06 March 2019
Selecting, implementing and handling a data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) product can sometimes feel more taxing than simply continuing without one. But that shouldn’t be, and is often not the case.
The main purpose of a DCIM product is to alleviate the administrator’s workload, not add to it.
With various factors to consider – from environmental to physical security – DCIM organisations must safeguard their equipment, secure restricted areas and ensure those authorised are allowed appropriate access; all while upholding availability and preventing downtime. This is where network monitoring comes in.
Opting for a DCIM product that provides holistic monitoring of all relevant infrastructure and processes is key; whether gaining an insight via a high level operations centric dashboard or a detailed deep dive into specifics using a mobile app. It should provide administrators and users alike with an appropriate insight into the health of their systems, empowering them to act swiftly act on this intelligence.
So how to find the right tool? The old saying is still true – try before you buy. As consumers, we tend to veer towards the cheaper, shinier options, often without considering the long-term effect. Unfortunately, IT teams are not immune to this persuasion – particularly if procurement are involved in the buying process. However, more often than not, those who buy cheap end up buying twice.
To tackle this, first consider why and how you will best utilise a DCIM product. Once the fundamental needs and uses have been tied down, it’s important to trial products before committing. Many companies offer free trials – you might find that your needs are different from what you envisioned.
For instance, sometimes buyers will soon realise that the licence doesn’t actually cover what they need. But there are products that have one licence which covers everything – from physical networking, OSes and apps, through to virtualisation and cloud services. Selecting a product like this avoids the trap other vendors lay for the unwary. Trying before buying highlights the pros and cons before you make a commitment. The bottom line: do your research – understanding your needs and the needs of your user community before trialling products will save a lot of time and money. With so many different DCIM products on the market, it can seem an overwhelming task; the key is to find one that not only provides you with one holistic platform and provides its intelligence in a clear and manageable way.
By Martin Hodgson, country manager, UK & Ireland, at Paessler