Agility. A word commonly referenced with words like speed, flexibility, dexterity and nimbleness. 

This broad term has become increasingly relevant in today’s changing world with shifts to hybrid cloud computing and virtualisation. Due to growing demands on computing infrastructure, IT Managers must be extremely agile in creating and executing operational plans.

At Legrand, we believe agility is the core of an efficient data center. Data centers intended to last, are data centers meant for change. 

Is your data-centre built for the future? Do you want to know how to build one build to last? You’ve stumbled upon the right article.

Agility Makes Data Centers Go Round

First and foremost, you must familiarise yourself with the word “Agility”.

Digital transformation relies on the scalability of physical infrastructure behind it. Data centers must be designed to not only keep up with technological advancements but also to anticipate new trends and standards. Agile data center installation allows businesses to meet the need for speed and streamline work processes. 

Did you know, a whopping amount of IT managers overprovision their centers by as much as 40%? This is wasteful for businesses operations in the long run. A practical, agile data center should ensure future-proofing without wasting funds on overprovisioning.

Statistic Source:Data center evolution

Steps to Make Your Data Center More Agile

#1 – Design for Low-Loss Budgets

The average losses of all components determine loss budgets. Faster the application speeds, higher the sensitivity to signal loss. Without implementing an end-to-end approach in the early stages of data center design, an increase in bandwidth in the future looks bleak. Ask yourself one simple question, “Will my infrastructure support the losses for the applications I need to run?” 

Often, the answer to this question is not straightforward.

Installing ultra low-loss (ULL) solutions can enable longer links, more connections and higher capacity. This solution, along with high and ultra-high-density fiber panels and modules are simple to install and maintain while providing immense deployment flexibility. 

#2 – Reduce Downtime by Automating Processes

Data center agility can be made possible by possessing actionable data to inform decisions and reactions. Without historical trends and metrics that provide a holistic picture of a facility’s physical infrastructure, managers are in the dark. They require information about traffic patterns, power consumption, network latency and overall performance to detect potential SLA threats that might occur due to infrastructure vulnerabilities. 

Modern management software, such as the Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM), continuously provides real-time data on performance. With the introduction of machine learning and AI software, key infrastructure processes can be automated and optimised with ease, thus reducing redundancy. This allows data center personnel to target significant issues which require immediate action. When a problem which could lead to downtime occurs, automated programs can take immediate action to resolve the issue or alert personnel. 

#3 – Build a Team of Hands-on Personnel 

Having accurate and reliable data is one component of data center agility. Having a qualified team of personnel in place is another necessity. Yes, many processes can be executed by the automated system, but having a well-trained data center team ready to resolve problems is a must. These employees can swiftly respond to potential system downtime caused due to testing software, monitoring equipment or evaluating cybersecurity.

Data center teams further promote agility by preparing for a wide array of threats. They frequently perform load tests of systems, conduct mandatory fire drills and continuously research to understand more about data center infrastructure and the specific needs of various customer deployments. In case a real downtime event does occur, their knowledge allows them to spring into action and develop quick solutions to get the servers up and running. 

#4 – Ensure Flexibility & Speed

Combining event-driven workflows across compute, storage, network and service domains can ensure data centers operate at a rapid pace. Quickly changing personas and enforcing policy compliance across domains leads to seamless virtual integration. This leads to an intelligent, virtualised infrastructure that quickly adjusts to changing business needs. With unmatched visibility across private clouds and public cloud-based services, endpoint capacity and performance planning can be maximised.

#5 – Optimise Data Floor Space

Deployments are crucial when it comes to power distribution and rack density. Inefficient deployments can lead to issues such as underutilisation of energy or excess heat generation, making it difficult for the cooling systems to manage.

The layout of data center floors may need to be revamped, especially in facilities where new storage system servers are being deployed regularly. Data centers managers need to be aware of how each piece of equipment interacts with the others to optimise the environment effectively. 

The main challenge arises while trying to deliver the optimal IT infrastructure setup for each process, without compromising on performance elsewhere. DCIM software can help in ensuring that each process is getting the most efficient deployment possible, while also maintaining the overall health of data center infrastructure. This ensures increasing agility and uninterruptible power supplies. 

#6 – An Efficient Data Center Partner Is a Must

What according to you is a surefire way to ensure data center agility? Well, according to us, having an experienced, efficient and well-rounded partner who can provide flexibility, speed and integration along with excellent service and support is necessary. 

At Legrand, we deliver comprehensive network infrastructure to meet the expanding requirements of today’s data centers, with a range of connectivity, physical infrastructure, cable management, power and cooling solutions. These systems support next-generation technologies with flexibility for future growth and energy and installation efficiencies, united by superior design.

By adopting the philosophy of data center agility, facilities can respond to potential problems quickly. This allows them to take proactive steps in optimising systems and preserve its uptime SLA. Implementing software platforms to generate real-time data is only the beginning. 

Coupled with well-trained personnel; this information can provide a more comprehensive picture, keeping servers up and running consistently, for years to come. Now, that’s what we call “Living the Advantage” at Legrand.