Let’s face
it – there’s a lot of hype in the Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM)
marketplace these days. And every time you turn around, another self-proclaimed
DCIM vendor has joined the party with its own interpretation of DCIM.
Here’s the
reality: true enterprise-class DCIM is more than a point product or monitoring
tool. It may use these tools to extend its overall value, but it’s not limited
to or defined by them. Rather, it’s an open software suite giving users
holistic command-and-control over the entire physical ecosystem. Point products
are inherently incapable of providing this functionality.
To put it another
way: DCIM can’t afford to solve just one problem. It must be able to solve many
problems. It must be able to support the broad capabilities of the DCIM Value
Stack.
I will be talking about the DCIM Value
Stack at the upcoming DCD Phoenix event on October 29 at the
Hyatt Regency in Phoenix, Ariz., in a presentation titled, “DCIM Value Stack: Driving
Efficiency, Cost Savings, and Business Value in the Data Center.” I will be joined by my colleague
Jennifer Roback, regional technical manager at CommScope.
The DCIM
Value Stack represents an open, extensible, broad-based approach to DCIM
encompassing six functional areas that can drive important business value for
data center owners and operators. With the DCIM Value Stack approach, you can
begin your “DCIM journey” in any functional area you choose, and then stretch
into other areas as your comfort level with DCIM expands.
What’s the
bottom line? As you evaluate DCIM vendors today, you should ask yourself:
• Does the
DCIM vendor have a product roadmap that can accommodate the DCIM Value Stack
approach?
• Do they
have an open platform (suite) that can get you there?
If you
have any questions about the DCIM Value Stack or my presentation material from
the show, leave a comment below and I will be sure to respond.