Sensicast: Another Wireless Monitoring Startup

Yesterday we wrote about SynapSense, a California firm that received $10 million in venture capital funding to back its wireless data center instrumentation product. SynapSense isn't the only startup targeting this niche, as a Massachusetts company called Sensicast is also targeting this market and appears to have beaten SynapSense to market by several days with its wireless data center monitoring product.

On Sept. 6 Sensicast introduced its SensiNet Data Center Monitoring system, which lets facility operators track and analyze data center energy use and equipment temperatures. Pre-configured software interfaces connect SensiNet with building control automation software to manage HVAC systems. The company said managed hosting provider Savvis is currently using SensiNet to document performance for service levels agreements (SLAs).

Sensicast said its wireless sensor network monitoring can also help data center managers protect warranties on IT equipment, noting that vendors including Cisco, Dell, HP and IBM include language that warranties may be voided when products are operated in an "unsuitable physical or operating environment."

Sensicast's investors include Ardesta LLC and the Global Environment Fund (GEF). Ardesta invests in nanotechnology, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), while GEF is an international private equity firm that invests in emerging markets, clean technology and forestry. Sensicast is based in Needham, Mass.