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HP Unveils Tracking Technology for Data Centers
[October 19, 2006]

HP Unveils Tracking Technology for Data Centers


TMCnet Contributing Editor
 
HP has reportedly developed a radio frequency identification (RFID) asset tracking technology for data centers that will monitor data center assets. The solution will carry out real-time tracking and auditing of servers, networking equipment, server and storage enclosures and other technology using RFID.



HP Labs, company’s central research facility, has designed the technology. The system has been tested at Meijer Inc., a retailer with over 170 grocery and specialty stores in the Midwestern United States.

“Physical inventory of IT assets is critical in data centers, especially those with thousands of devices,” said Frank Lanza, worldwide director, RFID Program, HP, in a press release. “HP RFID technology could enable better accuracy of inventory, increase security and reduce data center operational and auditing costs.”


The technology is equipped with RFID readers and RFID tags and with these features it monitors the location of individual components inside the data center. The system is so powerful that it can keep an eye on new devices and device movement to other areas.

The sensing mechanism generates a high-resolution view of devices throughout the data center. One can extract past information connected to additions, changes and moves of servers and server-related equipment as well with the technology.

“Meijer’s long-term competitiveness hinges on cost control and efficiency, and the RFID model from HP has potential cost-savings benefits,” said Tim Osbeck, manager, Operations and Technical Support, Meijer, Inc. “This test exceeded our expectations and is invaluable as we explore new possibilities around RFID.”

With the RFID retailers and manufacturers will be able to decrease supply chain expenditure while increasing the flow of products from the factory through the distribution center and to the retail store, claims HP.

For more information about HP, visit www.hp.com.

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Niladri Sekhar Nath is a contributing writer for TMCnet covering telecommunications, service providers and networking.

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