As we move towards becoming a smarter planet and the world becomes more instrumented, interconnected, and intelligent, the demands for data center resources are increasing rapidly. Smaller and more densely packed servers providing greater amounts of computing power can substantially increase power and cooling needs, while growing data volumes necessitate larger storage and network bandwidth capacities. Environmental and regulatory requirements can introduce additional limits on carbon emissions and water consumption.

To satisfy these demands while keeping costs in check, our data centers need to be smarter as well. Comprehensive views of data center inventories, operational and environmental conditions, and consumption across multiple capacity types that span both facilities and IT are required. You can achieve greater efficiency using hardware, software, services, and design both in facilities and IT, but you need a comprehensive data center strategy to tie them together and thus obtain a complete picture of your data center environments.

This IBM® Redpaper™ publication discusses important considerations when creating and implementing your smarter data center strategy. Notable techniques, best practices, and technological advances that can become critical components of success are included, along with methods for bringing them together to gain in-depth knowledge of data center operations. With such insight comes increased resiliency, rapid responsiveness, profitable access to detailed analytics, and reliable planning for the future. Although not all-inclusive, this document provides a guide to getting started, points you to additional sources of information, and suggests ways IBM can partner with you in your pursuit of a smarter data center.

Chapter 1. The benefits of a smarter data center

Chapter 2. Developing your strategy

Chapter 3. Optimizing your IT equipment

Chapter 4. Optimizing your site and facilities

Chapter 5. Integrating across IT and facilities for the bigger picture

Chapter 6. How we can help: IBM services and IBM Business Partners

Chapter 7. Conclusion: The journey to smarter

Appendix A. IBM smarter data center: an evolution of energy-efficient operation

Appendix B. Additional material