RF Code’s New Rack-Level Tracking Solution for Both Open and Closed Server Racks Is A Quantum Leap in Data Center Asset Management

Leapfrogging Current Tracking Approaches, Next Generation Solution Couples Infrared Technology with Active RFID for Rack Level Asset Insight

AUSTIN, TX  (September 8, 2010) —RF Code, Inc. today announced that data centers managers now have an affordable, fully automated way to track and manage assets down to the rack level, in both fully enclosed and open racks. Bypassing traditional manual server tracking approaches, including hand scanning, barcode reading and pencil-to-paper recording of asset location, the new RF Code solution takes advantage of infrared’s (IR) ability to “localize” or pinpoint asset location in defined areas—in this case, a specific rack.  When coupled with RF Code’s active RFID technology to track assets in large, dense metal environments, such as a data center, this IR approach gives customers a previously unavailable approach to tracking assets down to the server level. The solution is fully automated, which eliminates costs of manual or semi manual tracking and is affordable in terms of both cost and deployment ease.

Knowing where servers are at all times is a key step in helping companies to better manage their asset inventory and utilization.  Some experts feel that close to 15 percent of all deployed servers are virtually not in use. Many companies, however, have little or only partial knowledge of where these unused servers are.  This inability then results in:

  • Squandering money powering and cooling idle equipment
  • Over-purchasing of hardware to ensure proper availability
  • Spending man-months of staff time chasing down lost or missing or underutilized equipment

The new RF Code solution solves this problem, providing rack level location information automatically.  This means that data center managers can now know at all times exactly what rack houses exactly what server, even when servers move.  And servers do move: for repair, for replacement, for load rebalancing or even because of theft.

“Finding a server can often deplete and distract valuable personnel who are busy keeping the data center operational,” said RF Code’s Chris Gaskins, vice president, Product Development. “But now that we’ve cracked the code on rack level location, we’ve ended that server search altogether. We’ve disrupted a tracking process that until now required some level of manual intervention to accomplish, and we did it affordably. The key was figuring out what combination of technologies would give us precision location over a large area. IR and active RFID together is the knockout punch that put an end to physically tracking rack assets. As a company, we continue to push the boundary of what’s possible in asset management.”

About the Solution

The components of the solution installed in each rack include:

  • A740 “peel and stick” control box (locator), which emits a unique rack ID via infrared. It can be placed anywhere on or in the rack without having to take up a precious “U” space. Two IR light strips attach to the A740 and are installed vertically along the front of the rack frame.  These IR light strips emit the infrared signal created by the A740 control box.  The A740 only requires a power connection.
  • IR enabled asset tags that easily attach to individual servers using the simple “peel and stick” method. These IR enabled asset tags receive the IR signal from the A740 and capturing the unique ID encoded in the infrared signal.  What makes these tags unique is their ability to read only transmissions sent by the IR emitters closest to the tag. This eliminates the possibility of a tag reading an IR signal that may be emanating from an adjacent rack and is the “special sauce” that provides the rack level tracking precision. The tag receives the rack ID, and transmits it, along with the unique ID of the individual server, to RF Code active RFID readers mounted in the ceiling.  In a data center with open racks, a single reader can cover between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet.  In a data center with enclosed racks, a single reader can cover 2,000 to 3,000 square feet.  This means that in a 25,000 square foot data center, only 5 readers are needed.
  • RF Code software (Zone Manager or Asset Manager) reads the stream of tag data containing the unique tag ID and corresponding “captured” IR ID from the active RFID readers and determines the precise rack location of the asset tag.

To learn how fully automating your IT asset management can help you reduce the time and cost of tracking your assets, download the white paper, Achieving ROI Through Automating Physical IT Asset Tracking.

For more information about the new RF Code solution, contact RF Code or call us directly at: 877.969.2828.

About RF Code, Inc.

RF Code is a leading provider of active IT asset management and environmental monitoring solutions as well as a leader in providing technology used by third parties to enhance their solutions. The company’s unique active RFID-based solutions provide IT professionals with a more efficient, cost-effective approach to managing IT assets and keeping technology environments in an optimal state. RF Code’s fully automated, wire-free solutions significantly reduce costs, eliminate manual labor, and deliver an immediate return on investment.  http://www.rfcode.com

RF Code and the RF Code logo are either registered trademarks or trademarks of RF Code Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:

RF Code
Joan Osleeb
josleeb@rfcode.com
512-439-2245 (o)
512-789-6168 (m)