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Blog

Spilling the beans on coffee & PDUs

1/3/2023

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Coffee is made-to-order and, now, so are PDUs. Customize this important piece of IT equipment to optimally protect and distribute power within your unique environment. IT professionals: Here's the infographic you never knew you needed!
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A guide to choosing a colocation service provider

11/2/2020

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Executive Summary

As data and applications become increasingly important for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the need for a reliable, high-performance data center is critical.  Yet for many SMBs, IT — while a backbone for the business — is definitely not the business.  In these situations, selecting the right colocation facility can be a daunting prospect — particularly when considering there is more that goes into a data center than racks of servers.  What’s more, with today’s reliance on virtualization and converged infrastructure, the local colocation that seems like the best, most convenient choice may present overlooked legal ramifications that can be costly in the long term.  When exploring colocation options, SMBs would do well to take a big picture assessment that goes beyond simply looking at hardware and software options.

Privacy: More complicated than you may think

Virtualization has undoubtedly been a boon for SMBs, allowing many to achieve the flexibility and compute capacity of much larger organizations.  However, virtualization can also create challenges that can result in significant legal ramifications.  For starters, the U.S. has different laws governing privacy of personal data than Canada, Latin America, or the European Union.  SMBs need to explore whether data stored at a colocation will ever be transmitted to another jurisdiction — thereby violating privacy laws.  SMBs also need to match their regulatory compliance requirements to the facility they choose. HIPAA, PCI, Sarbanes Oxley, SSAR 16, and SAS 70 are just a few of a number of standards that are meant to regulate how businesses handle sensitive data.  Make sure colocation providers have put into place the necessary policies, procedures, and technology that allow their facilities to be compliant, thus allowing SMBs to have their sensitive business data located outside the confines of their own four walls.

Security: Both physical and logical

A colocation by its very definition is a multi-tenant facility.  SMBs need to evaluate both physical access to servers and equipment as well as logical access to data and applications.  It is fairly simple to determine how well a colocation physically secures access to its facility and equipment; more challenging is determining the integrity of logical security.  Colocation services vary drastically, from traditional data center hosting of end user equipment to advanced offerings such as managed IT and cloud.  When considering advanced services that take advantage of IT resources from the colocation, be aware that virtualization enables a single server to host applications and data from multiple sources. Determining whether or not a colocation provides for logical separation can be a critical factor when deciding suitability of a particular colocation partner or particular service.

Wholesale vs. retail

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Not all colocations are created equal. Wholesale data centers typically provide space for servers and little else.  This may be fine for SMBs that don’t require additional services and need excess computing capacity now and then. However, given that many SMBs are not in the data center operations business, additional services may be needed.  This is where retail data centers come into play.

Such providers offer a multitude of services in addition to just floor and rack space.  Those SMBs without dedicated IT staff may want to take advantage of a number of services, such as cloud-based applications, managed hosting, managed storage, and business resiliency, among others.  In addition to the variety of services a retail colocation may offer, SMBs should evaluate service level agreement (SLA) options — both in terms of what is offered as well as what the capabilities are to make good on a contract should any issues occur. While many colocations may accurately boast 5-9s in terms of reliability, SMBs need to verify that such facilities have the ability — and the intention — to redress any service level problems that should arise, and do so with a high degree of urgency. 

In a report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), the multi-tenant data center type of providers are broken up and defined as seen in next column.

The facility factor

In addition to services, SMBs will need to evaluate offerings on the facilities side of the equation. While a colocation may offer enough power, make sure there is redundancy. Is the colocation provider using the latest technology in high efficiency power and sensible thermal management?

