Tackling Challenges in the Edge Computing Era
In Indonesia’s rapidly expanding digital landscape, edge computing has become the operational backbone for various industries. From cloud services to financial transactions, every digital interaction relies heavily on the stability and efficiency of data center infrastructure. Edge data centers, which are often housed in small rooms, IT closets, or other environments not originally built to accommodate IT equipment, face unique challenges. Vulnerability to costly downtime, caused by both environmental hazards and human error, necessitates a robust supporting infrastructure. This is where the crucial role of PT Climanusa Tata Mekadata, as a trusted distributor UPS data center, comes into play.
One common incident that can threaten system availability is the accidental unplugging of a server cord. Disorganized clumps of cords increase the risk of this, but the cause could be as simple as cleaning staff unplugging a server to plug in their cleaning gear. Solutions such as dual-power supplies for critical IT gear can help avoid this mishap. Additionally, gear that hasn’t been plugged into the installed UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) will be affected by power outages, a risk again exacerbated by poor cable management.
Today’s IT managers often lack the time to research and specify a physical data center infrastructure solution and a deployment plan. Climanusa serves as a reliable partner, providing a comprehensive guide and ready-made solutions. This eBook, adapted for the Indonesian market, includes all the information you need to quickly and easily put together a sound plan for your edge data center upgrade or deployment. Our health assessment can help ensure that your older equipment is modernized, while our easy-to-follow checklists and deployment guide will save you a lot of time researching and specifying choices for specific pieces of your data center infrastructure.
Assessing the Health of Your Data Center Infrastructure
As physical data center infrastructure systems approach the end of their useful life and programs become outdated, your risk of significant downtime increases. To minimize this risk, it is essential to modernize those systems. Modernization not only reduces risk but also makes managing your data centers simpler, more efficient, and more cost-effective. Here are the steps you can take to assess the health of your infrastructure:
- Step One: Identify Performance Standards. Business and IT objectives should drive your data center infrastructure requirements. It is important to re-evaluate each site regularly for today’s evolving needs. A good example of evolving needs is energy efficiency or carbon emission standards and mandates. As you begin defining your performance standards, consider key drivers such as the cost and risk of downtime, CapEx and OpEx budgets, sustainability initiatives, and industry expectations. A balance between highly available systems, highly efficient systems, and cost often needs to be struck.
- Step Two: Benchmark Performance & Identify Health Risks. Once your performance standards are identified, you can begin comparing your edge deployments to find areas where the new standards are not met. This step involves physically investigating infrastructure equipment, collecting device data, verifying interconnections, tracing electrical circuits, and reviewing documentation. These steps help you identify exactly what loads are plugged in where, current redundancy levels, runtime availability, and more.
Checklists for Specifying and Deploying Data Center Infrastructure
Once you have an idea of which areas to focus on for upgrades, it’s time to start forming a holistic plan. The following checklists apply to small server rooms and micro data center infrastructure with up to 10kW of IT load.
- This is the most critical aspect because it powers everything, including IT and cooling. Power for small server rooms consists of a UPS and power distribution. UPS systems larger than approximately 6kVA are typically hardwired from an electrical panel. If this is not an option, an alternative approach is to use multiple lower-capacity UPS systems. There are two basic power distribution methods: plugging IT gear into the receptacles on the back of the UPS, or plugging it into a rack power distribution unit (rack PDU) which is plugged into the UPS.
- Redundant UPS. Redundant UPS systems are recommended for critical dual-corded gear. They should be plugged into a separate UPS or rack PDU. Climanusa recommends UPS systems with an integrated network management web card, as they allow for critical remote UPS monitoring.
- Battery Types. Li-ion batteries are preferable due to their longer lifetime and higher energy density compared to lead-acid batteries.
- Dedicated Circuits. Supply the UPS from a dedicated electrical circuit to prevent other loads from tripping the breaker.
- External Bypass. If a UPS has no integrated bypass, an external bypass module can be added, though this solution doesn’t switch to bypass during a UPS overload.
- Standby Generator. Connecting critical IT and cooling to a standby generator can provide a significant availability increase, especially in locations in Indonesia with poor power quality.
- Remotely Switched PDUs. Using remotely switched rack PDUs allows you to remotely switch individual outlets on/off to reboot frozen servers or keep unused outlets off to prevent powering unauthorized devices.
- Lockable IEC Cables. Switching to lockable IEC cables for IT loads can prevent accidental downtime.
- Color Coding. Color code redundant power feeds to avoid human error, such as plugging both cords into a single feed.
- In many cases, IT rooms lack dedicated cooling, resulting in overheated equipment. These rooms depend on comfort cooling systems, and the IT temperature is rarely controlled by its own thermostat. Climanusa provides precision cooling solutions specifically designed for data center needs, ensuring stable and efficient temperatures. Products like the EuroKlimat™ cooling solutions distributed by Climanusa are designed for 24/7 operation and offer precise temperature control.
Conclusion
Ensuring maximum availability for edge data center infrastructure in Indonesia is paramount to business continuity. By modernizing existing infrastructure, implementing careful power and cooling strategies, and collaborating with the right partner, businesses can protect their IT investments and minimize the risk of costly downtime. Climanusa, as a leading distributor UPS data center, offers integrated solutions and unmatched expertise to help you design, implement, and manage a resilient, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure. With a focus on tailored solutions, low total cost of ownership, and expert services, Climanusa is the ideal choice for the future of your digital infrastructure.
Climanusa, your trusted partner, delivers optimal availability and efficiency for your digital infrastructure.
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–A.M.G–
