Is your Data Center As Cool as it Once Was?

Trends in data center cooling have changed dramatically over the past few years. Outmoded “maximum cooling” approaches have given way to more efficient heat-rejection systems. Utilizing sophisticated economizer technologies, modern cooling systems are not only reducing energy costs, but are also operating far more efficiently, and are highly reliable.

Other recent improvements in data center cooling technology have spawned different perspectives in addressing the use of chilled water vs pumped refrigerant vs air-cooling. Depending on the business needs, a company’s budget, and the geography, current cooling approaches may introduce waterless systems that may prove more suitable than say, a chilled water system.

The days of keeping the data center below 55 degrees are likely over. Old standards are being challenged and, in many cases, operating a warmer data center will be just as reliable, more efficient, and it will certainly be cheaper.  And that will make your data center much “cooler” than it used to be.

Are You Prepared for the Next Network Security Threat?

The recent wave of attacks on Windows machines is unprecedented, and these types of attacks, specifically ransomware attacks, have been on the rise. Ransomware is a type of malicious software virus that locks up your computer files and demands payment to unlock them.

If you managed to avert disaster this time around, do you know that your network is ready for the inevitable next attack? If your network is vulnerable, you won’t be able to dodge a bullet forever; the hackers will eventually discover that weak spot. PTS can help you find the holes before the hackers do.

What can you do to protect your network?

• Update your copy of Windows to the latest version
• Run Windows Update and apply all security patches
• Update your anti-virus software to the latest version
• Backup your important data
• Educate employees to exercise caution when opening email attachments or clicking on any potentially suspicious links
• Test your network’s security at least once a year for vulnerabilities
• Scan all emails for malicious code
• Formulate an IT disaster recovery plan, for preparation in case your network security is compromised

Contact PTS to discuss effective ways to secure your network. We offer a free cyber threat assessment to identify network vulnerabilities, as well as other useful information about your network and its users.

Sure it's Time to Upgrade your Data Center, but is your Plan Feasible?

So you've realized it's time to upgrade your data center and you're overflowing with "brilliant" ideas.  You've probably run out of space, power, and/or cooling and want to take advantage of newer technologies and operate more efficiently.  You've been googling every possible approach, but the daunting options are starting to overwhelm you.  So many choices.  So many trade-offs. You can't decide if you should focus on a short-term upgrades or invest and plan for the long haul.  And which approach is cheaper?  At this point, it's time to consult the experts at PTS to conduct a feasibility study to quantify the costs and benefits of your data center upgrade plans.

 

PTS will identify the risks and rewards associated with your project.  We will help you understand the requirements to design and build a new or upgraded data center, and clarify the ROI and impact of any proposed changes. Armed with the information included in a feasibility study, you will be fully prepared to approach your data center project with realistic expectations with a full understanding of the benefits of the chosen approach. And PTS can execute the plan to perfection, and will be with you every step of the way.

For more information, download a free copy of the PTS Brochure on:
Data Center Planning & Feasibility Consulting Services

The Reality of Virtualization

Virtualization is the process of creating a software-based (or virtual) representation of something rather than a physical one, as it applies to applications, servers, storage, and networks. It and is the most effective way to reduce IT expenses while boosting efficiency and agility.  The majority (over 80%) of business workloads today are virtualized, though small- to medium-sized businesses are lagging behind at about 40%.

Are you Ready to Virtualize?

The simple answer is that you can't afford not to virtualize.  You will be spending significantly more on IT than businesses that rely solely on physical resources. Additionally, your IT will be more complex, and thus, far less efficient, and as a result, you will more likely suffer disruptions in business, and experience lost revenue.

Today's Virtualization Platform Prepares you for Tomorrow

New business and IT initiatives will require the right technology platform. Virtualization allows greater flexibility in handling new opportunities, making deployment and scaling of resources faster, cheaper, and more efficient. Cloud, mobility, big data, social media, and IT consumerization are realities of today's workforce, and businesses must virtualize to keep up.

To learn more about PTS’ Virtualization Consulting Services, contact PTS or visit:

• Data Center Infrastructure Virtualization Strategies
• Hardware Virtualization Consulting Service
• IT Assessment Service – Virtualization
• IT Needs Analysis – Virtualization
• IT Site Survey Service – Virtualization
• IT Virtualization Consulting Service
• Server Virtualization Consulting Services
• Storage Virtualization Consulting Service
• Virtual Data Center Consulting Service
• Virtualization Management Consulting Service
• Virtualization Software Consulting Service
• Virtualization Technology Consulting Service

Data Center Cooling Advancements Let you Leave Your Jacket at Home

Data centers that used to be 55 degrees are now running comfortably at 75 degrees, which means your company is saving money, and your IT pros no longer need to bundle up to do their jobs.