These are competitive advantages that will result in lower cost for the provider, and ultimately a better price for the tenant. In addition, check how easy it is to make changes.
  • Can you add equipment and can the colocation effectively manage density requirements?
  • Is it possible to quickly spin up or spin down servers based on current and projected needs?
  • Is cooling adequate and redundant?
  • Does the facility promote and encourage proper thermal management practices?
  • Does it properly segregate hot and cold air streams to protect the equipment running your data?
  • Is there the ability to satisfy your requirements for equipment isolation if that is the case?
  • Are racks or even servers within those racks shared with a few other customers, or is there sharing among many other customers? 
To accurately gauge your comfort level with multi-tenancy, these are the types of questions that require thorough examination to select the colocation that’s right for your SMB.

Clearly, selecting a data center is an involved process that requires due diligence on the part of an SMB.  Yet considering the mission-critical role data and applications play for many SMBs, it is important to do your homework. With virtualization and globalization, even those SMBs with only a local presence need to be aware of the implications that privacy requirements around the world could have on their operations. SMBs need to select a colocation they trust as a true partner. While the selection process may seem daunting, begin by looking at those colocation providers that have a reputation for service and reliability.  If location is a priority, evaluate those facilities that are close enough to afford convenient site visits, then delve into the inner workings of those providers — everything from procedures and policies to hardware, software, and power equipment.  One important criteria worth noting is whether a data center has SOC 2 certification, an independent designation that attests to adherence to security, availability, process, and privacy controls.  Choosing such a data center can offer assurances that an SMB’s data is adequately safeguarded.

Maximizing data center operations

To find the most appropriate data center, SMBs need to do thorough research. After all, their business depends on IT.  Yet selecting the right data center is only one part of the equation.  To ensure maximum operational effectiveness based on an SMB’s individual reliability and security needs, it’s necessary to think on a granular level.  After all, most colocations are focused on the operations of the facility overall. It’s the job of an SMB to take care of operations down to the rack level to get the most out of the data center.

Whether an SMB has a rack, a group of racks, or equipment segregated in a caged section, it’s important to be able to monitor and manage its own equipment within the facility.  Even though a colocation may have superior thermal management and heat rejection systems throughout the facility, an SMB’s individual rack may be vulnerable to hot spots caused by neighboring racks.  Environmental rack monitors and probes can keep tabs on racks, allowing SMBs to know temperature and humidity levels for their specific equipment.

For SMBs that require reliability and availability above all else, installing a UPS at the rack level can provide an additional measure of redundancy. When evaluating UPS devices, SMBs should look for the following features: 
  • Hot swappable to ensure continuous uptime
  • Integration with intelligent power management software  for remote management via a secure Web browser or  SMTP interface
  • Customized UPS settings

To ensure reliable and cost-effective power operations, combine a rack UPS with an intelligent rack power distribution unit or rack PDU. Taken together, these two devices can provide detailed and granular information to ensure efficient rack operations. Ideally, intelligent rack PDUs should have the following features:
  • Outlet-level management to provide receptacle-level information about your equipment with ±1% billing grade metering to ensure accuracy
  • Modern low profile form factor to facilitate proper airflow  within the rack, and a high temperature rating to handle the  hot conditions at the back of the rack
  • Ease of installation, without zip ties and screwdrivers, to improve installation time and minimize additional labor costs  that are incurred from the colocation provider
  • Plug grip retention to reduce the risk of inadvertently disconnecting a plug 
  • Robust mounting options to facilitate various equipment configurations
  • Color-coded outlet sections to prevent unbalanced loading and streamline troubleshooting

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Keep connecting

Along with monitoring outsourced equipment and environmental conditions at a colocation, SMBs need to monitor and manage what remains behind, the on-premise IT components that ensure connectivity with the colocation facility.  For onsite equipment, SMBs need to pay attention to power conditioning, security measures, and cooling and heating practices.  In effect, SMBs need to operate a data center in a box — a concept that encompasses organization, protection, and management.

When it comes to organization, racks that include cable management options can both streamline troubleshooting and reduce the incidence of human error. Protection of on-premise equipment can include the use of rackmount UPS devices with form factors that fit into the confines of network closets, as well as UPS devices that support virtualization via a network card.

