Modern data centers are relatively complex beasts. The amount of data stored in them is astronomical, and the logistical gymnastics involved in managing the infrastructure—everything from powering, to cooling, to security—isn’t a small task.
And the number of data centers worldwide is increasing, with the Global Data Center Construction Market set to grow at a CAGR of 21.99 percent from 2013-2018.
Once you couple this increase with the complexity of their operations, not to mention the fact that organizations use these data centers to store some of their most essential information, you have to be pretty confident in the quality of your data center infrastructure management (DCIM).
Which is why the data center managers are turning to comprehensive DCIM solutions to address major issues like computing resource management, powering and cooling, asset management, IT management, and data center monitoring.
DCIM solutions enable the network administrator to efficiently manage and maintain network performance and also increase the productivity of the enterprise computing infrastructure. Solutions can also involve analytics, which provide metrics on the performance of the data center components. This kind of comprehensive overview of a center’s core processes is leading to significant uptake of these solutions, with the Global Data Center Infrastructure Management Market growing at a 16.52 percent CAGR.
TechNavio analysts have taken a deeper look at the top three trends in the data center market to see what specific factors are impacting uptake of DCIM solutions.
Popularity of Software-defined Computing Equipment
Rapid advancements in technology and enterprise computing solutions are leading to increasing adoption of software-defined computing equipment and services. With these solutions, it is becoming much easier to efficiently integrate equipment management with DCIM solutions. Each device has its own management console that can monitor performance levels and also provide the required management tools. Although procurement of software-defined equipment involves huge capital investment, there is an impressive adoption pattern being witnessed as it has some advantages such as lower cost of management and better maintenance.
Better Security and Data Management Protocols
Data security and safety is the number one concern for enterprises, end-users and network administrators alike. Everyone is looking for secure computing solutions that can protect the data of mission-critical applications. The threat of data being accessed by unauthorized applications and users is always present, which is creating a need for advanced security solutions and features being incorporated into DCIM solutions. Database management and timely backups are vital for threat management and disaster recovery, and in many cases, enterprises are setting up independent storage spaces for backup and recovery in case of a disaster. All these nifty tools to ensure the security and safety of data will have a big hand in the growth of the market over the coming years.
DCIM Adoption Model
Increased Availability of Infrastructure
Availability of enterprise computing infrastructure and services is another major demand from enterprises and end-users. Services such as uninterrupted power supply, economizer technology, and round-the-clock data center services are being adopted by enterprises to provide higher availability to end-users. Other measures like humidity and temperature maintenance are also being implemented to ensure uninterrupted services for enterprises and end-users worldwide. Many such changes are being adopted by data center facilities, leading to increasing adoption of DCIM solutions.
