Because of changing customer expectations and competitive pressures, organizations are looking to roll out new IT services as quickly as possible. To meet those objectives, they need robust, easy-to-manage infrastructure to support the new workloads.
Problem is, internal IT teams typically need long lead times to architect and deploy new solutions. There are many factors to consider in the design process, including the performance of the hardware and software and the ability to scale as workload demands increase.
But determining the architecture is just the first step in the process. All of the IT equipment and other components must be procured, configured, tested and integrated. It must be installed in racks or cabinets, taking into account the power and cooling requirements of the hardware.
The Challenges of In-House Integration
In a traditional multivendor implementation, all pieces of equipment and components are packed separately and delivered to the customer’s data center. Simply unpacking the boxes takes time and creates disruption and debris. Next comes the initial testing of the equipment to ensure that it is functional, then asset tagging and inventorying. IT teams must stage the equipment and perform configuration and testing to maximize deployment success.
Few organizations have lab facilities that are large enough to handle complex, large-scale deployments. This complicates and slows down the configuration and testing process. “Racking and stacking” the equipment requires additional time and resources, further disrupting day-to-day operational processes in the data center.
Best-in-class solution providers have integration center facilities with the space, power and personnel to handle large-scale burn-in, testing and configuration. The solution provider receives the equipment and handles every step, from unboxing the individual components to integrating the equipment in racks and cabinets. The solution provider’s highly trained and experienced team will be much more efficient than in-house personnel who rarely perform implementations.
Pre-integrated racks enable faster rollout of the solution — which translates to faster time-to-market and time-to-value. They also minimize the lost productivity associated with in-house integration.
Avoiding the Risks of Pre-Integrated Racks
Of course, there are downsides to pre-integrated racks. Organizations don’t have the same level of control that they’d have with in-house deployment. That’s why it’s important to choose an integrator with well-documented methodologies and transparent processes.
There are also risks involved with shipping pre-integrated racks. The racks can contain millions of dollars worth of equipment and must be packed carefully to avoid damage during transport. Integrators should use “shock pallets” that absorb the blows, and partner with qualified shipping companies that understand how to handle the racks.
Integrators should also choose racks that can support the weight of the equipment while being moved. It’s important to understand the difference between the rack’s static and dynamic load rating. The wrong rack could buckle and twist, damaging equipment and potentially harming personnel. The rack’s casters are another potential point of failure — only heavy-duty casters should be used.
SirviS has extensive experience in the design and integration of complex, multivendor solutions, and the rollout of pre-integrated racks across geographically dispersed environments. Our world-class integration center and nimble processes enable us to meet the most stringent customer requirements and short timelines. Systems integrators often turn to SirviS to extend their capabilities in this area with integrity and transparency. Let SirviS help accelerate your next IT deployment.
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