Selecting a Datacenter Rack

Datacenter rack implementation faces a number of challenges in the modern datacenter environment. A datacenter is a room to store computer systems and its related components. It usually includes servers, routers, switches, networking equipment or backup for power supplies and to ensure that the set up of the datacenter runs smoothly, the data needs to be maintained and well-secured along with the data communications and connections. Managing datacenters gets complex day-by-day as technology gets more and more advanced. It is understood that in datacenter industry it is difficult to find professionals to manage the challenges and newer demands associated with datacenter management.

The basic challenges in the datacenter are:

• Power consumption and electricity cost
• Storage management and data protection
• Maintenance and performance
• Cost of racks and server
• Security and manageability

To meet these challenges customers from SMBs to large datacenters frequently ask for rack solutions, ‘what they should consider when purchasing racks and cabinets’. There are a number of features that customers must look for when procuring new racks and cabinets of datacenter. The most significant feature is size of the datacenter cabinet/rack. Customers need to look for the certification of the racks, height, depth and width of the cabinet, compliances, cable management before making a purchase. Buyers tend to do mistake while procuring cabinets for a datacenters, basically they need to plan and determine the various properties of racks and cabinets. Cabling plays a vital role in selecting the racks for servers. It is required to have good design and quality rack else the whole rack would look shabby. Based on our experience of handling around 250 clients and drawing from our engineering capabilities, we recommend the below factors to be considered before selecting a DC rack.

Manufacturer

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 racks, the amount of time and knowledge they have in this sector. Moreover, they should be a serious player in the industry and should be aware of the IT Industry requirements.

Certifications and Compliances

Bidder/buyer should check for the below industry standards as per global practices, so that the datacenter can avoid spurious manufacturer quote—

• ISO 9000 certification for manufacturing standards
• UL certification for products
• Comply DIN / ISO / ANSI and equivalent standard
• Comply WEEE and ROHS

Application of Rack

Buyer has to be clear on applications of the rack, ie, network, server or telecom application often create issues at the time of installation.

Static Load

Typically, 1,500 kg for high-density application and 750 kg for general application to be used to avoid accidents, but simple way is to go for UL certified rack.

Cable Management

Proper cable management should be ensured in the rack to avoid hotspots created by cables blocking the hot air flow.

Thermal Management

Racks should be equipped with honeycomb perforated doors for easy entry of cool air from front and exit of hot air from back. Air seal kit and blank panels avoid thermal short circuits, ie, mixing of cold and hot air inside rack. Brushed tiles and brushed panels avoid cold air leakages in area of cable entry and exit.

Power Distribution & Power Cable Management

PDU very important and critical component which keep IT equipment’s live, ensure that PDU is IEC C13 & C19 UL certified that are available in different color to identify the PDU Source. Also shorter lengths power cords will have great advantage in managing the cables present backside of racks. Manufacture should have capability to supply intelligent PDU, intelligent asset management and intelligent environmental monitoring solutions. Rack vendor should be well aware of DCIM tools and solutions.

Rack Access

Today with technology exposure and security requirements in collocation with DC OR ODC the rack user look for flexible solutions on door access like Access cards, PIN, biometric and also dual authentication. Rack vendor can ensure solutions without rework or door change.

Grounding and Bonding

Ensure the racks have proper grounding and bonding as per relevant standards for safety of user.

Accessories and Part Support

It is very important that the vendor should extend part support for 10 years.