On the management side, intelligent power management software used in conjunction with environmental probes and rack monitors enable SMBs to accurately gauge how efficiently onsite equipment is operating and identify issues before they become full-blown problems. Such management tools allow IT administrators to remotely monitor and manage multiple devices across the network from a single interface, so they get the right information in the most preferable way to manage the IT environment.

Conclusion

While selecting the right data center in terms of the facility, location, and reliability is critically important, SMBs need to understand they can realize significant value when they insist on maximizing the operation.  SMBs should not assume their equipment is well-tended just because the colocation is operating smoothly, and therefore SMBs should take the initiative when it comes to organizing, protecting, and managing their own equipment — both at the colocation as well as on-premise
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Introducing Vertiv’s Geist Universal Power Distribution Unit

1/6/2020

1 Comment

 
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Brisk Worldwide understands the necessity for data storage is growing by the day.  As the need for larger loads and greater capacity increase so does the need for efficient and economic power distribution. The Vertiv Geist family of Rack PDUs allows your space the flexibility of growth and the ability to stay ahead of the game.
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From basic Rack PDUs that offer reliable, space-saving and cost-effective power distribution at the rack to Intelligent rPDUs equipped with a network interface to monitoring, management and automated alerts, Vertiv Geist PDUs allow your data center to operate at peak performance and efficiency.

And recently, the newest member of the Vertiv Geist Power Distribution, UPDU, is offering businesses everywhere a more robust, versatile solution to meet their critical power needs.

Vertiv’s Geist Universal Power Distribution Unit

The newest member in the Vertiv Geist Power Distribution family is the UPDU.  The UPDU offers even more flexibility than other PDUs in that it mates to any geographically specific Facility Side Cable (FSC). This universal application can be deployed in every rack, in every data center around the world to improve consistency and simplify inventory management.

The UPDU is available in available in models in 11kW and 22kW max power load capacities, both horizontal and vertical configurations with a variety of receptacle count, monitoring level and management options.  Each location can select the FSC unique to their facility and the Vertiv Geist FSC is available in multiple global power configurations.

Features of Vertiv’s Geist UPDU

The Vertiv Geist UPDU offers more simplified monitoring and networking with the introduction of Vertiv Intellignece Director.

This software allows for quick deployments and a truly plug-and-play infrastructure.  With the ability to daisy-chain up to 50 units, access data from all downstream rPDU and UPS devices from one master rPDU, aggregate data grouping devices by rack or row and the ability of all downstream devices to self-configure the Vertiv Intelligence Director is a perfect pairing to the robust UPDU.

How to Choose Your UPDU Model
  1. Select a UPDU model based on anticipated maximum rack and power usage.
  2. Choose between a 2U Horizontal or 0U Vertical with a variety of monitoring, management, and outlet configuration options.
  3. Install the same UPDU model in all racks and cabinets. The pivoting input adjusts from 0 to 90 degrees to simplify power cable routing.
  4. Identify the facility power available for each location and select the FSC with the appropriate power configuration needed.

Ready to Simplify Your Data Center Environment?

Vertiv Geist offers rapid deployment of all racks and PDU equipment. The process is as simple as selecting your rack and adding your Power Distribution Units, we deliver it all in one shipment.  We offer a no-hassle installation process where everything is setup before shipment.  Taking the burden off for you and getting your data center space online quickly and correctly.  All of our equipment is backed by a 5-year warranty.

Try Vertiv’s rPDU finder here.

From the benefit of chain agility to global data center operation, improved power efficiency with input and outlet level power monitoring and decreased inventory management costs, the Vertiv Geist UPDU can bring your data center to the next level. Connect with Brisk Worldwide to learn more.
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9 Reasons to deploy the new Eaton High Density rack PDU

5/31/2019

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When it comes to helping IT pros save time and money while simultaneously reducing risk, Eaton’s new High Density (HD) rack power distribution unit (PDU) passes with flying colors — which is not surprising, considering its chassis is available in a rainbow of choices. But the option of selecting pink, green or blue is just one of numerous benefits afforded by the latest addition to Eaton’s complete line of data center solutions. Here are 9 reasons why Eaton’s HD rack PDUs represent an excellent new tool to add to your arsenal:

Designed with the data center in mind, the HD rack PDU helps you make the choices you need to save time and money and reduce risk. 

