Building Custom Server Racks One Block At A Time

Until recently, UPSes and other power-conditioning appliances typically were added piecemeal to a data center system. Racks from one vendor would house UPSes from another vendor, with each element supplied by the least-expensive source. But building a system that way only leads to a messy, mismatched setup, with incompatibilities popping up whenever new components are added.

APC has eliminated all the guesswork in mixing and matching high-end power-conditioning components with InfraStruXure, a comprehensive architecture for all rack, power, cooling, management and servicing needs associated with computer networks of all sizes.

All InfraStruXure components are designed to integrate easily with one another, and the architecture allows capacity and functionality to be increased as needed over time. That helps keep costs down for simpler installations and allows companies to expand their infrastructure as needed and as can be afforded.

The InfraStruXure architecture provides rack-optimized power protection, optimal cooling distribution and heat removal, and remote monitoring of the power environment at the rack level.

For solution providers, APC's InfraStruXure system is packed with integration opportunities. Designing a setup and installing the actual hardware is not a casual process. Whereas anyone can hook up a simple UPS, a certified solution provider is required for InfraStruXure implementation.

InfraStruXure systems combine the various elements needed by computer networks into custom solutions built using stock components. APC divides InfraStruXure configurations into three types: Type A configurations can cover networks ranging in size from one to 10 racks; Type B supports between 10 and 100 racks; and Type C covers installations of 100 racks or more. Any capable solution provider can install InfraStruXure Type A and B setups, while Type C systems are custom-engineered by APC or by an APC Certified Reseller, again using standard APC components.

Stock components used in InfraStruXure installations can include one or more UPSes, APC NetShelter cabinets, power distribution units (PDUs), environmental monitoring units, power cable troughs, data partitions, cable ladders, air removal units, air conditioners, network management cards and APC's Enterprise Manager software. Larger setups use the same basic types of components, but in higher numbers and capacity as required.

Depending on the power and cooling requirements of a given network, different UPSes will be specified within a given category. For example, a Type A installation might include a rack-mount APC Smart-UPS unit, ranging from 1500VA to 5000VA, or an APC Symmetra UPS, scalable to 6000VA.

Other components might include 230-volt row-expander PDUs, external battery packs, intelligence modules, step-down transformers, environmental monitoring units, KVM switches, LCD monitors and security devices such as locks and privacy panels.

Despite the plethora of components, selecting the best components for a particular InfraStruXure setup is not as tough as it might seem. APC's Web-based InfraStruXure Build Out Tool (B.O.T.) helps to design custom-engineered solutions for specific IT environments.

Using the InfraStruXure B.O.T., an APC representative or authorized/certified reseller inputs information such as floor layout, power usage, amount of equipment in place, desired battery runtime, cooling requirements and so on. After service needs and required accessories are accounted for, the B.O.T. generates a custom InfraStruXure solution that includes a bill of materials, a price quote and proposal and floor layout that shows where all the equipment should be placed.

InfraStruXure also allows solution providers to add cooling solutions to individual racks or entire data rooms, which is a significant source of revenue that solution providers until now have been forced to leave for third parties to grab.

InfraStruXure's biggest benefit is its fixed cost, both immediate and over the long term, including service costs. InfraStruXure is ideal for customers that are consolidating multiple data centers into one larger data center, expanding an existing center or building new data centers from the ground up. If a customer's office is moving to a new location, the InfraStruXure systems can easily move with it.

APC's racks will accept equipment from any vendor, so existing equipment can be moved right in and customers are free to purchase whatever new equipment best suits their needs. Solution providers looking for new ways to generate immediate and future revenue should inform their customers of InfraStruXure's many benefits both right out of the box and down the road. Not only does the system provide customers excellent power protection, it will open the door to future work when those customers' needs increase.

CHANNEL PROGRAM SNAPSHOTS
>APC INFRASTRUXURE
PRICE: Starting at $999
MARGIN: Starting at 27 percent
DISTRIBUTORS: Arrow Electronics, D&H, Ingram Micro, Synnex, Tech Data
TECH RATING:

CHANNEL RATING:

CHANNEL OVERVIEW: American Power Conversion, West Kingston, R.I., offers sales and technical training online and frequently in major cities, and a resource-rich solution provider Web site with sales and marketing tools and technical resources. Regional reps participate in joint sales and provide support and integration assistance. APC provides numerous incentives, qualified sales leads and industry training programs at reduced prices.

Note: Vendors can earn up to five stars for technical merit and five for their channel program. If the average of these two scores is four stars or greater, the product earns CRN Test Center Recommended status.