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Get More From Your Data Center

Make Your Virtualized Data Center Even More Efficient – Without Sacrificing Availability

Consolidation / Virtualization appliCation Guide 

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IT management is under enormous pressure to maintain or increase computing and data center performance while managing costs. Server virtualization represents one of the most promising means for accomplishing that goal. The right infrastructure strategy can make your data center even more efficient while ensuring the availability you need for a more business-critical environment.

The Promise of Virtualization

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Solutions from Emerson Network Power let you get more from your data center by:

– Improving cooling efficiency by up to 30%

– Utilizing the industry's most efficient power systems

– Removing power and heat density constraints to free up stranded capacity

– Protecting server performance and availability

– Designing for flexibility using a scalable infrastructure architecture that minimizes footprint

– Deploying data center infrastructure management to increase efficiency, capacity and availability

This guide is designed to help you get more from your virtualization initiative. With it you can:

– Identify ways to increase the efficiency of your virtualized data center

– See how to free up stranded capacity within your data center

– Learn how to apply infrastructure technologies to increase the availability of your data center

– Allow the data center to grow without service interruptions

Warning signs that your infrastructure  may not be ready for virtualization.

Is your data center infrastructure ready to provide the efficiency you need to meet the increased availability demands of virtualization? Here are some warning signals that your infrastructure may not yet be optimized:

– Power and cooling demands have not been calculated for the consolidated environment

– Processes for moves, adds and changes are not standardized and may be manual

– You are unable to shift power and cooling capacities with virtualized loads

– Your critical power system consists of multiple small UPS units rather than a centralized UPS system

– You have difficulty keeping temperatures in your racks below 80 degrees F before new equipment is installed

– You have no way to target additional cooling to racks with densities above 5kW

– You have not updated your vendor service level agreements

The Right StrategyServer virtualization creates a higher performing data center and lays the framework for cloud computing and enhanced disaster recovery. It also introduces power and cooling challenges that, unless addressed, will limit your efficiency and availability.

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The ChallengesConsolidation and virtualization change the power and cooling profile of the data center. The benefits of consolidation and virtualization may not be realized if power and cooling strategies are not evaluated and modified.

efficiencyWhile virtualization enhances computing efficiency, changes to physical infrastructure can help you add even more efficiency in the data center. Row-based cooling and containment systems can increase cooling efficiencies by 30%. New power technologies can operate at up to 99% efficiency.

Heat densityDenser, more powerful servers generate more heat than the systems they are replacing. Blade servers in particular concentrate heat within a small space. Building air conditioning is unlikely to be sufficient for cooling consolidated environments and therefore precision cooling needs to be added. Hot spots that arise from higher density servers may need row-based or specialized high-density cooling.

power ManagementServer consolidation will likely increase the power draw within the rack and may increase rack criticality. UPS systems must be sized and configured for increased capacity, reliability and redundancy.

Visibility and ControlEnhanced monitoring and data center infrastructure management (DCIM) is critical in a virtualized environment. Data centers need to bridge the physical layer of the infrastructure – power, cooling and facilities resources – and the IT infrastructure – the actual computing, storage and network activity.

Intelligent capacity planning enables enterprises to aggregate and correlate real-time data across the data center and automate IT applications based on real-time server usage.

Proactive changes to critical systems can be automated more effectively, including asset and capacity optimization, predictive analysis for energy forecasting and preventive maintenance scheduling.

physical securityIT equipment is vulnerable to failures caused by unauthorized access, adds and changes. Server consolidation concentrates applications on fewer servers, which then need to be protected by lockable enclosures and software, giving you the ability to monitor and control access and equipment changes.

Maintenance and serviceLack of scheduled maintenance and service can cause unplanned downtime in the increasingly critical environment created by consolidation and virtualization. Extending the useful service life of the power and cooling equipment through proper maintenance, predictive monitoring, and keeping systems up-to-date reduces the likelihood of downtime.

