APC enable comprehensive datacentre management with predictive simulation and modelling

APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in integrated critical power and cooling services, has launched a new version of APC InfraStruXure Central, Capacity Manager and Change Manager, the next evolution of its Datacentre Physical Infrastructure Management suite of applications.

The suite consists of design, operations and monitoring capabilities providing comprehensive management of the datacentre physical infrastructure. Datacentre Physical Infrastructure Management solutions manage power, cooling, physical space and security in dynamic datacentre environments.

For the first time, APCs InfraStruXure Central supports multi-vendor physical infrastructure equipment including a formal validation program to actively develop and publish support for non-APC equipment. Detailed information of all physical infrastructure devices can now be consolidated in this one monitoring application enabling quick assessment and intelligent decision-making on issues threatening IT system availability. APCs Change Manager application provides inventory management and workflow tools to enable datacentre operators to map the IT and physical infrastructure equipment that is located within the datacentre. When combined with Capacity Manager, these applications provide datacentre operators the ability to perform predictive simulation and modeling of the physical infrastructure evaluating what-if scenarios before they occur.

Maximising datacentre energy efficiency while providing high availability requires measuring and monitoring the physical infrastructure to as granular a level as possible, says John DiPippo, senior vice president, Data Center Solutions, Services, and Software, APC. APCs datacentre management suite utilises real-time data and a common database, which means that datacentre decisions can be made based on facts and not merely based on nameplate data typically used by stand-alone inventory management tools.

Growing trends toward higher power densities, driven by technology such as virtualisation, demand the need for data centre operators to move seamlessly between monitor, design and operate activities. APCs new datacentre management suite provides all of this functionality from a single console guaranteeing operators are working from the most current data.

Our clients have a significant need to monitor and measure power usage within their datacentres. says Michelle Bailey, Research Vice President for IDCs Datacentre Trends program. Power and cooling is the number one issue for datacentre managers today as they face huge challenges in predicting the impact from the ever growing number of installed systems in their new and aging datacentres. Inventory and change management has become an operational hurdle that can impact the ability of IT organisations to guarantee SLAs and respond to the business. A comprehensive product, such as APCs datacentre management suite allows operators to visualise, predict and constantly evaluate their priorities for running a high density datacentre at the facility or remotely.

APCs datacentre management suite includes the following enhancements:

Scalable to 4025 Devices on a public or private network
Multi-Vendor Support
Design recommendation engine-based industry best practices
Placement advisor for IT equipment
Comprehensive power path mapping
New low cost entry level platform
3-Phase UPS load balancing and analysis
New interface with user defined charts and graphs
Localised in 10 languages
Mass configuration and firmware updates for APC devices
Optional surveillance application for increased visibility in the datacentre

InfraStruXure Central ships as an appliance available at three price points each with increasing scalability. All appliances are pre-loaded with Change Manager and Capacity Manager modules, which users enable by purchasing license keys. APC also provides a complete set of services to support customers; including installation, deployment, configuration, and consulting services. Specialised training and education services are also available.

All applications are currently available worldwide.

About APC

APC by Schneider Electric, a global leader in critical power and cooling services, provides industry leading product, software and systems for home, office, data centre and factory floor applications. Backed by the strength, experience, and wide network of Schneider Electrics Critical Power & Cooling Services, APC delivers well planned, flawlessly installed and maintained solutions throughout their lifecycle. Through its unparalleled commitment to innovation, APC delivers pioneering, energy efficient solutions for critical technology and industrial applications.

In 2007, Schneider Electric acquired APC and combined it with MGE UPS Systems to form Schneider Electrics Critical Power & Cooling Services Business Unit, which recorded 2007 revenue of $3.5 billion (2.4 billion) and employed 12,000 people worldwide. APC solutions include uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), precision cooling units, racks, physical security and design and management software, including APCs InfraStruXure architecture the industrys most comprehensive integrated power, cooling, and management solution. Schneider Electric, with 120,000 employees and operations in 102 countries, had 2007 annual sales of $25 billion (17.3 billion).