CommScope’s iTRACS

iTRACS was founded in the 1980s as an independent company that focused on infrastructure management. With the launch of the iTRACS data center infrastructure management (DCIM) platform in October 2009, iTRACS decided to focus specifically on the data center market.

CommScope acquired iTRACS in March 2013 as a standalone business unit focused on DCIM. iTRACS is a complete DCIM software suite that helps organizations optimize the capacity, availability and efficiency of their data center physical infrastructure. The iTRACS DCIM platform is designed around a holistic, open and interconnected architecture. This means that iTRACS aggregates, analyzes, visualizes, and presents all of the information a data center administrator would need to effectively manage the entire data center ecosystem across both IT and facilities.

The functionality of the iTRACS DCIM platform encompasses seven areas of DCIM: asset management, operations management (monitoring, alarming and more), change management (workflow), resource management (power, space and cooling), connectivity management (network cabling and patching), availability management and capacity management/planning.

“The data center is one of the most complex, interconnected entities on earth,” said Kevin St. Cyr, senior vice president, Enterprise Solutions, CommScope. “No asset is an island. All assets are interconnected and interdependent. You cannot modify one without creating impacts – intended and unintended – on others. Smart decisions demand DCIM solutions that enable you to visualize and understand how your space, power, assets, network connectivity and cooling resources are interconnected and interdependent. One of iTRACS’ unique capabilities is the ability to make these interdependencies visually understandable and operationally manageable.”

Many of the world’s largest organizations and Fortune 500 companies across a wide range of verticals currently utilize the iTRACS DCIM platform.

iTRACS DCIM Solution Details

Asset Management

iTRACS stores asset information in a single large repository database. It records asset information such as model, dimensions, weight, age, purchasing details, physical location, network/power connectivity and other related details. Auto discovery of assets is available and the application offers a single pane view into the entire asset base. With this holistic view, it is easy to locate an asset and analyze its performance. Additions and changes to assets are dynamically monitored and recorded. Users can enter or import assets from a third-party database.

Power Management

iTRACS collects power consumption data directly from endpoints such as PUDs, UPSs, other metering devices and assets. Performance benchmarks are stored when directly monitored data is not available. iTRACS monitors point-to-point power consumption as well as the entire power chain of the infrastructure. Users can measure and analyze the power path not only within the data center but also across the entire facility’s infrastructure. This information is managed in the iTRACS DCIM environment and presented in a holistic view using 3D visualization.

iTRACS PowerEye is a powerful end-to-end energy efficiency strategy that provides visibility into the total energy consumption of the infrastructure. Deep-dive reporting indicates how much power is used across the entire chain. Using this data can help calculate the power utilization efficiency across the infrastructure for a specific group, zone or asset and take steps necessary to optimize power resources. Real-time notifications are delivered when power thresholds are exceeded.

Space Management

iTRACS DCIM creates a holistic visual representation of the entire infrastructure for a better understanding of where each asset is specifically located. This information enables organizations to plan and make changes to the infrastructure without disrupting services and decide on the best location for any given asset. For any planned change, the impact on resources can be predicted. Deployments can be made faster. Forecasting, planning and the allocation of power, space and resources can be done more effectively.

Visual Modeling

iTRACS provides a variety of capabilities to manage the lifecycle of devices and the entire ecosystem in a context-rich multidimensional model. In fact, 2D and 3D visualization is a key aspect of the iTRACS DCIM solution. The application collects asset information, power consumption details and energy efficiency. This data feeds directly into interactive 2D and 3D visualizations to produce a precise granular visual representation of the entire infrastructure in a model that is “point and click” navigable. This helps you conveniently monitor and manage each asset in the infrastructure.

Predictive Modeling

iTRACS DCIM offers FutureView, an efficient hypothetical modeling feature. This feature creates a visual model of the current state of the infrastructure and compares it with its past and future states. This comparison enables you to predict the performance of each move, add or change within the ecosystem. Moreover, it is easy to understand the effects on power and space arising from the addition or relocation of assets within the infrastructure. These “what if” scenarios enable you to gain insights into the affected behavior, performance and capacity requirements within the safety of the software before new deployments are made.

Open Platform

iTRACS uses an open system architecture which makes it easy to integrate with third party management solutions such as BMS systems, security suites and CMDBs using standard protocols. iTRACS DCIM is built on an open exchange framework and easily integrates with VMware, Service Now, RF Code, HP Systems Insight Manager and other third-party systems. Any device that has an IP address can be accessed and monitored. Taking advantage of the DCIM browser and tablet interface, users can access iTRACS anytime, anywhere.

Reporting and Alarming

iTRACS offers a wide variety of templates to quickly create different reports. The responsive interface provides the capability to generate different reports for different users, groups or zones. Users can create reports to understand the total energy consumption, thermal conditions, network utilization, asset status, power distribution mapping and more. The platform automatically initiates processes such as email alerts or remote script deployment when required. The myAnalytics™ reporting and analytics engine offers a deep-dive exploration of what is going on and why.