Today the diverse applications within networks require extensive knowledge of market trends, product developments, standards etc. and it is difficult to keep this volume of information up-to-date.

Therefore within a project, parts are often delegated to competent partners. Team performances and cooperation between the planner, supplier and customer are demanded. Perfect planning does not only require knowledge of requirements, but also their consequent fulfillment. Freely configurable kits, order and calculation aids, and standard tender phraseology make these tasks easier.

This also applies to the application orientated planning of server cabinets which are used in different applications either as outdoor or indoor installations. In particular for outdoor applications the total concept is always decisive, as extreme environmental factors have to be taken into account. Decisions about material and finish, mechanical stability, cooling, cable inlets can be influenced by cool temperatures, sand, radiation from the sun, snow, insects, rodents, vandalism, vibration, to name but a few. Some requirements apply to outdoor and indoor cabinets alike. Apart from the purely technical demands the logistic considerations for instance play an important role, too. In the following checklist the most important questions concerning optimal planning have been put together:

  • Delivery situation: Is the delivery address in a pedestrian zone, or in a side road? Can loading ramps be used or do lorries with a hydraulic ramp have to be used? Is there a “delivery window” that has to be observed, as the building is situated on a main road? When will the delivery be made, during the day or at night? In summer or winter?
  • Transport routes: What is the transport route like within the building to the final site? Are lifts, stairs, doors accessible and usable without hindrance? Or do doors which are too small require cabinets that can be disassembled and reassembled easily and are of light weight?
  • Space requirement: How large are the available installation areas, including stipulated escape routes when the doors are open? This may require configuration with e.g. two-part front and rear doors.
  • Cooling: How is the installation site/server room cooled? Which performance loss has to be taken into account for the cabinets? Does the room have windows facing the sun or is the installation in the cellar? Is it possible to use open frames, as the room is protected from unauthorized access? Is the heat dissipation of the cover parts sufficient or are the cabinets arranged side-by-side?
  • Installation site: Are the cabinets installed in a separate data room or in normal offices? For installation in offices noise pollution through fans and air conditioning units play a larger role than when the installation is carried out in separate data centers.
  • Product choice: Are standard products and corresponding system components and replacements parts available and for how long? Is delivery of completely assembled cabinet systems possible, also internationally? Cabinets which can easily be dismantled and re-assembled lower the costs for logistics and shorten the transport times.
  • Assembly: Which and how many components will be installed in the cabinet? What are the minimum load-carrying capacities? The total weight of the installations determines the 19” mounting platform inside the cabinet.
  • Installation area: Which minimum installation dimensions have to be adhered to? Are mountings according to 19” standards possible? Are metric or non-standard components installed? If cabinets are erected in alcoves or against walls, the use of swing frames may be necessary.
  • Dimensions: Which and how many cables are used? The cabinet dimensions are influenced by the quantity and type of the used cables (copper or fibre glass). Instructions from the cable manufacturer (degree of bending, pressure and pull strains) have to be adhered to at all times and therefore determine the area required inside the cabinet.
  • Cable inlet: Where do cables have to be taken into and out of the cabinet? A cable inlet over the base (with or without double base) or the top or mixed versions require a flexible configuration inside the cabinet. If necessary, cable routes have to be mounted to the roofs of the cabinets.
  • Access control: Do cabinets have to be protected against unauthorized access? Service and maintenance works during network operation may require rulings about access authorizations. Standard locks and locking systems can be used as well as locks with number codes or transponder systems.
  • Service: Does the manufacturer offer service and assembly services? How much extra does this cost?
  • Hotline: Are there order, technical and service hotlines? Does a functioning external service team exist? How well can external and internal service staff be contacted?

These questions are of different importance in each project phase: The supplier has to adhere to the time table and is very interested in the logistical process and delivery times of standard products. There is no time for special or custom made products. The planner, however, is less interested in the logistics or order process. He is more interested in the future security and the life expectancy of the components used. Descriptions of the required minimum performance of a product or a service, so-called “tender” phrases, will help the planner and constructor to find the correct supplier and partner.

Clear product description by the manufacturers, optimally in the standardized format, reduce planning phases and with this project costs. If projects are planned with standardized tools and aids, the effort is relatively low to establish the best offer or carry out a final check for services provided.

•        Up-to-date and clear product descriptions in standard format

•        Good availability of the descriptions (download)

•        Easy to order and sensibly assorted standard products (catalogue and Internet)

•        Freely configurable systems (in kit form)

•        Service and assembly, also on site

•        Technical support through sales and technical sales departments (hotline)

The manufacturer or supplier who fulfills all these points will clearly stand out from the crowd.