Pete Sacco, President and Founder of PTS Data Center Solutions, Inc., was interviewed for a recent TechRepublic article on data center cooling:

 "...the perception is that cooler is better.
The answer is that's not the case"  

- Pete Sacco, President, PTS Data Center Solutions, Inc.

Read the full article here: http://www.techrepublic.com/article/data-center-cooling-advancements-let-you-leave-your-jacket-at-home/

Is your Data Center or Telecom Closet Performing a Rain Dance?

A friend's Broadcast Operations Center got taken down because they had a water main break that flooded their supporting server room. Water can take unexpected paths in a building and can travel along cables and trays so it's important to fire-stop portals into IT rooms, but a water main break can overwhelm a large area of a building. Drip pans with leak detection should be placed under water lines especially under joints. AquaTray or another capture and divert water system should be used over mission critical equipment. Hermetically sealed rooms can be built for infrastructure that can never go down.  Figured I'd share to hopefully help some of my other friends and colleagues prevent a catastrophe.

Hermetically Sealed Server Room

PTS and SonicWALL Free Cyber Security Webinar

Cyber threats are becoming more devious. Are you prepared?

Register for Free PTS/SonicWALL Webinar:
Thursday, December 8, 2016, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. ET

Webinar Agenda
Peter Sacco, PTS Data Center Solutions: Introduction
SonicWALL: Cyber Threats are Becoming More Devious

Do you find yourself regularly worrying if you’ve done a thorough job at vetting your cyber-defense system? Is it really doing its job and keeping up with evolving threats and capacity demands?

Attend this webinar to learn what differentiates leading next-generation firewalls and walk away with a greater understanding of key performance indicators essential to the success of your network security strategy.

More information and Registration Form Here:
http://computer-room-design.com/computer-room-design-partners/sonicwall-products/sonicwall-webinar/

AFCOM Holiday Event and Symposium 2016

AFCOM Holiday Event and Symposium is to be held at the following time, date, and location:

Thursday, December 1, 2016 from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (EST)  

Radisson Hotel Valley Forge
1160 1st Avenue
King of Prussia, PA 19406

Get More Information Here

Solve Data Challenges Like the Web Giants with this Free Ebook

Free Ebook: Hyperscale Storage for Dummies

• How hyperscale IT evolved and why it’s needed for a modern enterprise
• Ten reasons hyperscale storage reduces costs and improves business alignment for enterprises
• A scorecard to help determine the right storage strategy for your enterprise

This book, compliments of Hedvig and PTS, explores all the hype around hyperconverged and hyperscale storage and explains these storage technologies and architectures to help you understand the similarities and differences of both approaches. We’ll help you determine the best solution to support your organization and examine virtualization, OpenStack, Docker and backup use cases. You’ll be ready to make the business case – whether it’s hyperscale, hyperconverged, or a hybrid mix of both storage strategies for your enterprise.

AFCOM Midlantic Chapter Meeting: June 29, 2016, Claymont, DE

AFCOM Midlantic Chapter Meeting in Claymont, DE
on Wednesday, June 29, 2016, from 9:00am - 1:00pm

Please join Andrew Graham of PTS at AFCOM for their 2nd chapter meeting of 2016.

Agenda (*Subject to Change)

9:30 AM:  Presentation: J. David Winder, Suppression Systems Inc.
SigniFire Video Detection Imaging – This camera provides detection of fire and smoke faster than any of the traditional detection methods.  Where all of the standard devices require the smoke or flame to come to them, SigniFire “goes to the fire”. In tests on the camera with other devices, 88% of the time the SigniFire went into alarm first. This product can be used in support areas of Data Center facilities.  Electrical, Switch Gear, UPS, & Generator Rooms are ideal for these video detectors.  The technology can also be used with most existing cameras in the facility through our custom server.

10:30 AM:  Break

10:45 AM:  Presentation, Daniel Kane, Hedvig, Inc.,  The Impact of Hyper-Converged, Hyper-Scaled and Software Defined Storage on Data Center Services
Current approaches to storage are broken and can’t keep pace with the rate of change in today’s modern business. Businesses generate, analyze, use, and store more data than ever before. As a result, IT can’t even accurately predict data storage requirements three months out, never mind the three to five years that typify storage refreshes. A new approach to data center infrastructure is needed to help companies dynamically adapt to rapidly changing business requirements.

11:45 AM:  Lunch, Networking and Complimentary Wine Tasting!

Where: Total Wine & More, 691 Naamans Road, Claymont, DE 19703
Driving Directions Here
 
When: Wednesday, June 29, 2016, from 9:00am – 1:00pm

Click Here for More Information and To Register