Evolution of Racking and Enclosures Systems

Data centres operate around the clock mission-critical systems. The demand for high-density servers and networking equipment has surged, requiring enhanced rack densities and enclosures to support compact server configurations. What started as basic shelving units has evolved into sophisticated, modular designs aimed at optimizing space and operational efficiency.

Benefits of Modern Racking Systems:

• Space Optimization
• Scalability
• Airflow Management

Understanding the evolving needs of data centres, Rittal has engineered solutions tailored to meet these demands. Their TS IT Pro rack enclosure is equipped to handle the latest trends in data centre technology. Whether its high-density cooling or power distribution, Rittal’s solutions are designed to swiftly adapt to the complexities and growing demands of modern data centre environments.

Our racking solutions are designed to expand and adapt to the ever-demanding server requirements, saving costs and downtime. Delivered fully assembled and ready to use, it offers 24-inch and custom width options, catering to various spatial requirements. The rack features a diverse array of door options, enhanced with a hot air chimney and a large cable volume top cutout, supporting comprehensive cable management solutions.

Need custom enclosure? Our EB Horsman in house panel modification team has you covered. With the Rittal Perforex machine, we can tailor your enclosure to perfection. Whether it’s drilling, milling or cutting, our team of experts will ensure your vision becomes a reality.

Prevent Overheating with these Cooling Systems

Effective cooling is essential to maintain optimal operating conditions within data centres. Innovations in cooling technologies have shifted towards more energy-efficient solutions that minimize environmental impact while enhancing performance.

Rittal’s Top Therm Blue E+ Cooling units exemplify this advancement, offering 75% energy savings over conventional systems. These units feature hybrid technology integrating heat pipe and compressor cooling circuits with speed-controlled components, ensuring consistent enclosure temperatures. This not only optimizes operational efficiency but also extends the lifespan of critical components within the data centre environment.

Power Management

Power consumption remains a major concern for data centres worldwide, prompting the adoption of various strategies to enhance efficiency and reliability while reducing environmental impact.

Vertiv Geist’s PDUs (Power Distribution Units) provide reliable, space saving and cost-effective power distribution at the rack. Designed for seamless integration with data centre infrastructure management systems, Vertiv’s PDUs are available in a variety of electrical and receptacle configurations. Every unit is 100% tested for reliability and functionality, meeting all compliance requirements.

Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) have become indispensable, providing crucial safety net against power disruptions. This ensures that critical systems remain operational even during outages. By offering immediate backup power, UPS systems prevent costly downtime and data loss, safeguarding the continuity of business operations among other benefits.

Vertiv’s GXT5 Lithium-Ion UPS offers premium power outage protection and continuous power conditioning, making it ideally suited to protect critical infrastructure. With its lithium-ion battery, Vertiv UPS provides a longer lifespan and reduced maintenance, improving reliability and availability. The compact, rack/tower convertible design provides installation flexibility, and its advanced monitoring and remote management capabilities allow for real-time status updates and proactive maintenance. Scalable runtime options and compliance with international safety standards further enhance its reliability, making it a cost-effective and efficient choice for safeguarding critical systems.

From advanced racking and cooling systems to innovative power management solutions, data centres play a critical role in supporting our increasingly digital world. By continually optimizing space, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring robust reliability, these technologies not only meet current demands but also anticipate future challenges. As data centres evolve to handle greater volumes of information and transactions, these technological advancements remain pivotal in maintaining the resilience and efficiency of our digital infrastructure.

The post Enhancing Data Centre Resilience in the Digital Age appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.

Finding it hard to keep up? Here’s a handy guide for staying up to date on evolving datacom trends in 2024.

What is Datacom?

Datacom refers to the intricate network of communication technologies and infrastructure that keep us connected in our built environments. Think of it as your building’s digital nervous system, supporting communication and connectivity for today’s homes and businesses. 

Put simply, it makes everything from virtual meetings to networked data processing possible.

The specialists at E.B. Horsman & Son’s Datacom group are available for support, providing solutions for residential, commercial and industrial Data Communications projects. We have the inventory and technical expertise you need to build a network infrastructure for the future with 24/7 uptime for both rudimentary to large enterprise applications.

Products Available at E.B. Horsman

Why is Datacom Growing?

Datacom needs—and solutions—are advancing for a variety of reasons. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key drivers in industrial, commercial, and residential contexts.

Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for robust datacom in your building is reaching new heights. In recent years, we’ve seen a surge in smart technologies, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and automation systems that are reshaping our physical surroundings. 

Emergence of 5G

Fifth-generation wireless (5G) is the latest standard of mobile communication that offers faster data speeds, lower latency (reduced time for data to travel between devices over the network), and increased capacity compared to 3G and 4G. 

5G provides a more interconnected and responsive digital world for you and your building’s occupants by supporting a vast array of devices and applications, from climate control applications to enhanced mobile experiences.

