AT+C EDV
Maximizing Data Centre Efficiency

When it comes to optimising data centre (DC) operation and energy consumption, outdated infrastructures presiding over a company’s servers, storage, and network units are becoming far less integral to the daily IT tasks. Today, DC managers need cutting-edge insights on their rack units, bandwidth, cable connections, and remaining capacity for floor space to manage their assets while meeting the requirements of audit certificates. These managers know the winds of change are blowing in their direction; however, maintaining a relevant infrastructure is no cakewalk. This is precisely what AT+C EDV intends to change.

Founded in 1987 as a CAD company, AT+C has been quick to recognise the surging demand for robust DC infrastructure with powerful data security and mitigate the predicaments of disoriented floor space and asset management. As the founder and CEO of AT+C, Wolfgang Schroeder describes it, “Without thorough documentation of the complete supporting DC infrastructure and its assets, it is tedious to survive a sophisticated audit, and the increasing competition leaves no room for operation at a lower tier certification.” To meet clients’ various requirements, AT+C offers “VM.7 Connecting Manager”, a unique and budget-friendly tool that combines a flexible asset management database with an intuitive graphical frontend. From the maintenance and management of DC facilities and server racks to real-time asset monitoring and Automated Infrastructure Management (AIM), AT+C covers it all.

AT+C diligently manages DC floor plans, systems within the infrastructure, trays, fire protection, and controlled access to ensure the clients deliver unparalleled customer service. The company further organises servers, storage systems, switches, routers, and other accessories in the rack—both active and passive—with reliable power supply and distribution. AT+C additionally provides simple network management protocol (SNMP)-based real-time monitoring of assets within the DC infrastructure while documenting historic and trending values on a dashboard. Taking the functionalities a notch higher, the company’s AIM software automatically detects crucial connections and disconnections of cables on patch panels and server ports. “Especially in tier 4 data centres the use of AIM is an essential technology to achieve maximum business continuity and operational security by protecting networks on a physical level,” Schroeder explains.

In an effort to bolster security mechanism on its solutions, AT+C utilises Oracle or Microsoft SQL servers as the production database that allows clients to control user rights, access, and visibility in a granular fashion. With comprehensive management of multiple DC assets and infrastructures via intuitive graphical UI, administrators can monitor DC floor plans and rack views while directly manipulating the databases, all through simple drag and drop functionality. In addition to this, AT+C actively supports the clients’ change management processes with planning modes and web-based workflows for adequate work order distribution and execution reporting. “Our rapid prototyping approach enables clients to minimize implementation time and handle a range of customisations without compensating the upgradeability of their systems,” adds Schroeder.

The robustness of AT+C’s DC infrastructure management (DCIM) solution was reflected when a leading German insurance and financial service provider approached the company to organise and streamline their upcoming data centres. The client required a proficient software DCIM solution that would make information management more transparent and flexible. Adhering to those requirements, the team at AT+C seamlessly incorporated the VM.7 Connecting Manager system into the client’s existing infrastructure. From planning servers, racks, and storage systems to power supply, air conditioning, and wiring, AT+C added an SNMP interface that solved power consumption issues and delivered on its promises for a well-organised DC infrastructure within a few weeks.

Moving forward, AT+C aims to extend the customisability for individual workflows, and leverage Blow Fibre technology to establish dominance in the WAN arena. With F.I.T. Pacific, Sumitomo Corporation and Belden as its strategic OEM partners, AT+C is steadily expanding its footprint across the US, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Japanese markets.