Today’s data centers are complex and the management of these infrastructures is a major challenge for those responsible. In the search for innovations that make data center operations simpler, more intuitive, and more convenient, there are various approaches. One promising approach is the use of augmented reality (AR).
AR technology projects computer-generated images onto the real-world view. This allows users to see their surroundings, supplemented with valuable information and data about the objects in their field of view. The technology is already in use in many areas of everyday life and brings various benefits:
- Retail: “Try before you buy” – AR supports purchasing decisions by enabling customers to virtually try on clothes and accessories or to project furniture into their own living rooms.
- Construction industry: Architects and construction companies visualize a planned project with underlying conditions before construction work begins.
- Tourism: With the help of AR apps, tourists on city and sightseeing tours are accompanied by information about sights – superimposed directly on the real view via the screen of their smartphone or tablet.
- Education: New interactive and immersive teaching methods are being developed. Whether it is the display of virtual instructions and holograms or digital models of examination objects, as in medicine or mechanics – the possibilities are versatile.
And now, data centers can benefit from these features as well.
Future-proof DCIM that leverages advances in AR technology can help companies meet market-driven demands. We’ve compiled a list of features that indicate a future-proof DCIM solution.
CHECKLIST: Features of future-proof DCIM software
- Standard software with powerful configuration options
- Modular and adaptable to suit requirements
- Available on-premises or cloud-based (as-a-service)
- Comprehensive system for all data center assets and resources
- Process-oriented support and documentation
- High quality documentation
- Consistent planning functions
- Efficient data integration and standard APIs
- No organizational or functional limits
- Vendor-neutral component library
Once these requirements have been met, the basis has been created for unleashing the full potential of the data center – for example, through AR.
An AR solution helps those responsible for the data center with operational tasks by displaying all relevant information in digital form. There is no longer any need to laboriously look up information or make and carry notes. The result is optimized, simplified and more efficient work processes in various areas of the DCIM, such as:
Visualization: The AR solution visualizes important data and information in real time for individual devices or connections in the racks, including repair instructions, job lists, functions for temperature monitoring or features for reporting and fault management.
Maintenance: Using AR, instructions for maintenance and repair tasks are projected onto the view of technical specialists on site. Especially when used via AR glasses, this allows technicians to immediately see which tools they need and which steps need to be followed.
Troubleshooting: The visualization of metrics and alerts helps to specifically identify emerging problems in data centers. In doing so, the system shows precisely which resources are affected, where they are located and what countermeasures are recommended.
Training: Virtual training material is overlaid on top of real equipment, allowing participants to benefit from a more engaging, interactive training experience.
In summary – AR takes data center infrastructure management to a new level and makes work easier and more efficient for on-site IT professionals.
Our partner Inceptum shows in a joint solution with FNT how AR-supported DCIM and AR glasses are deployed in a data center.
More information about an AR-supported DCIM in data centers can also be found in our new Partner Solution Paper.
