Your graphics will directly contribute to the success of our product and be used by our customers around the globe. You will work in a dynamic environment and be part of an inspiring team.
Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers, we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.
To strengthen the team, there is a vacancy for a graphics engineer. As a graphics engineer, you will be responsible for the illustration of accurate, detailed, and high-quality images for templates of network components.
Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.
Be the driving force behind PATCH MANAGER customer satisfaction!
Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.
To strengthen the team, there is a vacancy arisen for a Software Solution Consultant. As a Software Solution Consultant you will be responsible for the successful implementation of the PATCH MANAGER software at prospective clients and customers.
Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.
Be the driving force behind the growth of PATCH MANAGER!
Since our founding in 2002, Patchmanager B.V. is an established company specialized in Cable and Asset Management Software. From our head office in Amsterdam and offices of international resellers we offer solutions to a rapidly growing international customer base across a wide variety of market sectors. We operate with a flexible, customer-focused culture and take pride in exceeding customer expectations with our product, the support we provide and the services we offer.
To further strengthen growth PATCH MANAGER is looking for a Commercial Lead. As Commercial Lead you will be (end) responsible for further international growth with the opportunity to in time become a member of the Management Team.
Develop and Execute Strategic Sales Plans:
Set-up and optimize B2B Marketing:
Drive Direct Sales Efforts:
Lead Partner Channel Program:
Cross-functional Collaboration:
Market Analysis and Reporting:
Send your CV and motivation to info@patchmanager.com.