Schneider Electricannounced the release of a comprehensive set ofpower monitoringsoftware applications tailored to a data center environment. These applications provide the power system intelligence needed to ensure a reliable, efficient, and safe power distribution infrastructure at a data center.

StruxureWare Power Monitoring for Data Centers provides a full range of powerful capabilities that enable the data center facility operations team to identify, respond to, and investigate the root cause of power system events; measure utility and facility power quality; measure power usage effectiveness (PUE); calculate power distribution losses; understand UPS and generator system power loading; and audit generator system testing.

Domenic Alcaro, VP Mission Critical Systems Services and Software, Schneider, said "This product is one module which integrates into our larger solution. We cover it all with our offering." Colette Munro, VP Software Platforms described the announcement as being part of a larger effort in which "all the UIs are being redone."

A key component of the Schneider Electric StruxureWare for Data Centers software suite and the EcoStruxure Data Center solutions architecture, StruxureWare Power Monitoring for Data Centers actively monitors and analyzes the electrical power distribution infrastructure of a data center – including medium voltage, low voltage and IT floor power. Comprising hardware, software and communication components and integrated with professional services, all elements are modular and interoperable to provide better continuity of supply, enhanced safety and easier installation.

This solution offers best-in-class compatibility with third-party systems, making it easier to leverage a facility’s existing investments. At its core, these solutions leverage StruxureWare Power Monitoring software version 7.0 with specific adaptations to address the unique needs of data center electric power infrastructure by providing powerful central monitoring, control and analytical functions. The key emphasis is to improve power system reliability by decreasing the number of unplanned power outages and reducing the duration of those that do occur.

“Data center professionals know that surging demand for high IT application performance means a ‘business-as-usual’ attitude will simply not give them the competitive edge they need,” said Pankaj Lal, offer management director, Schneider Electric. He added: “In addition to outstanding reliability-enhancing tools, the true differentiating feature of the StruxureWare Power Monitoring for Data Centers package is the deep electrical system insight it provides, enabling facilities to simultaneously trim energy-related operating costs and boost the return on their electrical distribution assets.”