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Optimizing Power Usage, an IT view

Netrack expert examines the role of Power Distribution Units (PDUs) in this space with better uptime and stronger stability

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Pratima Harigunani
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By Ravi Raj

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INDIA: The increasing complexity from server rooms and wiring closets to data center and IT environments has enhanced the need for power distribution unit in racks that are highly reliable.

For IT environments, IT heads need to maintain system availability and should eliminate power management issues. Power Distribution Units (PDUs) play major role in managing power capacity and functionality for critical network, server and data center equipment.

PDU is very critical and important element in the rack and this will power up mission critical equipment’s. PDUs are generally expected to be highly reliable and most of the mission critical equipment have redundant source but PDU failure is not acceptable at site and creates emergency.

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Users face many challenges in selecting a good product and most of times they end with cost issues. If specification is not captured at the early stage, then the company may end up in buying wrong product. In order to select PDU for data centers and IT environments, managers have to look for a few important points.

Basic factors in selecting PDU

Manufactures offer customers a wide range of selections in various styles, along with 'all in one' availability of features. Prior to selection, the buyer needs to understand the requirement of a company and then go for a perfect PDU. The Power Distribution Unit built should offer agility, efficient power distribution system, availability and added deployment speed to your data center for IT equipments.

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Reduced operating costs and perform maintenance and service are the prominent factors that are front-runners in selection of PDU. After-salessupport plays a key role in providing the service. IT sector should look for power distribution unit, which has a capability of offering different power rating. Customers should refer the user guides for PDU requirements, specific system and rack.

Certifications and compliance place a high value on the manufacturer's and distributor's side, as they are involved and committed towards the improvement and maintenance of PDU. Knowledge on application area and criticality of PDU is required to manage the product scalability from basic PDU to intelligent PDU. Manufactures should provide the IT sector with color PDU and secured, colored power cords available in different lengths.

Capability to design, manufacture and test

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Manufacturers are to be properly evaluated with production, engineering capabilities and financial stability of the company. Also it is very important to understand whether the manufacturer is specialized in PDU and the amount of time and knowledge he has in this sector.

Moreover the manufacturer should be serious player in the industry and should be aware of IT Industry requirements.

Knowledge on application area and criticality of PDU

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PDU being very important and critical component, keeps IT equipment’s live and one needs to ensure that PDU is IEC C13 & C19 UL certified that are available in different colors to identify the PDU source. To manage the cables present backside of racks, the shorter secured lock colored power cords with different lengths will be of great use.

Buyers should also check for the below industry standards as per global practices, so that IT environment and data center can avoid spurious manufacturer quotes. OEM should have complete range of PDU from basic to intelligent. Intelligent PDUs have ports for installing different sensor like temperature, humidity, water leakage, air flow, differential air flow door contact sensors, and camera. OEM should be capable to offer power management software and DCIM solutions as a part of PDU solutions.

As to After-sales support, OEM should have the capability of mechanical installation, power up and warranty replacements. In case of Intelligent PDUs, mechanical installation, power up, IP configuration, software installation and deployment of PDU should be done at site warranty replacements.

(The views expressed here are those of Ravi Raj, Brand Head, Director Sales & Support, NetRack and CyberMedia does not necessarily subscribe to the same.)