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Understanding the Functions of the Data Centre Management Tools

Data centre infrastructure management as a concept may contain any or all of the following tools: ITSM, BMS, and/or DCIM tools, depending on the individual’s function in the data centre. Let’s get the facts clear on the primary duties of each of them.

ITSM

ITSM refers to all of the activities involved in the design, development, delivery, support, and management of information technology services throughout their lifespan. ITSM includes all of the discrete actions and processes that support service, including service management, change management, issue and incident management, asset management, and knowledge management, among other activities and processes.

A configuration management database is used to maintain all company information technology assets, such as servers in a data centre, computers, laptops, tablets, and more as logical objects and their configuration, which is consolidated inside the database. It is responsible for all modifications made by the service desk and for optimising workflow throughout the whole IT organisation.

BMS

This is responsible for maintaining and monitoring the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in buildings. The BMS controls and reports on all key energy-consuming equipment but does not have comprehensive information on IT devices and their connections. It is capable of providing fault detection and alerts. Equipment is subjected to automated period check-ups on a schedule, which is conducted by the BMS tool.

DCIM

The main function of the DCIM data centre is to manage the physical data centre infrastructure assets, relationships, and capacity, among other responsibilities. This includes racks, servers, networks, storage, and blades that are all located in specific locations. One of the relationships it monitors is the capacity and utilisation of all equipment-supporting resources, including cooling, space, and electricity.

The communication and physical connections between the various pieces of equipment are monitored all the way down to the port level. It also monitors trends and alerts for mission-critical facility equipment and resources.

Other functions of the DCIM include automation of visual documentation, such as rack elevations, by giving complete 3D specifications for assets. This includes high-fidelity front and back photos, precise U positions and dimensions, weight, and data and power port information.

The DCIM maintains records of physical asset transfers, additions, and modifications to server/network equipment inside the data centre. Environmental conditions, energy efficiency, availability, and utilisation of critical resources are tracked and monitored through the use of the DCIM.