Articles from Kevin Normandeau

1. DCK Guide to Enterprise Data Centers Explore Data Center Knowledge (Apr 5 2012) Construction , Cloud Computing Every day, IT, business, and facilities managers in large enterprises must face the multitude of challenges associated with the operation of a data center. It is imperative that these managers understand the many developments that impact their approach to management both day to day and over time. For this reason, Data Center Knowledge has partnered with Nemertes Research to create the Data Center Knowledge Enterprise Channel with the goal of providing data center managers with the strategies, tips, and knowledge they need to stay informed in a business that is changing every day. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Data Center Knowledge

2. Simplify the Future by Unifying the Data Center Explore Data Center Knowledge (Jan 19 2012) Construction , Cloud Computing Today, most CIOs and technology executives feel both the urgency to transform their data centers and the frustration of being trapped in the past. A trend for 2012 is toward is a unified fabric based network that integrates technology silos, reduces cos and creates the flexibility business growth. Cisco is one of the leading vendors that offers a unified data center solution. In the white paper “Unified Data Center: Simplify Management and Improve IT Agility” Cisco outlines a stragey for the next generation of data center infrastructure which utilizes a holistic methodology. There are two reasons for considering the Unified Data Center (UDC). First is the bottom line, a single approach will certainly strengthen both capital and operating expenses. Second is developing an agile, flexible network that will be serviceable well into the future to better meet business objectives. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Cisco

3. Cooling Servers In Winter Months Explore Data Center Knowledge (Dec 21 2011) Servers Keeping temperature-sensitive IT equipment like servers cool in heated buildings during the winter months has become a challenge. Standard central air conditioners may provide adequate cooling during warm months, but as the building’s HVAC system switches from cooling to heating, equipment can face the risk of overheating, costly damage and system downtime. The traditional solution of precision cooling systems is normally effective, but does suffer from some drawbacks. This white paper from MovinCool examines the benefits of using ceiling-mount air conditioners to keep server rooms and closets cool inside heated buildings. It discusses the scenarios in which overheating can be missed or ignored, explains the differences between mini-splits and precision cooling systems, and the drawbacks associated with precision units. Next, the functions of a ceiling-mount air conditioning unit and the advantages to utilizing them are explored, as well as what to look for when choosing a self-contained, ceiling-mount air ... (Read Full Article)

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4. Streamlining Colocation Explore Data Center Knowledge (Dec 5 2011) Cloud Computing Colocation is a common IT model that has streamlined data center proficiency for many companies. With the technological advances of the cloud, the enterprise has benefitted even more from this model. Bust, what happens when substantial infrastructure growth is on the horizon. The answer is provided in this whitepaper “Consolidating Data Center Support: Choosing one global provider for multiple markets and applications.” This white paper presented in joint sponsorship by Data Center Knowledge (DCK) and CyrusOne outlines key factors and options that are rooted in both customer experience and DCK’s annual survey of more than 200 IT professionals. (Read Full Article)

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5. Storage, Virtualization and Enhancing the Cloud Explore Data Center Knowledge (Nov 30 2011) Monitoring , Cloud Computing , Storage The subject matter experts at Dell present “The cloud awaits: Storage for the growing virtualized infrastructure.” This technical whitepaper explains the benefits behind the integration of Dell™ EqualLogic™ PS Series iSCSI SANs and VMware® vSphere™ virtualization software. Virtualization has been the trend in data center evolution and the benefits are well documented from both a cost and infrastructure perspective. The Cloud is next showing an even greater promise in terms of ROI. In between these data center strategies lies the need for a proven storage solution. The authors passionately advocate and clearly explain how Dell and VMware provide the optimal combination for the data center. This marriage is successful because the collaboration, between the two industry leaders, makes for an effective integration allowing for a less challenging expansion of the virtualized footprint. (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Dell

6. Data Center Energy Efficiency Strategies Explore Data Center Knowledge (Nov 29 2011) Monitoring , Cloud Computing , Servers A major concern for the IT professional administering the cost and efficiency of the data center is energy consumption. This information rich whitepaper, Tackling Today’s Data Center Energy Efficiency Challenges – A Software-Oriented Approach, is a detailed explanation of dealing with the energy questions by the subject matter experts at Schneider Electric and in particular their Square D Engineering Services team. The premise behind this expert opinion and footnoted research is to outline a software-based approach to the data gathering, trending, and analysis that are necessary to apply successful energy efficiency measures in data center environments. The rational flow outlined is • Planning strategic energy management • Creating an energy model • Implementing hardware measurement • Utilizing software monitoring (Read Full Article)

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7. Growth in Usage of Data Center Service Providers Explore Data Center Knowledge (Oct 10 2011) Cloud Computing It doesn’t seem that long ago there was a sort of phobia behind outsourcing your data center to service provider. Many IT users believed you needed to be close to your servers. That perception has changed, even more rapidly than predicted by research firms that follow the data center market. Data... (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Data Center Knowledge

