Data Center Modernization: From Smart Data Centers to Enterprise Smart Grids

Data Center Modernization: From Smart Data Centers to Enterprise Smart Grids

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The evolution of the modern data center has taken place on numerous levels. Now, data center managers are looking for ways to optimize their environments and gain an upper hand on cost management. One of the biggest ways to create a more robust environment while still controlling costs is to examine how power consumption is being used within a given environment. Data Center Modernization examines a very important topic: Efficient power management and how to create a smart data center.

By looking at various power options and utilizing smart grid infrastructure, data center managers can not only see costs saving, but they’ll also see their power utilization efficiency become more robust. So what makes a smart grid? The following are three capabilities that are the cornerstones of the smart grid:

• Two-way distributed generation (DG) makes it possible for customers to interconnect their renewable energy systems (e.g., solar and fuel cells) to the grid.
• Advanced telemetry enables autonomous services that can detect issues before they turn into problems.
• New services from third parties provide additional value by optimizing the energy value chain.

With more data demands in the industry, there will be more reliance on data center environments. Administrators will have to ensure that their infrastructure stays energy efficient, sustainable and most importantly, agile. In creating such an environment, there are four key components to consider:

• Energy management
• Power management
• Facility management
• Maintenance management

Working within a data enter environment, administrators must have access to real-time data. Furthermore, they have to understand this information and be able to act up on it. This type of proactive approach will simplify the data center management process by examining everything from power consumption to data center facility metrics. Download Data Center Modernization, a white paper from ABB, to see how advanced capabilities can really help an environment control their grid technologies.

About Bill Kleyman

Bill Kleyman is a veteran, enthusiastic technologist with experience in data center design, management and deployment. His architecture work includes virtualization and cloud deployments as well as business network design and implementation. Currently, Bill works as a cloud and virtualization architect at MTM Technologies, a Stamford, CT based consulting firm.