Press: Greater functionality, lower costs: IT infrastructure monitoring with Rittal

Rittal presents CMC III, the third and completely re-designed generation of the Computer Multi Control (CMC) monitoring systems. Its most striking new feature is the change to CAN (Controller Area Network) buses: These standardised and very robust field buses are integrated in the central processing unit and in Rittal's intelligent sensors. Thus unlike traditional I/O units, the CAN-bus sensors are not individually connected to the central processing unit, but rather to each other in series: A CAN bus, linked to the buses in the neighbouring enclosures, is found in each server enclosure. Data are simply "passed through" until they arrive in the central unit. The reduced complexity means there is much less unwanted cable clutter when installing, maintaining and modifying the system. Since far fewer modules are needed, the cost of the system is also slashed. Rittal has also taken a new direction with sensors: Thus the two most important functions - the temperature sensor for the cold air intake at the front of the server, and an infrared sensor, which "determines", whether the enclosure door is open or closed - are already integrated in the central processing unit as defaults.

Space-saving, comfortable, and automated

The CMC III enclosure has also been completely revised - it now requires far less expensive space in the server rack. Just one-third of a height unit is enough space for the third generation CMC's processing unit. In addition, the new power pack is housed in an identical enclosure, which is easily installed in the same height unit and connected via cable. Power supply via Power over Ethernet (PoE) is also possible.

With the CMC III, network integration, as well as configuration and commissioning are performed comfortably with a laptop and a USB port. The user can choose between TCP/IPv4 and TCP/IPv6 as network protocols. Working with RiZone IT infrastructure management software and the Microsoft System Center Operations Manager, CMC III is capable of initiating automated counter-measures. Emergency situations can thus be defused immediately without human intervention, while the responsible members of staff are alerted by text message or e-mail.

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Rittal GmbH & Co. KG

Rittal GmbH & Co. KG, which has its headquarters in Herborn, Germany, is one of the world's leading system suppliers for enclosures, power distribution, system climate control, IT infrastructure and software & services. Customers from all sectors of industry, from mechanical and plant engineering, as well as from the IT and telecoms market are making use of system solutions from Rittal.

Its broad product range also includes complete solutions for modular and energy-efficient data centres: from innovative security concepts for data systems (formerly known as Litcos) through to physical data and system security for IT infrastructures (formerly known as Lampertz). The leading software providers Eplan and Mind8 - Rittal subsidiaries - are supplementing the Rittal product portfolio with interdisciplinary engineering solutions.

Founded in 1961, Rittal is now active worldwide with 10 production sites, 63 subsidiaries and 40 agencies. With 10,000 employees worldwide, Rittal is the largest company of the proprietor-run Friedhelm Loh Group of Haiger, Germany. The entire group employs more than 11,000 people and expects to generate revenues of € 2.2 billion in 2011. Further information at www.rittal.com and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com.