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Designed with the data center in mind, the HD rack PDU helps you make the choices you need to save time and money and reduce risk.
  1. They deliver more bang for the buck. Offering more outlets than any other PDU, the high-density platform enables customers to configure as many outlets as desired in a length that fits their rack size. Even more, the PDU provides the option of mixing and matching 10 available outlet modules to achieve as many as 54 outlets or as few as 24.
  2. They are highly configurable. Built on Eaton’s best-in-class of ePDU G3 platform, the HD rack PDU lets customers design and build their own customized PDU — right down to its own unique SKU. Users can also mix and match IEC and NEMA outlets across two configurable PDU outlet modules; configure the cord entry position and input cord length; and select the receptacles that match specific equipment plugs — saving time and providing a seamless box-to-rack transition.
  3. Did we mention the cool colors? The HD rack PDU adds a pop of color to gray and white space environments, with a choice of 11 chassis colors that enable instant identification of A or B source electrical feeds. Aesthetic appeal aside, the color-coded alternating phase outlets also help prevent potential overloads and simplify maintenance procedures, while reducing cord clutter. Used in conjunction with color-matching power cords, the PDU makes it easy to trace source power feeds directly to IT equipment.
  4. No more tripped breakers. Because high density rack PDUs feature alternating phases outlet-by-outlet (rather than per branch), each color-coded outlet corresponds to a circuit breaker that provides an immediate visual identification of potential unequal power distribution. Load balancing has never been so easy!
  5. They’re great for multiple applications. In addition to data center applications, the HD rack PDU represents an ideal solution for customers with unique input plug and outlet count requirements. From server room/network closet consolidations to high-powered enclosures to colocation environments, the PDU affords exceptional flexibility.
  6. Meticulous metering. Because the HD rack PDUs meter power at the outlet level, customers can measure the precise current or amount of power each device is consuming. This data can then be used to drive actions such as load balancing, performance monitoring, power billing and calculating Level 3 PUE. The PDUs’ current alarms also offer the ability to monitor devices to ensure they are plugged in and powered on.
  7. They can take the heat. Unlike other brands, Eaton’s HD rack PDU has been UL-tested to operate in environments as high as 140° F (60°C) with no power derating required, ensuring high reliability in high-power density, hot aisle containment and other heat-generating applications.
  8. Multiple mounting options. Looking for flexibility in your PDU installation? No problem! The back of the HD rack PDU includes pre-installed mounting buttons that allows it to slide directly into any industry-standard PDU mounting bracket. In addition, mounting holes on the side can be utilized for 90-degree side mounting, where outlets face the rear of the enclosure to prevent interference in the rail space. The PDUs also support clip feet mounting, as well as provide configurable power cord entry to accommodate various mounting situations and eliminate interference in height-restricted rack enclosures.
  9. Modules are hot-swappable. The HD rack PDU’s network communications module can be removed and swapped out while the rest of the unit is still operational, eliminating downtime due to routine maintenance or component failure.
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The Future Of Power Protection Technology Is Artificial – But Bright

5/28/2018

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Automation: Smarter Days Ahead

Imagine the ability to deploy hundreds or even thousands of power distribution units (PDUs) at the simple touch of a button — without countless hours spent determining configuration parameters and assessing application nuances. Or even, a day when firmware is no longer required on uninterruptible power systems (UPSs) because software alone will have the capability to modify, upgrade, add or remove devices.

The reality of these scenarios may be closer than you think, compliments of artificial intelligence (AI), the ability of a digital computer or computer-controlled robot to perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings. Fueled by an explosion of data, rapid growth in cloud computing and the emergence of advanced algorithms, business adoption of AI is on the rise, according to a recent survey of IT decision-makers by CCS Insight. With eight percent of respondents already using, testing or researching AI within their organizations, those surveyed estimated that within the next 24 months, as much as 30 percent of their business applications would be enhanced with machine learning.

