Just Say No To Noise
Actually, my father can tell you that I've always been somewhat of what he disdainfully would call a tree hugger (which I've always considered to be a high compliment). But I'm also the kind of person who needs sessions of quiet in order to recharge my batteries. (Those who know who I work with will understand why this is so!)
This all explains why I was intrigued by some new noise-cancelling technology from an Israeli high-tech company called Silentium that I saw at the recent Corporate and Channel Computing Expo in New York.
The company has invented what it calls Active Noise Reduction, which it sees as aiding in reducing sound pressure and creating a more balanced audio spectrum within work environments. This, in turn, is part of the design for a series of sound-proofed, blade-compatible rackmount cabinets from a U.K. vendor, Acousti Products. The cabinets can house servers, networking and audio equipment. Intel Premier Provider Broadberry Data is representing the products in the United States. Got that all straight?
Anyway, the company claims that the self-venting cabinets can reduce noise by up to 90 percent, thereby improving efficiency and productivity of workers who have been bombarded by noise in these environments. (Essentially this is the difference between being able to hold a regular conversation standing next to the units and having to shout over the noise.) There are currently two editions of the AcoustiRack cabinets: one 42U full-height model and a 24U half-height model.
Consider that I saw these sound-proofed cabinets a couple of days after the Intel Woodcrest launch, during which Intel exec Pat Gelsinger made a point of showcasing the rather noisy sound qualities of a server from a competitive vendor who shall remain nameless.
Clearly, noise is becoming a bigger talking point for you out in the channel, especially considering all the data center consolidation work being spurred by new technology from both AMD and Intel. Could this be another selling point for those in the data center business? E-mail me with your thoughts on this and other topics at [email protected].