Traditional data centre infrastructure management (DCIM) software may offer a wide variety of functions and capabilities but a smaller subset of core essential functions is needed for local edge environments which can be found in newer DCIM solutions.

Edge computing aims to move computation and data storage away from data centres towards the edge of the network, or closer to the location where it is needed, in an attempt to improve response times and save bandwidth.

As the demand for data storage and edge computing grows, so does the need for reliable and efficient computing and storage sites. However, the high number of smaller, local edge computing sites that may also be geographically dispersed and inadequately staffed, creates infrastructure management and maintenance challenges that make it difficult to efficiently maintain availability of the information technology (IT).

DCIM software is seen as the solution to these management challenges. Schneider Electric asserts that an integrated micro data centre solution can help maintain IT resilience at the edge, providing insight into the essential elements of a site.

DCIM software can be fully integrated into a company’s existing operations and maintenance (O&M) strategy. Third-party platform integration aims to facilitate easy adoption, with the next-generation DCIM usually installed as a gateway application on an existing server, which may be physical or virtual.

This aims to avoid security and validation reviews that can often be time consuming. Since each site would require a DCIM server, this could result in significant time savings when there are dozens or hundreds of small remote sites. This also makes the tool scalable in that it can handle an unlimited number of monitored devices across a number of sites.

When it comes to implementing DCIM, Schneider Electric highlights the importance of ensuring that there is organisational buy-in, cooperation and participation amongst key stakeholders. For example, the O&M of the software system must be built into the organisation’s O&M program and the facility O&M program’s change management processes must be adapted to account for the DCIM system.

New DCIM software also means that regardless of who is using the system, notifications and alarms are clear. Instead of providing raw data about the IT environment and supporting infrastructure, modern tools draw conclusions to either provide a root cause of the problem or to clearly indicate which alarms or devices are most critical and require attention.

The company states that enabling full use of the DCIM system by third parties mitigates key edge computing challenges.