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How to Ensure Your Infrastructure Is Virtualization ReadyHere are measures you can take to ensure your infrastructure is ready to adapt to the changes brought on by a virtualized environment.

1. increase the efficiency and criticality of your cooling systemsHigher density rack configurations have become a best practice for virtualized data centers to perform at the highest levels of capacity and efficiency. Approximately half the energy usage in a data center is from its power and cooling systems. If the heat from a rack is not effectively removed,

the performance, availability and lifespan of the virtualized servers can be reduced significantly. As you adopt the latest server technologies in your data center, you may be exposed to higher failure rates, especially in the top third of the racks where heat builds up.

The right cooling systems can eliminate the constraints to server deployment caused by higher temperatures, allowing you to fully populate your racks. If you are using building air conditioning for your IT spaces, consolidation will likely create a need for dedicated perimeter cooling, row-based cooling or high-density supplemental cooling. Compared to comfort cooling, dedicated systems provide year round cooling, move more air, eliminate large swings in temperature and humidity, and provide higher levels of air filtration.

Cooling best practices can help reduce energy consumption and make the most efficient use of space.

a. Maximize the return temperature at the cooling units to improve capacity and efficiency

As heat densities continue to rise with the proliferation of high-density configurations, server consolidation and server virtualization, air flow management is a growing concern. Fortifying a data center with adequate cooling capacity is no longer enough, and adopting an airflow management strategy suited for high-density computing is critical to maximizing efficiency and preserving availability by minimizing the occurrence of “hot-spots.”

Row-based precision cooling solutions are ideal for data centers with high-heat densities and growing IT infrastructures because they are uniquely equipped to deliver cooling directly to specific heat loads. They maximize efficiency by ensuring that capacity is utilized only where and when it is needed. In addition, some solutions, such as the Liebert CRV™ precision cooling system, use intelligent controls to dynamically scale capacity as IT needs dictate. In a virtualized environment, for example, this ensures cooling is available where the load is shifted.

Aisle containment configurations can further enhance airflow management by creating a partition between hot and cold air in the data center. This partitioning increases the return air temperature to the row-based cooling systems. By doing so, a data center with intelligent row-based cooling and cold aisle containment can achieve efficiency gains of up to 30%. According to a recent survey of the Data Center Users Group, more than 49% of data center managers have adopted or are planning to adopt cold-aisle containment as an air flow management strategy.

B. Match cooling capacity and airflow with it loads

Cooling units should match the varying requirements of the IT load. By implementing cooling systems with temperature sensors, digital scroll compressors, and variable frequency drives connected and controlled though a control system, your data center’s cooling will match the load which will prevent overcooling during times of low IT utilization. More efficient precision cooling technologies in virtualized environments reduce total cost of ownership (TCO). Using EC Plug Fans and digital scroll compressors, these systems can lead to energy savings of 65% compared to conventional components, and reduce wear and tear on equipment. Aisle containment systems can also increase cooling capacity by returning higher temperature air to the cooling units, allowing them to run more efficiently.

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C. utilize cooling designs that reduce energy consumption

The precision cooling units found in data centers consume much of the electricity used to run the facility. By utilizing units that are designed with fewer energy-consuming parts or with options that can turn components off, significant operating cost savings can be realized. Such energy-saving features of precision cooling units include digital scroll compressors, EC fans,

variable speed drives as well as cutting edge technology like the Liebert XDR which as a rear door heat exchanger, eliminates cooling fan motors all together.

Row-based cooling systems include the Liebert CRV. Each unit provides up to 35kW of cooling capacity and uses energy-saving compressor and fan technologies that continuously match cooling to the load. It also uses unique Liebert iCOM™ controls which allow the teaming of multiple cooling systems. And it can be serviced right in the rack row. Perimeter precision cooling is available in many configurations in form factors and heat rejection methods. Systems from Emerson Network Power include the ceiling-mounted Liebert MiniMate2™, floor-mounted Liebert DS™, Liebert CW™ and Liebert Challenger™ 3000, or the wall-mounted Liebert DataMate™.

