APC Sharpens Focus on Data Center Software

APC by Schneider Electric today announced the formation of a new data center software business, illustrating the growing importance of management tools for data center professionals seeking to track energy use and costs in their facilities. The new Data Center Software business will be responsible for advancing all software and management systems for the data center physical infrastructure.

APC by Schneider specializes in data center power and cooling equipment. Although its primary focus is hardware, the company has offered advanced data center management software for years. Company officials said today's announcement reflects a focus on deeper specialization for APC's software initiatives.

Commitment to Software Leadership
"By establishing a new and dedicated software business with a clear strategy and focus, we are showing our true commitment to become the global leader in software for data centers," said Laurent Vernerey, President and CEO of APC. "This evolution within APC is well aligned with the Schneider Electric vision of becoming the world leader in energy management."

The specialized software business will be led by Soeren Jensen, Vice President, Data Center Software for APC, who will report directly to Vernerey.The Data Center Software business will be a key contributor to Schneider Electric’s Ecostruxure architecture, especially its InfraStruxure management software portfolio. Industry analysts had previously highlighted management software as an area of opportunity for the company.

Area of Opportunity for Schneider
"Schneider Electric has the scale, brand, vision and penetration to take a leadership position in data center energy management software," the 451 Group wrote in a report in July 2009. "Its size is also helping it make important alliances. InfraStruxure is currently just one of several offerings in this market, but it has the potential to be a clear leader."

Software is also a growing focus for Schneider's rivals in the power and cooling business. Emerson has acquired software providers Aperture and Avocent in its expansion of its data center offerings.

The APC InfraStruxure management provides a holistic view of data center physical infrastructure, including energy use and expenses. The software portfolio includes InfraStruxure Operations for daily operations and inventory management; InfraStruxure Central for data gathering and monitoring; InfraStruxure Capacity; InfraStruxure Change for planning and optimization; and InfraStruxure Energy Efficiency for energy analysis and modeling down to the server location in a rack.