Model Data Center Changes

Posted: January 29, 2010 in Technology News
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ABSTRACT

Future Facilities 6SigmaDC Lets You Analyze What-Ifs, Troubleshoot Hot Spots & More

FULL DOCUMENT

Future Facilities 6SigmaDC software helps you build a Virtual Facility, or an interactive 3D model of your server rooms. The Virtual Facility model is a platform for communication between equipment manufacturers, designers, and owner/operators that enables scientific design and management of data centers throughout its entire lifespan.

Before you build, 6SigmaDC lets you plan a layout with an optimal thermal solution and room for future growth. In day-to-day operation, 6SigmaDC lets you view temperatures and other critical data points. When it’s time to scale your company’s operations, 6SigmaDC uses CFD to let you simulate the effects of changes and equipment moves. By using your Virtual Facility as a test platform, you’ll gain immediate insight and better intelligence on the effects of potential physical changes before they “go live.”

The 6SigmaDC software suite has several major components. The 6SigmaRoom feature provides a holistic sandbox for the design and layout of the server room.

6SigmaRack focuses on the setup of individual server racks and enclosures. This cabinet configurator lets you try out combinations of gear. 6SigmaFM, targeted toward facilities managers, takes the trial and error out of changes to equipment and physical infrastructure. When it’s time to upgrade to higher-density storage units, move a ventilation grille, or redistribute power, turn to 6SigmaFM for assurance that proposed changes won’t affect the server room in adverse ways.

6SigmaET facilitates thermal optimization of individual servers and rackmount devices. Move parts around, and you’ll see feedback on changes to component temperatures and airflow. 6SigmaViewer displays your Virtual Facility and its modeled parts in an easy-to-understand, colorful GUI, so you can demonstrate proposed changes and equipment moves.

6SigmaDC also supports various modules, such as 6SigmaCAD, which acts as an import/export tool between the suite and AutoCAD. 6SigmaDatAq allows for importation of real-world data center measurements. 6SigmaPower simulates the effects of power interruptions and highlights single points of failure, and 6SigmaWeight gives an overview of raised-floor structural loads at any point.

by Marty Sems