For high-density situations where supplemental high-density cooling is needed, the Liebert XD™ family of products can be ideal. These systems bring cooling closer to the rack and therefore provide an effective and efficient solution for high-density issues. They can reduce cooling power consumption by as much as 32% compared to traditional room-only designs. Pumped refrigerant solutions remove heat from the data center more efficiently than air-cooled systems and provide incremental energy savings of between 25% and 48% based on kW of cooling capacity per kW of heat load.

Turn to your local Emerson Network Power data center design expert to evaluate your cooling needs and recommend the right solutions.

2. perform infrastructure auditsAs your data center power and cooling requirements change, you will need to evaluate new levels of power and cooling availability, capacity and redundancy. Infrastructure audits can help you to identify risks and vulnerabilities that could adversely affect operations.

Various cooling analyses can reveal potential risks to your IT environment and opportunities to make cooling more efficient. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) assessment can show you exactly how airflow will occur in your consolidated environment and where hot spots and other cooling challenges will exist. Your room and rack power loads can help you determine how cooling should be deployed for maximum efficiency. Redundancy can be built into the cooling system to eliminate potential points of failure.

Calculate the power required by your data center and within each individual rack to ensure you have adequate UPS capacity where you need it as computing moves across the virtualized environment. Look for potential points of failure, where the loss of one power component can threaten the larger system.

3. provide physical security In the more critical consolidated environment, equipment needs to be protected from unauthorized access – whether your data center is a single rack or multiple racks.

Utilize racks, such as Knurr® racks and cabinets, which have key or card swipe locks or monitored contact closures, so you can track and authorize access only by qualified individuals. Within your racks, utilize smart PDUs, such as the Liebert MPX™, which let you monitor power at the receptacle level and enable receptacles to be activated or turned off. This will help you prevent unauthorized equipment adds and changes that can lead to circuit overloads, as well as simplifying in-rack power distribution and reducing cabling. DCIM software can also help you standardize and enforce processes for equipment adds and changes.

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4. don’t lose sight of power efficiency and availability Industry analyst and author Barb Goldworm summed up the reality that should shape your critical power strategy: “With virtualization, since each server runs multiple virtual server workloads, the server becomes a single point of failure. This escalates the issue of availability for that physical server. If you put all your virtual eggs in one basket, then you need to take very good care of that basket.”

The integration of higher density, high-availability UPS systems with built-in redundancy helps data center managers to eliminate single points of failure and ensure that power fluctuations or interruptions do not result in downtime or catastrophic equipment failures. UPSs installed years ago may not have the efficiency or reliability required for upgraded servers or blade servers common to consolidation/virtualization projects. Ensure that UPS sizing and backup are adequate for today’s needs and future growth. Make sure you calculate your UPS size based on the full load of protected equipment – not “nominal loads,” which are estimates of average loads and could result in undersizing your UPS capacity.

Implementing a high-density system configuration to increase efficiency and performance is important, but it is also important to ensure those improvements do not come at the cost of reduced availability.

To achieve the highest levels of availability, data center managers should examine their existing power infrastructures closely to identify and eliminate single points of failure.

Power protection, like computing, can benefit from consolidation of multiple smaller systems into fewer, more powerful systems. When total room load exceeds 40kW, consider replacing rack-based UPS systems with larger modular systems, such as the Liebert APM™ UPS, or with room level systems, such as the Liebert NX™ with Softscale™ technology. The Liebert APM offers data center managers the ability to scale UPS capacity as needed while operating at efficiencies up to 94%. It is scalable in 15kW modules for both capacity and redundancy.

The Liebert NX provides higher capacity, reliability and redundancy than rack systems. The Liebert NX with Softscale technology lets you increase capacity via a software key, without adding hardware. The Liebert NXL provides reliable power protection and advanced technology for high power applications from 250–750kVA. The Liebert Trinergy is a transformerless, modular, online UPS that supports high power data center loads with three levels of dynamic Energy Optimization Modes, providing up to 99% energy efficiency depending on incoming power quality.

