DCIM Data Center Overview and Essentials
Data Center DCIM provides the shift toward larger, consolidated data centers are driven by economy-of-scale benefits and accelerated by advances in virtualization, compact high-performance servers, and abundant bandwidth.
Previously, small-scale data centers were manageable using manual tools like spreadsheets and diagrams. But as facilities grow beyond 50–75 racks, these methods become inefficient. Modern data centers bring challenges in managing complex infrastructure, space constraints, and rising energy costs—prompting growing regulatory scrutiny.
DCIM Data Center Demand
The global surge for Data Center features are in demand for powerful, IT-driven applications, along with the economic advantages of consolidating physical infrastructure, has driven an unprecedented expansion in data center size and density. As organizations face growing constraints around space, power, and operational complexity, a new class of integrated solutions has emerged: Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM).
When effectively implemented, a robust DCIM solution offers data center operations teams comprehensive visibility into all assets and their interdependence—spanning network infrastructure, copper and fiber cabling, power distribution, and cooling systems. These tools empower managers to accurately identify, locate, and monitor physical assets, efficiently provision new equipment, and strategically plan for growth or consolidation. DCIM solutions also contribute to energy cost control and improved operational efficiency.
At one point, Gartner projected DCIM adoption to rise sharply—from just 1% penetration in 2010 to 60% by 2014, underscoring its potential to become a data center mainstay.
This document explores key considerations in data center infrastructure management and illustrates how a DCIM platform can equip managers with actionable insights and automation capabilities. From streamlining operations and optimizing resource usage (space, power, cooling, and labor) to reducing costs and extending the life of the data center, DCIM offers a strategic pathway to more agile, efficient, and future-ready facilities.
Intelligent PDUS
Sunbirds DCIM provides Outlet-metered intelligent rack PDUs that enable monitoring and management of power consumption at each outlet, providing device-level data that offers a granular view of power usage and capacity in the data center.
Some even integrate with temperature and humidity sensors to provide environmental information at the rack.
Sunbird’s DCIM software complements outlet-metered intelligent rack PDUs by collecting, storing, alerting, and reporting on the data they generate, delivering actionable insights and enabling more informed decision-making.
In this eBook, we will explain the practical advantages of deploying intelligent rack PDUs and Sunbird DCIM. By leveraging these tools, you can maximize the value of both investments and dramatically simplify how you manage your data center.
Data Center Infrastructure Management
Why DCIM?
Power and cooling expenses alone were projected to increase from $25 billion in 2005 to $45 billion by 2010. Data center managers consistently cite rack density, cooling, and power usage as top concerns.
As responsibilities across facilities, networking, and systems have evolved, aligning these functions to reliably, securely, and cost-effectively support the business has become increasingly difficult—making DCIM tools a critical necessity.