Data Center Users Group Conference Tackles Today's Most Pressing IT and Facilities Issues
Columbus, Ohio (May 21, 2008) – More than 230 industry experts representing 135 companies with the world's most business-critical networks discussed server virtualization, energy efficiency, cooling strategies and high-density power distribution during the two-day Data Center Users' Group® (DCUG) spring conference earlier this month in Tampa, Fla.
The DCUG is a group of influential data center, IT and facility managers formed by Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR). The group provides a collaborative, focused environment where those closest to the data center can address the issues, trends, challenges and solutions associated with building a highly available, flexible and cost-effective facility. The spring conference focused on analyzing emerging technologies and best practices for data centers, 2010 and beyond, and featured a series of discussions with experts from different focus areas, including presentations on these subjects:
- The impact of virtualization on the data center
- Next-generation cooling – supplemental, embedded and chip level
- Alternative UPS and distribution configurations
- Building an energy-efficient data center
- Data center monitoring and measurement
"The evolving data center demands new technologies and strategies, and a forum such as this—that includes industry thought leaders and experts sharing experiences and ideas—is an invaluable resource as we tackle these challenges," said Bob Miller, vice president, marquee accounts, Emerson Network Power's Liebert business and a member of the Data Center Users' Group board of directors. "As an industry, we must adapt to take advantage of the opportunities presented by issues such as increasing heat densities, demands for high-density power distribution and the growing need for effective energy efficiency strategies."
The DCUG members in attendance at the conference reviewed results from the group's recent industry survey that indicates an overwhelming majority of data center operators are seeing rising power densities in their racks and expect the trend to continue.
Thirty-two percent of survey respondents reported an average of more than eight kilowatts (kW) per rack in their facilities, up from 25 percent at that level in 2006. Looking ahead, 57 percent said their rack power density would exceed that level by 2010.
"The significance," said Miller, "is that once you get above eight kW it really points out the need for next-generation high-density cooling strategies."
Respondents also demonstrated significantly more interest in monitoring and energy efficiency. In spring 2005, 18 percent said monitoring was important. That number jumped to 43 percent in this survey. The increased emphasis on energy efficiency is even more dramatic. In spring 2005, 0 percent said it was important. Now 40 percent say energy efficiency is important.
More than 150 DCUG member companies and non-member Fortune 500 companies participated in the survey, which covered a variety of data center topics including power management, precision cooling, server virtualization and server consolidation.
Founded in 2003, the DCUG includes approximately 1,500 members; the group meets semi-annually to collaboratively discuss the most relevant issues affecting the reliability, availability and cost of operation for mission-critical installations. The group's membership comprises executives with a wide variety of IT and facilities management expertise from an assortment of companies, including board member companies Vanguard, Cincinnati Bell Technology Solutions and JPMorgan Chase, among others.
For more information on DCUG, visit www.datacenterug.org.
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. For more information, visit www.emerson.com.
About Emerson Network Power
Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE:EMR), is the global leader in enabling Business- Critical Continuity™ from grid to chip for telecommunication networks, data centers, health care and industrial facilities. Emerson Network Power provides innovative solutions and expertise in areas including AC and DC power and precision cooling systems, embedded computing and power, integrated racks and enclosures, power switching and controls, monitoring, and connectivity. All solutions are supported globally by local Emerson Network Power service technicians. Liebert power, precision cooling and monitoring products and services from Emerson Network Power improve the utilization and management of data center and network technologies by increasing IT system availability, flexibility and efficiency. For more information, visit www.liebert.com, www.emersonnetworkpower.com or www.eu.emersonnetworkpower.com.