5. increase the reliability of your upssYou may be using the same line-interactive UPS systems in your racks. However, the consolidated environment increases criticality, and you may be better served by online UPSs with fault-tolerant design. The online Liebert GXT3™ rack UPS is twice as reliable as more commonly used line-interactive UPSs, as measured in MeanTime Between Failure (MTBF). That’s because it has an internal bypass that allows power to continue to protected equipment in the event of a UPS component failure. Room-level UPS systems, such as the online Liebert NX, Liebert NXL or Liebert Trinergy, have even higher reliability due to their bypass technology and longer lasting batteries.

6. plan for power redundancyThe critical environment of consolidation and virtualization will likely mean you want to add redundancy to your power system. The servers you use will likely be dual corded, which means they are designed for power redundancy. The highest level of redundancy is providing a separate UPS, PDU and circuit for each cord. Exactly how much power capacity and redundancy you need depends on your organization’s sensitivity to downtime and your budget.

For enterprises seeking to achieve scalability without adversely impacting availability, N+1 redundancy remains the most cost-effective option. In an N+1 system, multiple UPS modules are sized so that there are enough to power connected equipment (N), plus one module for redundancy (+1).

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7. planning, monitoring and control through infrastructure management With server consolidation and virtualization, it becomes vital to plan for capacity usage and to know what is happening within equipment racks at any given time. A robust monitoring capability is a key to maximizing data center efficiency and availability. In fact, according to a spring 2011 survey of the Data Center Users Group, more than half the respondents indicated that establishing adequate data center monitoring capabilities is a top concern.

However, monitoring alone is no longer enough to adequately ensure the availability of data center infrastructure. A more holistic approach to data center infrastructure management is required, encompassing all power, cooling IT and support equipment to optimize capacity planning, resource allocation and equipment management. Data center infrastructure management technologies provide real-time visibility into critical systems, as well as automated management capabilities. Capacity and space-planning technologies, such as Avocent Data Center Planner™, enable managers to aggregate and correlate real-time data from IT and infrastructure technologies, so they can get the highest efficiency and performance from equipment adds, moves and changes.

Ensure Liebert UPS systems are network-enabled, using technology such as the Liebert Intellislot® Web Card. Software such as Liebert Nform™ and Liebert SiteScan® will provide alerts for adverse system or environmental conditions, and allow you to conduct graceful shutdowns of IT equipment in the event of extended power outages.

Various rack-mount hardware devices and software technologies are available for monitoring of temperature, humidity, water leakage and contact closures.

Remote monitoring of power and cooling systems from Emerson Network Power is available if you do not have the internal personnel to perform these important tasks.

8. upgrade service and maintenance The addition of higher-criticality IT equipment is an ideal time to revisit your service and maintenance processes and contracts.

Extending the useful service life of the power and cooling equipment through proper maintenance, predictive monitoring, and keeping the equipment up-to-date increases equipment life spans and maximizes performance.

Service level agreements should be reviewed at this time and modified with higher criticality in mind.

Emerson Network Power service providers are factory certified and are part of a continuous training program. When disaster hits, Liebert service contracts guarantee a four-hour response time.

Even smaller rack-mount UPS systems can be covered by maintenance and service contracts. The Liebert Power Assurance Package provides on-site service and battery replacement programs for the rack mount Liebert GXT3 UPS, from 1000VA and up.

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Starting off on the right foot is the best way to make sure that your infrastructure is able to adapt to a virtualized environment. By making some up-front calculations and following data center best practices, your business will be ready for the change. Emerson Network Power has the local expertise to guide you through the process and the products to make sure your data center continues operating at peak performance.

