Power Management is critical for our data centers. Too much of our school systems rely on data, protecting the reliability and availability of the data is critical to operations.
This summer we finished our Power management overhaul, and it included several components.
- First, we installed a new, dedicated power feed to the data center. Instead of relying on the existing building wiring, and just connecting our servers and core network equipment into a few standard wall outlets, which shared outlets in other parts of the building, we analyzed our data center's load, and installed a new, dedicated feed to the data center.
- Second, we ran that new dedicated power feed directly into a new, centrally-managed Uninterruptible Power Supply. We used to use several small UPS batteries scattered throughout the data center. they were difficult to manage, as each unit was a separate system, and expensive to maintain. they also complicated the room layout and cabling. Click here to see our UPS System
- Third, we installed smart Power Distribution Units (PDU's). Think smart power-strips. These have several advantages: simplified cabling, controlled power-up and shut-down of equipment, remote monitoring, remote power cycling capabilities. Click here to see our PDUs
- Finally, we configured the system to work in an intelligent manner; which helps ensure the integrity of our data, and gives us additional tools to manage our system. Click here to read about our UPS system configurations
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