Rack power distribution units, also known as rack PDUs, are a key component to any IT environment . They do exactly as the name suggests and distribute power to network equipment within racks . A common misconception is that they’re just power strips, and at first glance, they even look like it, but modern rack PDUs provide benefits a simple power strip cannot . Some of the valuable features include network connectivity, environmental monitoring and remote access, but we’ll get more into that later . This guide should help you get familiar with power distribution, gain interesting insights and learn some key considerations for future IT investments . Download our whitepaper to learn more!

While network closets take on all shapes and sizes, they are essentially an arm of the data center and as an important component of all mission-critical environments, must be organized, protected, and managed efficiently and effectively. IT professionals are charged with keeping the technology infrastructure functioning, even in the face of constrained resources and increasing complexity. By selecting the correct rack and power infrastructure, paired with management hardware and software, organizations can keep their businesses up and running. In this white paper, we go beyond simple how-to advice for keeping IT equipment operational, and discuss how efficiently managing, organizing, and operating network closets saves time, saves money, and avoids risk utilizing the existing space and equipment. Download our whitepaper to learn more!

Hyperconvergence collapses the physical components of IT with its virtual aspects into a single appliance form factor. Servers, storage and virtualization layers are bundled into one scalable pool of resources and completely integrated for easier, faster and more cost-effective management. With HyperFlex™ Systems, Cisco® went one step further by including integrated network fabric for faster deployment, simpler management and easier scalability. Still, vital to the operation of all hyperconverged solutions is the fundamental reliance on power infrastructure, and to realize the full benefits of hyperconvergence, it is critical to deploy effective monitoring and management of the power infrastructure. This paper demonstrates ways to improve resiliency against power disruptions and make IT resources easier to manage and scale. Download our whitepaper to learn more!

Not so many years ago, network closets, server rooms and data centers were designed from a “room to rack” standpoint. Deciding specifically where to store your technology typically came later in the design process. However, rapid technology refresh cycles, the need to rackmount more equipment and the desire for increased cooling capacities in an enclosed rack (known as an enclosure), have all begun to reverse that trend. Today, IT professionals are designing these critical workspaces with more of a “rack to room” methodology.

Traditionally, any structural support used to rackmount equipment was appropriately called a rack whether it was a two- or four-post structure. As time progressed and form factors of servers, network, storage, and power equipment have changed, the terms enclosure and cabinet also came into the mix as four-post racks were enclosed with front and rear doors and side panels.

This handbook is meant to help you choose, organize, and manage your racks and enclosures. As such, we will refer to them only as racks and enclosures throughout. In an effort to help you make the best selection for your requirements, we’ll cover some of the components within racks and enclosures as well as some tips on deploying them. Everything is interconnected, so the more you plan in advance, the better prepared you will be. For instance, it is important not to overlook power and data cables. Tangled cables can cause downtime or impede productivity, and the more racks and enclosures you are deploying, the more important an effective cable management strategy becomes.

From plug and receptacle charts and facts about power problems to an overview of various UPS topologies and factors affecting battery life, you’ll find a wealth of pertinent resources designed to help you develop the optimum solution.

This handbook is your one-stop source for essential information ... whether you need power protection for small, medium or large data centers; health care facilities; or other environments in which ensuring uptime and safeguarding data are critical. Download our handbook to learn more!