Cybersecurity Initiatives

Growing datacom demands also increase your building’s need for heightened cybersecurity to keep tenants and assets safe. To fully support digitization, you need secure communication protocols that prevent unauthorized access and safeguard against security breaches.

Key Datacom Trends We’re Seeing in 2024

We’ve compiled some of the datacom trends we have been noticing lately. Let’s take a closer look at what’s driving these trends and how you can benefit.

24/7 Connectivity and Security

Constant connectivity—coupled with reliable security systems—in your facility is crucial! Demand is surging for smart security systems, which are becoming increasingly important with the rise in cyber threats.

According to IBM, the amount of data in the world doubles at a rate of every 12 hours. As buildings become smarter, the steady flow of data is vital for seamless operations. Whether managing your HVAC systems or access controls, uninterrupted connectivity ensures real-time responsiveness. This is why having reliable UPSs and PDUs is crucial for a continuous and stable power supply, protecting your equipment and valuable assets at all times.

The main benefits of improving your datacom networks? Safeguarding valuable information and improving your cybersecurity.

Automation and IoT

Smart building ecosystems fuse datacom, automation, and IoT to allow devices to communicate seamlessly. 

IoT interconnects everyday objects, from temperature control systems to industrial machinery, creating a network of data. The onset of Artificial intelligence (AI) is also quickly advancing automation by enabling self-optimizing systems that learn, adapt, and make decisions. 

Updating your datacom because of this growing trend has many benefits for your building, such as: 

• Improved energy efficiency through real-time monitoring and analytics
• Enhanced security and access control
• Simplified remote management and monitoring of building systems
• Integrated data and connectivity across different systems, such as servers, cooling systems, and power distribution
• Improved occupant comfort through smart lighting and temperature control 

The Merging HVAC and Electrical Systems

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and electrical control systems are merging, largely because of energy efficiency, smart tech, and cost savings. Keep an eye on this merger in 2024.

There are a few benefits of this for you and your building, such as:

• Improved energy efficiency and sustainability
• A more comprehensive view of your building’s performance, especially where uninterrupted operations are essential
• Optimized data centre temperatures for servers and equipment
• Enhanced reliability for backup solutions that ensure continuous operation

Green Energy and Remote Management 

The recent rise of remote work—which has forever changed how, where, and when people work—increases the need for enhanced remote management and datacom home office essentials. 

Meanwhile, green energy sources, such as solar and wind, use datacom to optimize power distribution and minimize environmental impact. Other green energy advancements, such as electrical vehicle (EV) chargers, are advancing quickly.

Adopting green energy and remote energy-management practices can benefit your building by:

• Supporting datacom’s high-energy demands with green-energy solutions, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power
• Reducing your operational bills with more affordable renewable energy sources 
• Helping you respond to issues quickly with real-time alerts
• Enhancing security and compliance to secure access to your critical systems and data

Keep in mind that green energy adoption and remote management increase data usage in your building. You’ll need robust datacom networks for real-time monitoring and seamless communication between devices. 

What Kind of Datacom Services Do You Need?

Your datacom needs will differ depending on the type of building, whether for a residential, commercial, or industrial use case.

Residential 

On the residential front, datacom is the backbone of successful smart homes and residential buildings.

It’s crucial to support home automation devices—for example, Leviton’s Decora Smart products—to work seamlessly with one another. 

Products such as smart controllers and wireless access points to Ethernet switches, cabling, and copper connectors help them do just that. 

Commercial 

Businesses need constant connectivity to support online transactions, communication systems, and overall operations. Keeping your commercial datacom infrastructure up to date is critical for your business today—and in the future.

One leader in the commercial space? Vertiv. They design, build, and service infrastructure that enables vital applications for facilities. For instance, their uninterruptible power supply systems (UPSs)—including the Liebert PS15 Lithium-Ion UPS—ensure your business continues to run smoothly in the event of an outage. 

Industrial

Industrial communication networks are designed and built to handle real-time control and data in large plants and harsh environments. 

If you need to monitor rugged industrial processes and commercial security applications, consider Opticom Technologies. This renowned brand specializes in video products—including cameras and monitors. Opticom’s CC02 industrial camera in particular is designed to meet the rugged environmental demands of heavy-duty applications, including monitoring operations at sawmills. 

For high-efficiency, climate-controlled power management systems, Rittal makes leading industrial and IT enclosures, racks, and accessories.

For harsh environments, check out Siemens Scalance’s industrial networking communication components for more options. 

Any questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team! 

Get Support From Your Local Electrical Distributor!

Unlike some businesses, electrical distributors have the technical expertise, products, and information to supply you with your building’s unique datacom needs. 

Here at E.B. Horsman & Son, we work closely with local suppliers to procure datacom products for today’s world—while carefully considering future demands, too. Contact our team to learn more!

The post Stay Up to Date with the Latest Datacom Trends in 2024 appeared first on E.B. Horsman & Son.