This audio was created using Microsoft Azure Speech Services
Around this time of year, the three most important words seem to be, what comes next? To answer this question, many of us rely on expert’s predictions. For those managing the design, construction or operations of data centers, predictions are particularly useful because they help you prepare to handle whatever unforeseen circumstances lie ahead. With all of this in mind, I’ve been carefully tracking the data center management software space and have three critical 2018 predictions to share with you.
PREDICTION #1: The automation of facilities will significantly increase because of the democratization of DCIM.
Recent innovations such as the introduction of cloud-based, data center management as a service (DMaaS) have simplified the implementation of DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) functionality. This cloud-based shift has made it substantially easier for facilities to harness the data collected from power, cooling, and IT equipment. It has also reduced the cost and increased the convenience of generating actionable information to increase the efficiency and reliability of central, regional and edge data centers, as well as distributed IT environments.
The democratization of DCIM means that data center management teams have access to information without making a heavy required investment or need for upskilling personnel. Now, more than ever, DMaaS makes it easier for companies to get important insights about their IT and physical infrastructure, so they can reduce their overall cost of computing while making it more widely available and reliable.
PREDICTION #2: DCIM becomes more open to Partner and Third-Party Connections.
Open has always been an important development paradigm for the IT industry – it attracts people and resources into the ecosystem and adds momentum to the innovation cycle. A good example of this is the App Store which significantly increased the appeal of the iPhone. By commercializing the opportunity to create killer apps, Apple was able to eclipse Nokia in the mobile phone market thanks in part to external development.
DMaaS has the word “open” etched into its DNA. For example, it’s open to partners to develop new ways to service and support their customers. It provides a platform for partners to build differentiation and deliver more value through stronger, data-driven relationships. It’s also open for other manufacturers to connect with. As a result, a much greater data lake will be formed enabling even more granular and predictive analytics, and more dependable infrastructure.
Prediction #3: DCIM becomes “Uberized” and rises to new and higher levels of usability and user satisfaction.
Taking a leaf from Uber, data center management software applications will continue to be simplified and become more intuitive so that users can more quickly realize value from them. One of the benefits of the lean and agile approach taken to the development of DMaaS is that it’s simple to see what’s working (and do more of it), as well as introducing new features to the platform in response to user requirements.
Answering the, “What Comes Next” question is always a challenge. Those who operate data centers and deploy DCIM will have the distinct advantage of access to more, valuable data and insights to guide the automation and optimization of their facilities. During 2018, I look forward to bringing you a series of posts on how this is happening among the professional user community and other related news. My very best wishes to you for the New Year.
