How Edge Products Support Continuity for Multi-Location Firms

Continuity is crucial for all businesses, but especially for those with multiple locations. This is because maintaining and managing IT equipment in numerous locations requires localized data processing, resilient infrastructure, and remote connectivity. Edge computing addresses these challenges by having equipment run closer to its end users in a distributed fashion. This gives each of your facilities the ability to operate efficiently and independently of one another, protecting your data and operations if a power outage occurs in one location. However, achieving reliable edge deployments depends on using the right equipment in all your facilities. For multi-location businesses this typically means using Edge products to optimize performance no matter where the facility is located.

Why Continuity Matters

An outage at one business location can severely affect productivity, the ability to deliver efficient customer service, and cost you financially as you scramble to get your systems back online. This is why having a continuity plan and reliable IT infrastructure is so important, as they can help prevent expensive downtime. Edge computing helps this further by minimizing reliance on centralized data centers and processing data closer to the source. This reduces latency and helps each location function on its own, even if the main data center experiences an outage. However, to fully take advantage of Edge computing, multi-location businesses need to invest in reliable equipment that will keep operations running smoothly.

Network Reliability Through IDF Rooms

Network reliability is vital to any business’ continuity. However, it can become a challenge when a company has multiple locations no matter how close together they are. This is where Intermediate Distribution Frame (IDF) rooms come into play. IDF rooms connect to the Main Distribution Frame (MDF) room or main network hub so it can share the network with nearby devices. Not only does this provide faster network times for devices near the IDF rooms, but it also helps save space throughout facilities. Instead of having to invest in multiple network installations, facilities can install these small one rack or wall mounted rack rooms to make sure the network can reach every device across a business’ location.

Uninterruptible Power Supply and Continuity

If you want to improve your business’ continuity, you need to invest in an uninterruptible power supply system for every one of your facilities. Downtime can be disastrous, so it’s important to have a backup power supply in place to keep your equipment running if an outage occurs. Uninterruptible power supply systems like the Vertiv™ Liebert® GXT5 UPS offer double conversion solutions that convert electricity to battery power and then back again once it’s needed. This makes the most out of the energy going into your various locations and helps with business continuity by keeping essential services running. Additionally, these uninterruptible supply systems run automatically so you don’t need to dispatch personnel from one location to another just to turn the power back on.

Power Distribution for Edge Infrastructure

Maintaining the continuity of your multiple business locations doesn’t just require backup power, it also requires efficient power distribution. Edge data centers often experience variable workloads, where power demand shifts based on usage, data processing needs, and real-time application demands. This is why your facilities need reliable power distribution units to make sure all your equipment gets the power it needs without overloading.

Intelligent or smart power distribution units are especially important to managing power across your Edge data centers. Unlike traditional PDUs that simply distribute electricity, smart power distribution units offer real-time monitoring, remote management, and automated power balancing. This is extremely important for operating infrastructures across multiple locations to make sure all power is being used efficiently and preventing power surges.

Server Racks and Space Optimization

The only way Edge computing works is if data is processed on the site where it needs to be used. To do this and maintain business continuity, servers need to be installed in all your locations where data is accessed. Server racks will also need to be installed to protect your equipment and data. Solutions like the Vertiv™ VR Rack are particularly beneficial for high-density environments that may not have a lot of physical space. These kinds of server racks standardize your deployments across multiple locations and increase operation speed. Not to mention these server racks have a toolless design so you can easily install, adjust, and move them when need be. This flexibility is crucial for growing businesses who need to reorganize their current operations or expand to new locations.

Data Center Cooling for Edge Reliability

Data center cooling is vital for maintaining the performance and continuity of Edge computing infrastructure. In distributed locations with limited space, you must manage heat buildup effectively to prevent thermal overload which can lead to equipment failures, reduced efficiency, and unexpected downtime.

In Edge data centers, all critical IT equipment like the ones discussed above generate significant heat. To improve continuity and avoid costly interruptions, implement data center cooling solutions like the Liebert® CRV In Row Cooling System to maintain stable temperatures across multiple locations. In smaller facilities you need to use a compact data center cooling system like in-rack or in-row systems so everything can operate in these limited spaces. This helps improve the continuity of your operations by effectively utilizing the room you have and maintaining the ideal environment for your operations.

Learn How to Optimize the Operations in Multiple Locations

Ensuring the continuity of one facility takes careful planning and knowledge of the right equipment, doing the same for multiple locations requires even more preparation. To better understand what equipment your facilities need to operate efficiently, sign up for our monthly newsletter. In it, we’ll go over the latest products as well as provide valuable information about how to optimize all your facilities.