“Artificial” is very real to big companies

Already becoming mainstream among major players like Microsoft, Salesforce, Google and IBM, AI is now prompting some power manufacturers to take note, as well. In fact, many predict that artificial intelligence will likely drive the power devices of the future — benefitting end users by reducing costs, enhancing productivity and alleviating risk.

Among the most anticipated advantages of AI in the power protection arena is the promise of dramatically faster and simpler UPS and PDU deployments. Currently, network administrators tasked with installing these devices must wade through a cumbersome array of settings and operational parameters. Yet if an AI-afforded algorithm was able to evaluate the surrounding network environment, the entire deployment process could be seamlessly automated — resulting in tremendous time savings and bolstered productivity for an organization.

Human error is a thing of the past

AI also has the potential to help companies diminish risk. Because most network administrators are not power experts, it can leave a large margin for error during the deployment process, with even the slightest improper assessment or incorrect assumption potentially resulting in costly mistakes. Yet tomorrow’s PDUs and UPSs will likely be smart enough to automatically determine their optimal environment and adjust all default parameters accordingly. Drawing on its intelligent capabilities, an AI-driven UPS might even execute critical operating decisions, such as switching power to a different source or alienating attached equipment if an issue arises in its environment.

Peeking a little further down the road, experts foresee AI-driven power protection devices being controlled by software-defined technology, which would eliminate the need for technicians to install firmware on either UPSs or PDUs. With all equipment operated from a management platform, administrators could make changes on the fly, saving organizations even more time and money while significantly enhancing reliability and uptime. Devices capable of supporting this arrangement will require built-in artificial intelligence — and the good news is, this is already in the developmental stages of power technology.   The future is (almost) now.
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Quick Guide to Power Distribution

4/12/2018

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What is Power Distribution?

Power distribution is facilitated through different pieces of equipment that take the power
conditioned by your uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and send it to your IT equipment.
Power distribution solutions can manage and even control energy consumption in smaller
environments as well as large data center applications.  Distributing power efficiently results
in reduced operating costs and increased reliability.
Rack power distribution units, also known as rack PDUs, are a key component to any IT environment.  They do exactly as the name suggests and distribute power to network equipment within racks.  A common misconception is that they’re just power strips, and at first glance, they even look like it, but modern rack PDUs provide benefits a simple power strip cannot.  Some of the valuable features include network connectivity, environmental monitoring and remote access, but we’ll get more into that later. This guide should help you get familiar with power distribution ,gain interesting insights and learn some key considerations for future IT investments.
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Serving commercial, data centers, contractors, property managers, and businesses, we offer a huge selection of uninterruptible power supply systems, backup power systems, and power management systems for large Data Centers, electrical engineerIng infrastructure, and other mission critical IT applications. So if you need help or you just want a hand placing your order, we can assist!

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  • About
  • Solutions
    • UPS Systems
    • UPS Batteries
    • Dynamic Power Module
    • Systems Integration
    • Industrial Enclosures
    • Turnkey Projects
    • Project Management
    • Critical Infrastructure Portfolio Management
    • Safe Space Protective Shields
    • Connectivity
    • Voice
    • Data Center
    • Cloud
    • Business Continuity
    • Power and Cooling
    • IT Infrastructure
    • Internet of Things (IoT)
    • Quick Ship Program
    • Rack Integration Services
  • Products
  • Lighting
    • Outdoor Lighting
    • Indoor Lighting
    • Bulbs
    • Exit & Emergency Lighting
    • Electrical Products
    • Diffusers & Accessories >
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  • Brands
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    • APC
    • Dell
    • Eaton
    • Microsoft
    • Vertiv
    • Prime Wire and Cables Store
    • nVent Hoffman
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