Be Prepared for Virtualization

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availability Considerations Yes no

Have you calculated your cost of downtime for IT equipment to help determine your desired availability levels supported by your power and cooling infrastructure?

physical security Yes no

Is your critical IT equipment secure from unauthorized access?

Do you have monitoring in place so you can be alerted when cabinets are opened or equipment is added or changed?

power Yes no

Have you sized UPS systems for a combination of actual power usage and planned expansion?

Are you using full loads rather than nominal loads to size UPS requirements?

Are you using data center planning software or are your line drawings up-to-date so you can identify single points of failure?

For higher power availability, are you using at least N+1 redundancy?

Are you using online UPS systems to provide the highest levels of reliability for your critical, consolidated environment?

If you are using a generator, are your UPS systems compatible with generators?

Cooling Yes no

Have you calculated the amount of time your IT equipment can operate without cooling in the event of an outage?

Are you using dedicated or precision cooling for critical IT systems?

Are your racks arranged in hot aisle / cold aisle configuration to facilitate heat removal?

Do you have adequate cooling redundancy with loads distributed between multiple cooling systems?

Are you adding high-density servers that increase rack loads beyond 5kW, which then may require row-based or supplemental cooling systems?

Do you monitor or inspect your racks routinely for hot spots and document temperature measurements for trending?

Monitoring and Management Yes no

Do you use network communications software?

If so, are you monitoring power and cooling equipment via your network?

Are you able to send alerts, initiate controlled shutdowns of equipment and control power usage within each rack?

Do you monitor for heat, humidity and water leakage in your IT spaces?

Do you have UPS battery monitoring systems in place?

Do you need a remote monitoring service to review monitoring logs and manage escalations?

preventative Maintenance and rapid response service Yes no

Have you evaluated your outside service level agreements in light of your more critical, virtualized environment?

Are your service providers factory certified?

Do you have immediate phone support for service – 7 x 24 x 365?

Do you conduct UPS and battery checks or other types of UPS preventative maintenance?

Do you know the MTBF and expected life span of your UPS and cooling equipment to ensure you have performed adequate preventative maintenance?

Do you need a long term warranty and service package to provide preventative maintenance and repair?

Liebert Checklist for Consolidation / VirtualizationBelow is a checklist to help you evaluate your IT infrastructure for consolidation and virtualization. Be sure to work with your local Emerson Network Power data center design expert to review your needs and determine exact equipment requirements.

For assistance with power and cooling solutions, contact your local emerson network power data center design expert. to find a contact in your area, visit www.emersonnetworkpower.com.

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Key Products For Consolidation / Virtualization

Critical support  Why it’s right for server Consolidation / Virtualization 

Smart Solutions

SmartRow™

– An intelligent, integrated infrastructure in a single row– Requires no major room upgrades– Integrates precision cooling, UPS, power distribution, fire suppression and data center

infrastructure management and monitoring

SmartAisle™

– An intelligent, integrated infrastructure for multiple rows– Integrates power, precision cooling and control technologies to optimize the operational efficiency

of your data center– Offers significant efficiencies and many configurations for greater flexibility and a clear growth path

SmartDesign™– An intelligent, integrated infrastructure using a room-based design for spaces 250kW and larger– Design-based approach to infrastructure to optimize data center availability, efficiency and scalability – Uses industry best practices and interoperable systems to simplify implementation

SmartMod™– An intelligent, integrated infrastructure in a rapid-deployment enclosure– Goes beyond containerized solutions to provide high availability infrastructure in a modular, space-

saving and cost-efficient solution

physical security

Knurr DCM Racks and Cabinets

– Full-depth dimensions maximize space utilization and accommodate all types of IT or networking equipment

– 83% perforated doors facilitate airflow for improved removal of potentially harmful heat – Wide array of tool-less cable management tools improve airflow management

Liebert MPX Adaptive PDUs

Liebert MPH™ Managed PDUs

– Protect against unauthorized equipment adds and changes– Allow remote control of power usage at the receptacle level to avoid circuit overloads in

higher density environments

power efficiency and availability

Liebert GXT3 Rack UPS– Provides twice the reliability as commonly used line-interactive UPSs– Fully conditions all power irregularities that can affect IT equipment– Easily paralleled for redundancy and capacity

