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Frequently asked questions about Data Centre Performance Management software

Get answers to common questions about Eaton's Data Centre Performance Management software, such as key benefits, what's included, and how it's installed and supported

What is data centre performance management (DCIM)

Data Centre Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software helps enterprise and colocation data centres maximise their space, power and cooling resources. It monitors, manages and controls IT equipment such as servers and uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs), infrastructure equipment like power distribution units (PDUs) and even computer room air conditioners. 

Does Eaton offer DCIM software?

Yes. Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management (DCPM) software, which is part of our Brightlayer Data Centers suite, provides tools for monitoring and managing the power, space, cooling and operational aspects of running a data centre – specifically rack-mounted IT equipment such as servers, storage and compute. It includes powerful features such as 3D floor plans and rack elevations, alerting and alarming, standard and customised reports, capacity planning, charts and dashboards, projects with work orders, service and warranty management, and more.

Visit our Data Centre Performance Management product page to find out more.

What are the key benefits of Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management software?

Our Data Centre Performance Management software provides complete visibility into your power (know how much poser is being used), space (know where assets are located) and cooling (know environmental conditions) usage across your entire data centre so you can maximise efficiency, and minimise operational costs and stranded capacity.

It also tracks IT and operational technology (OT) assets through their entire life cycle to eliminate manual tracking and sends automated, customised alerts via text message, email reports and system notifications when issues arise; you decide when and how you’re notified.

Additionally, our software will help you make sense of data with real-world insights. You’ll be able to visualise your data centre – from the campus or facility to a room, rack or device with visualisation tools that provide user-defined 2D and 3D geospatial visualisation so you can understand equipment status, location and capacity to optimise change management decisions. Automated reports for alarms, asset capacity, efficiency, metrics, service and system will help you maximise uptime, simplify planning and minimise unnecessary maintenance activities, and dashboards provide near real-time visibility into key performance indicators (KPIs) like power usage effectiveness (PUE) and capacity utilisation for macro and micro insights so you can ensure the data centre is operating as expected.

What’s the difference between Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management and Distributed IT Performance Management software? 

Our Data Centre Performance Management software provides tools for monitoring and managing the power, space, cooling and operational aspects of running a data centre – specifically rack-mounted IT equipment such as servers, storage and computing, while our Distributed IT Performance Management software is designed to monitor and manage power equipment (primarily UPSs and PDUs) in distributed environments, such as retail, education, healthcare and edge data centres.

Which manufacturers are supported by Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management software?

Our Data Centre Performance Management model library includes more than 30,000 models of devices from hundreds of manufactures across hundreds of device types. If a device is not currently included in our model library but uses a common communication protocol such as SNMP, MODBUS or BACnet, we will create a model for that device (requires annual support).

How is Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management software installed?

The easiest and most common method for installing our Data Centre Performance Management software is direct deployment to a server in your virtual environment via our Open Virtualisation Format (OVF). The software can also be installed on a traditional server or via cloud implementation.

What are the requirements for installing Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management software?

The resources required to host the software can be found in our OVF Appliance Installation Guide.

Does Eaton offer professional services for the installation and set-up of its Data Centre Performance Management software?

Eaton offers professional services for all of our software offerings – ranging from a few hours of remote assistance to full, on-site implementation and training. Regardless of the number of hours purchased, all work will be completed by an Eaton software specialist.

Can Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management software be integrated with other software?

Our software can be integrated with VMWare and other software such as building management (BMSs), asset management (CMDB) and service desk (ITSM) systems to create a unified, cohesive software solution that improves efficiency, increases productivity and data accuracy, improves decision making and reduces cost. 

How is Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management software supported?

Eaton’s product maintenance and support services include technical support via our online support portal, where customers can view product documentation and videos, search our knowledge base, download software updates, and open, view and manage cases. Phone support is available from our Eaton Care team on +1 877 386 2273, option 2, option 9.

How do I purchase Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management software?

Eaton software is purchased the same way that Eaton hardware is purchased – through an Eaton reseller. If you don’t already have a reseller partner, you can find one in your area by using our distributor locator tool

How can I get a demo of Eaton’s Data Centre Performance Management software?

You can use our contact request form to request a demonstration of our software from an Eaton software representative in your region. We'd love to connect with you!