Gartner Announces Magic Quadrant for DCIM Tools

Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) tools have now become essential in the data center, as compared to the luxury that they were perceived to be a few years ago. A well-suited DCIM tool can help solve the complicated issue of real-time capacity planning faced by data centers. Key parameters that make up a data center’s landscape, such as power, rack space, network connectivity and cooling, can be monitored so that optimal levels can be reached. The data center environment is dynamic and small changes to one factor can easily cause havoc in the others, leading to possible down times and inefficiencies. A DCIM enables continuous re-optimization of the environment, significantly cutting down otherwise expensive alternatives.

Garner has recently published its Magic Quadrant research on DCIM products, classifying them based on “Completeness of Vision” and “Ability to Execute.” The products are evaluated on several factors, such as product pricing, customer experience, market understanding, geographic strategy and overall viability.

A total of 17 vendors appeared in the list, but only 4 products were highlighted in the “Leaders” quadrant with features that stood out in the “Completeness of Vision” and “Ability to Execute” categories:

• Schneider Electric: The “StruxureWare for Data Centers” is one of the most comprehensive products in the market today with 10 modules that can be bought independently. The company is known for its excellent track record of implementation, consultation and support services.
• Emerson Network Power: “Trellis” is the flagship modular DCIM platform, with exhaustive interfaces to IT products and protocols.
• CA Technologies: CA DCIM is the product that is supported by sales and service centers in more than 45 countries.
• Nlyte Software: One of the most promising products of the time, this DCIM tool provides a rich feature set that encompasses power management, cooling and space management, intelligent capacity planning and asset provisioning.

Gartner reports that the current market penetration for DCIM products is 12% in North America. The prediction is that the rate will go up to as much as 60% by 2017.

At Lifeline, we are consistently staying on top of the latest trends and technologies so that we can provide you with the best and most efficient service. To learn more about our service offering, schedule a tour of our facility today.

Alex Carroll

Managing Member at Lifeline Data Centers

Alex, co-owner, is responsible for all real estate, construction and mission critical facilities: hardened buildings, power systems, cooling systems, fire suppression, and environmentals. Alex also manages relationships with the telecommunications providers and has an extensive background in IT infrastructure support, database administration and software design and development. Alex architected Lifeline’s proprietary GRCA system and is hands-on every day in the data center.