Optimizing Data Center Technology: Backup Power Strategies for the 21st Century

Today’s businesses rely on data center technology to conduct even the most mundane operations. And although many organizations believe that they are functioning with the latest, most innovative products, the fact remains that most data center facilities rely on a bunch of batteries—a technology largely developed during the industrial revolution—for a backup power solution. It’s little wonder that an inordinately high percentage of unplanned downtime is ascribed to battery failure.

Monitoring systems have been designed to effectively observe and record information regarding the state of the units within a string of lead acid batteries. The problem has historically been that so much data was produced by the monitoring system that it was basically impossible to make actionable use of the records. However, new methods for using the information garnered from battery monitoring systems are able to significantly increase an organization’s ability to prevent battery failure and subsequent downtime.

By using both innovative sensors and analytics designed for data center battery management, businesses can be alerted to preventative maintenance tasks, battery life, and unit failure.

System Considerations

Building management and asset management systems will produce the information required for monitoring data center facilities. Businesses should select monitoring and alert parameters for the system according to similar data risk management protocols already in place. Other considerations include:

• Brand Reputation—Companies should consider the reputation of the provider, the creator’s general quality, and the age and reputation of the system itself before making a selection. It’s also a good idea to ask for references.
• Installation—Data centers are so important to operations that it’s critical that businesses install monitoring systems through a current vendor/provider. This ensures that the system is implemented correctly and that the information will be delivered according to the organization’s requirements.
• Settings—Batteries fluctuate in design and operating specifications. Therefore, many data center facilities must be monitored for a variety of alerts and performance statistics. The installation contractor should also be able to advise business owners on this aspect.

Achieving Actionable Results

Once the system is operating, it’s important to use the information to develop an entire preventative maintenance plan for the data center facility. Companies may allocate new tasks to current staff members or contract with a current provider to provide dedicated analytics and perform preventative maintenance tasks.

Businesses can move their data center technology into the 21st century by utilizing a facility management system to monitor and prevent backup power source failures. The resulting improvements will mean less downtime and better business efficiency.