Digital transformation has made IT the basis for nearly all business transactions and plays a prominent role in supplying customers with new products and services. As data centers centralize an array of IT functions, they have become even more business-critical and require around-the-clock uptime.

Today, data center operators are responsible for implementing new hardware platforms, the virtualization and adaptation of suitable cloud concepts, managing network capacities, and introducing software defined networking or network fabrics into the technical landscape. This is in addition to managing space, power, and cooling.

To enable efficient processes, automation, and transparency for your site and across the entire data center, a modern DCIM tool is essential. Discontinued and first-generation software simply cannot meet these stringent requirements. Continuing to use an already sunset or soon-to-be decommissioned data center management software application is not in an organization’s best interest.

While there may be concerns that the legacy software is embedded into operational processes and day-to-day business operations may be affected, there are modern tools available from vendors that provide strategies for a seamless transition. FNT, for example, guides its customers throughout the project to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth switch over from the old system to the new.

What to Look for in a DCIM Solution

Data centers require a central management hub and optimization platform that enable a comprehensive and integrated view of resources from physical infrastructure (power, cooling, floor space, etc.) to IT infrastructure (networks, servers, storage, etc.), network including all structured cabling, and virtualized elements of the infrastructure (software, applications, and their respective services).

This central solution will ensure data integrity and provide holistic management to enable documentation to be analyzed fast and efficiently. Universal access to a single source of quality data supports decision-making processes, speeds up processes, provides reliable data for integration with other systems, makes remote work possible, and allows for cross-site collaboration across an entire enterprise. With an outdated system, none of this is possible.

When it comes to evaluating a new DCIM tool, some features are essential to support today’s demands. Flexible processes, standard formats, an easy system configuration, consistent panning functions, the option to include an application layer, and manufacturer independence are a list of must-haves that data center directors urgently need, preferably without time and cost intensive customization.

Interested in learning more? Download our white paper here.