DC Checks - Your standardized IT and Data Center checks
We are moving from the industrial age to a data-driven age characterized by the rapid digital transformation of all industries worldwide, which is also described as the "Fourth Industrial Revolution". In the process, the global growth of all data generated and exchanged is growing at an ever-increasing rate. The global data sphere amounted to about 1 zettabyte in 2012 and will grow to 175 zettabytes by 2025. That is why we also speak of the so-called "zettabyte era". "zettabyte era".
Fast and Efficient Data Center Analysis
This era poses special challenges for Data Centers and IT infrastructure. Here, it is necessary to keep pace with the rapid growth in data consumption, data creation and data reproduction. Moreover, it is essential to comply with climate targets, such as the 1.5 degree target, which aims to limit the global temperature increase fueling climate change to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
The changes in the IT and data center environment are accordingly diverse and extremely dynamic. To ensure that you do not lose sight of the big picture, High Knowledge offers you several review procedures – what we call "DC Checks". With these, you can quickly and easily identify optimization opportunities, recognize nonconformities with applicable standards and specifications and whether and where there is a need for action, security gaps exist, where and how you can reduce your energy consumption and save emissions.
The DC INFRA Check provides an initial assessment of your data centre infrastructure using your information and defined criteria. It identifies potential areas for action and does not replace a complete on-site audit or certification.
Experienced data centre specialists assess your answers within the agreed scope. We document the assessment basis and results and provide initial recommendations. More complete information allows us to identify further assessment needs more precisely.
The DC IT Check supports evaluation of existing server, storage and network components through AI-assisted analysis. Depending on the available data, it can provide insights into utilisation, energy demand and space use.
The results help compare potential improvements. Calculations and recommendations are based on supplied data and documented assumptions. Actual savings depend on the baseline, implementation and operations.
The DCEMV Check assesses the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of your IT or data center. In doing so, we pay particular attention to a fault-free, EMC-compliant design of the equipment in a data center. This includes examining the immunity of IT components or an entire system to external and internal influences. Measurements of the shielding effectiveness of the building structure are also carried out. With the DCEMV Check, you minimize undetected risks and thus increase the availability of your data center. Modern data centers and IT components can only be operated without failures if all measures to reduce interference are implemented.
Faulty electrical installations often turn out to be a significant disruptive factor. Here, the implementation of the central earthing point (CEP) is prescribed in accordance with VDE 0100-444 and is implemented correctly in very few systems. Particularly in data centers with complex redundant electrical systems, it happens that compensating currents via the grounding system interfere with the highly sensitive IT systems.
With our power quality measurements, we offer you a fast and effective way for early detection and elimination of disturbances in the power network. The knowledge gained is essential for the planning, renovation or optimization of IT infrastructure or data centers. Only in this way can systems be optimally designed and operated to suit your conditions. For this purpose, we have an extensive pool of high-quality network analyzers and other measurement and analysis technology. You will receive a meaningful measurement and test report from us in accordance with DIN EN-50160 and DIN EN 61000-2-x.
Do you already have measurement technology installed in your electrical system? Then we can also help you to evaluate the measured values already available, to put them into perspective and to identify measures for optimization.
The DCBE Check helps you assess your data centre against the relevant Blue Angel environmental label criteria. We document which requirements are met within the agreed assessment scope, which evidence is available and where action is needed.
High Knowledge supports the technical baseline review and preparation of the required documentation. An initial assessment of potential does not replace the full examination or the decision to award the environmental label. Applicable criteria depend, among other things, on the data centre type and the current edition of the award criteria.
Whether advice or a technical measure is eligible for funding is assessed against the specific programme and its current conditions. Funding is not automatically included with the DCBE Check. The respective competent bodies decide on funding applications and award of the environmental label.
During the DCPEN Check, our IT security department identifies possible attack targets and identifies vulnerabilities in the accessible services. In addition, the implemented security controls and the configuration of the components used are analyzed and evaluated. A penetration test checks the security of as many system components and applications of a network or software system as possible using means and methods that can penetrate the system without authorization (penetration).
In doing so, we try to find vulnerabilities in the infrastructure visible from the outside, in particular:
• Firewall check
• VPN check
• Identify available services
• Check authorization and authentication
• Identify apparent misconfigurations
• Scan vulnerabilities automatically
• Manual check
Our penetration tests, or pen tests for short, are comprehensive security checks of your entire data center or individual IT components. We evaluate the results, verify them, and present you with the most critical vulnerabilities as part of a detailed documentation.
DC Check as a basis for your next decisions
In consulting, the DC Check provides an initial structured assessment of your infrastructure and objectives. We identify areas for action and clarify which further investigations are useful before modernisation or investment. The agreed scope and available information determine what the assessment can establish.