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R&M Unveils R&MinteliPhy Solution for Automation and Simplification of Cable Management in Middle East Data Centers
Published Sep 10, 2013
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Reichle & De-Massari (R&M) launched the R&MinteliPhy Automated Infrastructure Management (AIM) solution in the Middle East. The system has been designed to be easily retrofittable in existing data center cable installations and allows network managers to continuously monitor each and every connection in data centers and local data networks in buildings. R&MinteliPhy reduces both cost and complexity by enabling remote monitoring and multi-site support while unlocking functionality for the management, analysis and planning of cabling and network cabinets.
“Data centers are one of the key IT investment areas for Middle East businesses simply because data and information are now the lifeblood of every organization. Unfortunately, this also means that data center downtime due to network failures are increasingly damaging to local businesses. Many of these can be traced back to improper management of the physical infrastructure,” said Jean-Pierre Labry, Executive Vice-President of R&M Middle East, Turkey and Africa. “IT network managers still rely heavily on archaic tools such as notepads, files or tables which are no longer feasible for the highly complex data centers we are now seeing in the Middle East. With our R&MinteliPhy solution, we intend to eliminate management troubles resulting in smarter and more reliable data center networks.”
IT research firm Frost & Sullivan found that 20 to 40 percent of ports in a network are forgotten over time with poor cable management being a major factor. The R&MinteliPhy rests on two pillars: the hardware for cabling monitoring and the management server. Data is recorded by means of RFID chips in plastic guards, which are simply clamped onto the patch cord. These RFID chips contain identification codes and data on the type of connection involved and its task. Sensor strips with LEDs are snapped onto the patch panels. They detect the RFID chips in a no-contact operation and communicate with units called analyzers, which are integrated in the network cabinet. With this approach, the system monitors every port and every patch cord in the network or data center. LEDs show the status of the connection.
The analyzers communicate with the R&MinteliPhy Manage Server. This program is installed on a local server or externally in a cloud. It continuously collects information about the state of the network and the individual connections. Data can be traced in real time with a PC or smart phone, allowing an incorrectly connected cable to be located within seconds.
No special cables or new patch panels are needed to operate the R&MinteliPhy. The system can be retrofitted on existing R&M network components with minimal effort. Standardized and automated work procedures are introduced at the time of installation, as is automatically generated documentation that is always up-to-date. These features can drastically reduce investment and maintenance expenses for network infrastructure. In investigations conducted during product development, R&M found that the payback period for the management system is less than one year.
The R&MinteliPhy Manage Server is not only familiar with the current status of the physical infrastructure, but also makes available a library for depicting and planning networks. This tool allows one to visualize the layout of network cabinets, the computer room or entire company networks and combine this information with building plans or geographical location information. The program generates current connection plans automatically when new computers are integrated in the network or changes are made. In addition, unused patch panels and ports in active equipment can also be fully detected right away. With this information, companies can make better use of infrastructure capacity and thereby boost the profitability of a network or data center. Many work procedures can be planned in advance with the help of R&MinteliPhy. Parts lists for new cabling or expansions of the network can be automatically generated, as can work orders for installers or labels for cables.
Jean-Pierre Labry believes such systems are not just 'nice to have' but are standard requirements in modern data centers. He says, “International standards, safety regulations, legal requirements, service agreements and quality management all require network management that is totally reliable."
Posted by
VMD - [Virtual Marketing Department]
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