Twelve Key Features of Pro2: Part 1

Not long ago, we introduced you to our PRO2 line of PDUs, giving you an overview of this powerful new tool that’s packed with features designed for a new generation of data centers. This week, we’re kicking off the first of a two-part series that looks closely at the PRO2’s features and what they mean to data center operators.

A great starting point for this discussion is our video, “Introducing PRO2,” which features commentary from Calvin Nicholson, Server Technology’s Senior Director of Software and Firmware Development. In the video, Calvin deftly lays out the argument for including PRO2 PDUs in your next data center upgrade.

When designing PRO2, we designed a product that does the following:

1. Flexible mounting solution: Thanks to the product’s shallow form factor, it doesn’t interfere with servers or any other devices in the cabinet.

2. Provides redundancy in the design: We’ve achieved redundancy by making power available in the Link Unit to the Master Unit. This means that if the Master Unit ever lost power, the network interface would still be available to the user, providing uptime along with the availability to access the device interface.

3. Monitoring: Knowing that nearly 40 percent of power is consumed within the cabinet, we designed the PRO2 to let users monitor power at the outlet level and at the branch level. This provides key information the customer needs to manage infrastructure within their data centers.

4. Outlet density: Simply put, the PRO2 features the densest product form factor on the market today. Have a look.

5. Linking: PRO2’s linking feature allows for one Master Unit and up to three separate Link Units, meaning one IP address can be made available to four PDUs or two separate data center cabinets. This not only allows us a lot of design flexibility, but also ultimately saves on costs. In the unlikely event that a PDU fails, our Star configuration ensures that the other PDUs will maintain their uptime and availability to the user.

6. Temperature rating: As data centers shoot for higher levels of efficiency, inlet temperatures are rising accordingly. This results in higher outlet temperatures in the back of the cabinet where the PRO2 is installed. These higher temperatures, along with increased densities of devices within the cabinet put the PRO2 to the test. To combat this, we’ve designed them with a higher temperature rating to ensure the customers needs – and expectations – are always met.