8. Data Center Expansion: Build, Retrofit or Colocate? Explore Data Center Knowledge (Oct 4 2011) Cloud Computing Scalability & Capacity Planning: Build vs. Buy - Considerations when investing in IT Infrastructure is a brief but very thoughtful analysis from Milldam Public Affairs and CyrusOne . It advocates colocation as one of the best option when considering a need for data center expansion. In recent survey of the Data Center Knowledge audience we found that 62% of our readers currently out source or plan to out source some of the data center operation to colocation, managed or cloud services providers. Supporting the overall premise are three graphs, the first discusses operational impacts of your decision including OpEx vs. CapEx . The second offers a look at the decision process under each of the three choices posing fourteen scenarios that are certain to resonate with forward thinking professionals. The third compliments the discussion by outlining the top seven IT infrastructure management challenges. (Read Full Article)

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9. Data Center Design Remains a Key Area of Interest Explore Data Center Knowledge (Oct 3 2011) Power and Cooling , Cloud Computing Data Center Knowledge conducted its 2011 survey of enterprise class data center operators and found that data center design is still the top area of interest. Power and cooling has moved up the list from number three as the second overall area of interest. The newest and fastest rising area of... (Read Full Article)

   Comment Mentions:   Data Center Knowledge

10. Cloud2: Obama’s View of America’s Technology Explore Data Center Knowledge (Sep 29 2011) Recently, the White House formed a commission to report on the state of cloud technology. With the highest level of government calling, 71 industry experts from both business and academia contributed to the findings. The result was a 30 page report entitled. “Cloud First, Cloud Fast:... (Read Full Article)

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11. 2012 Data Center Market Insights Report Explore Data Center Knowledge (Sep 28 2011) Cloud Computing Data Center Knowledge recently released its annual 2011 / 2012 Data Center Market Insights Report, which provides a detailed look into the challenges and opportunities faced by some of the largest operators of data center facilities. The data center market is undergoing a period of growth and innovation, with over 51% of the respondent reporting plans to expand their data center operation in 2012. The trends identified in this report will help business and technology leaders in the enterprise space understand what their peers are doing to keep up with the rapid increase in new technologies and demands impacting their data center strategies. Over the next three week Data Center Knowledge will release a series of articles on these data center market findings. If you prefer you can download a complete copy of the report courtesy of Vantage Data Centers. Some of the topics in the report and this series of ... (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Data Center Knowledge

12. Getting Data Center Transformation Right Explore Data Center Knowledge (Sep 27 2011) Cloud Computing As an IT professional have you either been charged with or were assigned to be a key contributor to the transformation of a data center? Chances are you have been called to utilize your skills beyond the day to day and to take a facility to another level. Raritan has written a whitepaper that draws a roadmap on how to not only rise to this challenge but embrace it as a means to constructive organizational change. “Data Center Transformations: Simplify data center build outs, consolidations and acquisitions with IT infrastructure management solutions” is a five step guide that shows not only how to upgrade but how to sell the business side of the enterprise on updated processes. These five steps explained in detail with a set of solutions are: (Read Full Article)

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13. 2011 Data Center Market Insight Report Explore Data Center Knowledge (Sep 13 2011) Cloud Computing Data Center Knowledge finds that data center scalability is the top concern for enterprise class data center operators. In August of 2011, Data Center Knowledge surveyed its audience of data center operators on a variety of questions about their data center strategies and growth plans. One of the new questions this year asked about their key challenges and concern. Topping the list of their concerns was the issue of data center scalability followed by a closely related issue of data center capacity planning. Staying abreast of data center design and selecting the right technologies to run their data centers were the number 3 and 4 concerns. The number 5 and 6 concerns are running out of power and then running out of space. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Data Center Knowledge

14. Data Center Knowledge Market Insights Explore Data Center Knowledge (Aug 29 2011) Cloud Computing Every year Data Center Knowledge survey's its readers to gain insights on the trends in the data center industry. This information is used to help us provide the most relevant editorial for data center operators. All survey responses will be anonomus and the typical time to take the survey is about... (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Data Center Knowledge

15. Understanding the Advent of DCIM Explore Data Center Knowledge (Aug 11 2011) Cloud Computing As a data center professional you have witnessed the growth of technology, and the subsequent limitation of space and power. DCIM is the technology to help the three principal groups within the data center – facilities, networking and systems address the major issues of asset management, system... (Read Full Article)

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16. True Costs of Data Center Downtime Explore Data Center Knowledge (Aug 10 2011) Cloud Computing The adage, you can’t understand what you can’t measure is particularly true in trying to determine the cost of data center downtime. All levels of the Enterprise know that the price may be significant but there really hasn’t been a concrete way of measuring the issue. Emerson Network Power has, with findings from the Ponemon Institute, looked to create a way of quantifying an answer to this question. In this timely whitepaper three issues are discussed; how to determine bottom line downtime data center costs, specific data center infrastructure vulnerabilities, and the long term case for addressing these issues overall. This research is extensive. It covers 41 independent facilities with a minimum of 2500 sq feet. It encompasses all levels of the Enterprise from CIO to management personnel using an activity-based costing model which took into consideration direct, indirect and opportunity costs. (Read Full Article)

