September, 2008

Keeping The Data Center Tidy

One of the most important services to implement when performing data center maintenance, is regularly scheduled site cleanings to help keep the data center environment free of dust, dirt and other particulates that can harm your operating systems and create health risks for employees. Particulates circulating within a data center can accumulate and interfere with electronics causing a variety of potential problems, including media errors and data loss. A good rule of thumb is to schedule data center cleanings on a quarterly basis, or when particulate counts exceed the standards set by ISO 14644-8 or ISO 14644-9. By sticking to this cleaning routine, companies optimize the performance of data center equipment while cutting down on the cost of repairs. When you compare the cost of regular cleaning sessions to the total financial investment in your data center, it’s an ingenious buy. Choosing a Data Center Cleaning ServiceDon’t grab the swifter and vacuum just yet. While it’s good to clean both houses and data centers on a regular basis, that’s where most of the similarities end. Cleaning a data center is a delicate process that requires the services of highly-trained professionals who know how to safely handle mission critical equipment. To help you select the right cleaning service, here are some tips:

• Check the company’s references. In addition to the quality of the service, you want to make sure the company has experience dealing with facilities that are similar to your own.
• Makes sure the company is insured for damages caused during the cleaning process. If an accident occurs, are you protected?
• Evaluate the experience and training of the cleaning crew. For instance, are they trained to provide services per the requirements of Federal Standard 209e?
• Review the company’s cleaning methods to see if they use HEPA filtration vacuums and chemicals that are safe for use with electronics systems.
• Be clear about your expectations for the service and establish parameters for cleaning. Will the technicians move equipment? Will they clean the sub-floor or above each rack? Are certain areas off-limits? What’s included in the service?
• Look for a cleaning service that offers availability that meets your needs. In addition to yearly cleanings, will they be available for daily maintenance activities or in the event of an emergency?

Pete 

Embracing the Expanding Role of IT or IS in Business

First, let me dismiss an all too common myth – IT is not just a group of “geeks” typing code all day in the server closet down the hall. Far from it. As technology continues marching forward, IT’s role and its importance to the bottom line continues to grow. And don’t just take my word for it – according to the MIT Sloan Management Review, Information and Information Technology have become the fifth major resource available to executives for shaping an organization, alongside people, money, material and machines.[1] In fact, we’re witnessing all businesses, from large to small, increasing what was traditionally thought of as IT, to a broader corporate responsibility known as Information Systems (IS). This new IS paradigm is responsible for the development and implementation of business processes (BP) throughout an organization. These BP’s are often technology based therefore the logical domain of the technology leaders of the organization.

So what’s my point, you ask? Simply to reinforce the value of IT and help shift the corporate perception of IT as a “necessary evil” to IT as an important value center that can help businesses and employees to accomplish more, with greater accuracy, in less time, while utilizing less company resources. I encourage companies to embrace IT and look for ways to make the most of this extremely valuable asset.

In Focus: Dim vs. Dark Data Centers

When comparing a Dim Data Center to a Dark Data Center the obvious and clear solution would be to opt for a dark data center design which can be described as a remotely monitored IT environment, in which computer systems analyze and correct problems with minimal human involvement. To achieve a completely dark data center, your IT infrastructure, support infrastructure, and software systems need to be independent. The majority of companies are nowhere near this point and most data centers will never be able to run without any human interaction, but technology is quickly taking us closer to this design goal. In contrast, a more realistic and attainable approach would be a Dim Data Center design, a highly sought-after solution for IT professionals and users.  Although the dark data center is still a dream, the dim data center is a pleasant reality. Cutting the human element entirely out of the picture may be out of our current reach, but you can decrease foot traffic and the number of unmanaged changes within your data center. The dim data center approach focuses more on preventative maintenance than on imprudent problem solving. The most efficient dim data center designs are secure, can independently troubleshoot most problems, can be managed remotely, and employ processes and procedures to control the who, what, where, and when’s of the events taking place within the space . 

Many of the daily problems that affect data centers have less to do with the design of a facility and more to do with variables induced by human contribution. For most data centers, not only does the IT staff have access to the facility. Facility staff, other employees, outside consultants, contractors, and mechanics may enter the data center for a plethora of reasons. As human traffic increases within the data center, so do the risks, amount of clutter, and the number of potential technical problems. Despite expert design and planning, people do not always follow preset procedures and may meddle with equipment that they are not qualified to use. This is a nightmare for IT professionals. The mistakes are difficult to trace and consume business’ money and the time of its IT staff. Cutting the human element entirely out of the picture may be out of our present reach, but you can reduce foot traffic and the number of unmanaged changes within your data center.

Pete

Hot-Aisle/Cold-Aisle Containment & Fire-Code Issues

Tech Target journalist, Mark Fontecchio, asked me to speak on the topic of Hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment and how it stokes fire-code issues. In a summary, Hot-aisle/cold-aisle containment is a way for data centers to isolate hot and cold air streams so they don’t mix with one another and cause energy inefficiencies. In the process of mixing these air streams it is very easy to violate the numerous fire codes that require detection and prevention devices throughout the room. I told Mark that in short, there is no good fire suppression methodology for inside rack containment systems. For that purpose, coupled with temperature variance in a hot aisle, we choose to do it in different ways.  One of the major things I stressed to Mark and to any facilities manager is to always be in compliance with your local fire inspector, because if they conduct an inspection, see something they weren’t notified about and don’t like it, they could shut you down. Many people deploy these systems in ignorance of the law. Many people do it and manufacturers are manufacturing the pieces, but the local inspector is the final authority. If the local inspector doesn’t realize what’s going on, the whole job might not be compliant, which will cost you major bucks to rectify.

To view the full article, click here

 Pete

Data Centers vs. Computer Rooms: What’s the Difference?

The differences between data center and computer room design don’t amount to a hill of beans for most people. The terms are often used interchangeably, but using them correctly makes a big difference though if you’re trying to communicate with a data center design firm or an IT expert. If you want to sound like a pro, it’s important to know what sets data centers and computer rooms apart.Data centers are designed to provide a secure, power protected, environmentally controlled space used for housing server, network and computer equipment. As the operating theatre for an enterprise’s network service delivery, a data center site may utilize the entire site and building shell.

 -Pete