Liebert APM UPS– Up to 94% efficiency, with no loss in efficiency when operating at 50% to 100% of load– Allows capacity growth without increasing footprint– Requires fewer batteries for less maintenance and lower TCO

Liebert NX with Softscale Technology

– Room-level protection to consolidate smaller UPSs and reduce potential points of failure– High reliability, faster response to power demand changes, longer product life and lower energy costs– Software scalable – Lets you purchase the capacity you need today and increase capacity later, without adding

hardware

Liebert NXL™– Provides reliable power protection and advanced technology for high power applications from

250–750kVA.

Liebert Trinergy– This transformerless, modular, online UPS supports high power data center loads with three levels

of dynamic Energy Optimization Modes, providing up to 99% energy efficiency depending on incoming power quality.

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product Why it’s right for server Consolidation / Virtualization

precision Cooling

Liebert CRV

– Row-based cooling close to servers for higher efficiency and superior temperature and humidity control– Airflow baffles can be adjusted as cooling needs change– Higher energy efficiency by continually matching cooling to changes in the rack temperatures and

by using lower fan input power

Liebert Challenger 3000 Precision Cooling System (Floor Mount)

Liebert Datamate Precision Cooling System (Wall Mount)

Liebert Mini-Mate2 Precision Cooling System (Ceiling Mount)

– Provide more effective cooling, humidity control and air filtration than comfort cooling systems – Designed to take up little or no floor space– Greater efficiency; supports higher-density IT environments

Liebert DS (Floor Mount)– Provides more effective, precise, reliable control of room temperature, humidity and airflow than

comfort cooling systems– High energy efficiency

Liebert CW– Energy-efficient, precision cooling and humidity control using existing building chilled water– Significant energy savings on downflow models with optional air economizer

Liebert XD Supplemental Cooling– High-density cooling adds capacity where needed– Highly efficient because they put cooling in the rack row or close to the IT equipment– Multiple form factors to accommodate space requirements

data Center infrastructure Management and Monitoring

Avocent Data Center Planner– Provides insight into how IT and physical infrastructure equipment is being utilized, where it’s

located, how much power it’s using and impact from adds/moves/changes

Liebert Nform– Alerts you to adverse equipment and environmental conditions before they create problems and

provides for graceful shutdown if required– Dashboard view of infrastructure status

Liebert SiteScan– Provides centralized oversight of Liebert precision air, power and UPS units, as well as many other

analog or digital devices. Features include real-time monitoring and control, data analysis and trend reporting, and event management

Liebert vEM-14 – Monitors temperature, humidity and water leakage and contact closures

Enterprise Remote Monitoring– Monitors power and cooling systems and environmental conditions for customers that lack the

time or personnel

service and Maintenance

Service and Maintenance

– Liebert service and maintenance contracts for larger power and cooling systems keep the systems operating without disruption and extend the life of your equipment

– On-site response times averaging 1.67 hours– Factory-trained service force is twice the size of the next largest competitor– Lowest service error rate in the industry– Full range of data center services including power, cooling, professional assessments, remote

monitoring and service management and support

Key Products For Consolidation / Virtualization

How to Get StartedVirtualization will add complexity to data center management, so it’s critical that infrastructure issues be addressed simply and effectively. Look for solutions providers who have been trained in power and cooling issues and can offer a full range of solutions. Your local Emerson Network Power data center design expert can evaluate your IT environment and prescribe solutions that answer today’s needs and accommodate tomorrow’s growth.

And when you rely on Emerson Network Power’s full range of solutions, you know that your system is backed by the most comprehensive service network – bigger than the service networks of our three largest competitors combined.

To find an Emerson Network Power data center design expert near you, visit www.emersonnetworkpower.com.

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