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17. Why DCIM, Why Now. Explore Data Center Knowledge (Jul 27 2011) Monitoring , Cloud Computing Barry J. Needle, President, AGO Research, in a paper sponsored by Power Analytics provides a look into what data center infrastructure management (DCIM) is and why it is the key to managing the data center of the future. DCIM, as he explains, comprises systems performance management and building management systems. This paper focuses on systems performance and DCIM tools. The author covers several areas in detail that help you form a practical understanding of your facility. Considerations include: • The case for monitoring to establish intelligent capacity planning (ICP) • How the EPA will be taking a proactive stance on power usage following the European Union’s lead (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

18. Evaluating HP’s Thermal Logic Explore Data Center Knowledge (Jun 14 2011) If you are running a large data center you know that energy concerns are as much an issue as the hardware in your facility. Often the two seem to be separate challenges but HP has developed systems that inherently complement each other. This IDC technical brief highlights the importance of and practical benefits behind HP’s Thermal Logic. Known for forging consolidated data center technology, HP realized the importance of the complete system when developing the Data Center Smart Grid. Thermal Logic is key to that strategy with a 3 prong end. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Interactive Data Corporation

19. Measuring Efficiency through Modeling Explore Data Center Knowledge (Jun 9 2011) Container EATON produced this timely whitepaper using computational modeling as a study for a major, non-profit, healthcare network. If a picture is worth a thousand words then this graph rich document speaks volumes. BayCare Health System was looking to optimize their cold aisle containment system (CACS). EATON simulated the performance of the data center using Future Facilities’ 6SigmaDC computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Initial results showed the modeling mirrored the actual performance of the data Center quite closely. The exercise was then utilized to help determine solutions for overall optimization. (Read Full Article)

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20. A Strategy for Long Term Power Explore Data Center Knowledge (Jun 7 2011) Critical Power is a key concern for the data center manager. As subject matter expert, Reza Tejali, P.E. of Schneider Electric explains, “(Power) Loss must be truly ‘prevented’ by prudent operational practices.” That theme is prevalent in this thought leadership whitepaper. The author addresses several compelling points around proper planning and implementation. Of course everything begins with design but what happens after installation? Certainly equipment begins to deteriorate which can be exacerbated through data center changes, making the proper choice of apparatus extremely important. (Read Full Article)

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21. POD Architecture 2.0 – Prefabricated Data Centers Explore Data Center Knowledge (May 12 2011) Construction Data Centers are more than the critical IT equipment that are housed within its walls. They are first and foremost rooms of power and climate control. Space that needs to be architecturally planned and quality constructed. As with any construction project there is an immense amount of planning and expense. At the core of these construction build outs much of the infrastructure is similar. Pod Architecture 2.0 is the next evolutionary step in modular datacenter design and construction. But why consider a prefabricated data center? Because treating the construction of the data center as a deliverable helps to streamline the critical path. (Read Full Article)

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22. Know Your Cloud Explore Data Center Knowledge (May 11 2011) Cloud Computing "Cloud Risky to Cloud Ready" is a new series from Emerson Network Power, examining the premise that cloud computing is a matter of understanding what you’re getting into, creating a plan and utilizing proven technology. Cloud: the very name suggests a far off nirvana of computing bliss. But you, the data center professional, know better. It’s all about the right equipment and the right plan. This industry paper published by Emerson Network Power is the second in a series entitled “Cloud Risky to Cloud Ready.” The premise is that cloud computing is a matter of understanding what you’re getting into, creating a plan and utilizing proven technology. (Read Full Article)

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23. Power Monitoring for Modern Data Centers Explore Data Center Knowledge (Apr 27 2011) Monitoring , Cloud Computing Modern data center power monitoring systems look nothing like the basic electricity meters from which they evolved. Today’s systems comprise sophisticated metering devices, communication networks and software. This brief white paper from Schneider Electric looks at the evolution of the data center monitoring systems and outlines several key guidelines for deployment. By their nature, mission critical facilities such as Internet data centers are prime candidates for power monitoring systems. (Read Full Article)

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24. Benefits of Data Center Consolidation Explore Data Center Knowledge (Apr 25 2011) Cloud Computing , Servers Are low cost servers, used for applications such as sales force automation and workgroup collaboration creating server sprawl in your data center? This is a typical situation for many data center operators and before long you often find you have outgrow your available power and cooling capacity. This case study on data center consolidation shows how Cisco was able to help Coca-Cola Bottling company go from 80 servers to 20 virtual machines. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Cisco

25. Convergence of Networks in the Data Center Explore Data Center Knowledge (Apr 18 2011) Cloud Computing , Networking , Servers , Storage According to a recent study from Forrester Research, most North American data center operators believe that in the next 5 years there will be a convergence of the Storage Area Networks (SANs) and Local Area Networks (LANs). Although obstacles are coming down, there will be challenges along the way. Yet, as this white paper also points out these will be significant benefits to this transition. For years, data traffic from servers to centralized storage has been carried on specialized FC networks, designed to provide maximum performance and availability characteristics. (Read Full Article)

    Comment Mentions:   Forrester Research   Cisco

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