Data Center Racks and Enclosures

Choose data center equipment that can grow with your infrastructure
By B. Lumadue Data center racks and enclosures keep your components organized and secure. Use data center racks to mount equipment and share power and cooling. Data center enclosures are cabinets or cages that surround the rack to provide protection from dust and other environmental factors.
 

Data center racks and enclosures are available in freestanding versions and modular units that can fit in a tight space. Whether your data center is a closet in the corner of the room or an off-site high-tech space, rack space is the heart of your data center. The equipment for your enterprise makes future expansion easier and less costly. Some features to look for include:

1. Data center racks and enclosures that are scalable to meet current and future requirements

2. Assistance in planning and designing data center equipment

3. Adequate and manageable power, UPS protection and cooling

Get data center enclosures that will grow with your needs

If you don't need a full data center, use a single freestanding data center rack, or a rack that mounts to a wall or fits under a desk. Your data center racks will need to accommodate future equipment.
Try: Consult with providers of data center equipment to find out which equipment is right for your organization. Look for scalable racks like the APC InfraStruXure, and solutions for special requirements.

Enlist help to design a modular data center

The cost and difficulties associated with building a data center may seem unreachable for many organizations. As new equipment is added, the original design gets crowded and unmanageable, resulting in an environment that is dysfunctional and unsecured. Modular data centers are a solution for companies that want to use existing space. A service provider can help design a modular or fixed solution to get your data center back on track.
Try: Look for companies that can design modular data centers in any environment, like IBM's Facilities Assessment, Design and Construction Services. Companies like PTS provide the expertise to design and construct a data center from scratch. GDCM's nlyte system will allow you to design and manage a data center through a web-based application.

Make sure you have the right cooling and ventilation

Cooling and ventilation are major considerations in a data center rack space. Servers and other equipment generate more heat than ever, which can damage cables and other equipment.
Try: Get information about data center racks and enclosures that incorporate ventilation and cooling solutions. APC manufactures air conditioners that can be installed in its racks. 42u sells a variety of cooling and ventilation solutions.

Manage your power

The cost of power can easily surpass the price of equipment over the course of its life cycle. Racks and enclosures that include power management and monitoring features can assist in conservation efforts. A UPS is necessary to provide power during a power interuption until a generator kicks in or you can get to the systems to shut them down.
Try: HP's Insight Power Manager software lets you monitor thermal output and actual power consumption. Powerware's UPS selector tool will help you find a UPS that has enough power for current needs and future growth.

• Once you commit to a rack environment, you should plan to convert current freestanding equipment to rack mount versions. In the meantime, network equipment and tower servers can be placed on steel shelves within the rack. Conversion kits allow tower servers to be rack mounted.
• Well-ventilated doors protect your equipment and keep it secure. Tempered glass doors provide protection as well as visibility.
• Add accessories like rack mount monitors, keyboards and KVMs (keyboard-video-mouse packages) to keep things neat.