Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) encompasses the oversight and management of the policies, procedures, equipment, human resources, external vendors and other essential elements of data center operation.

DCIM represents a holistic approach to facilities management that blurs the lines between facility management and IT operations. The DCIM concept originated with a software module that was used by facility managers to map out digital schematics within a building. Today, DCIM includes a broad range of tools and resources used to monitor, measure and maximize efficiencies related to energy distribution and consumption of IT equipment and facility infrastructure alike.

DCIM tools and initiatives can help companies:

• Use energy, equipment and square footage to their greatest advantage
• Analyze power usage and air conditioning in real time (and adjust accordingly)
• Put proposed engineering changes to the test before money is spent using continuous modeling