Emerson Racks On

Enter the Liebert Foundation EX from Emerson Network Power, a power and cooling technology vendor. This expansion rack system provides network managers with supplemental racks that can either be added or subtracted based on data center necessity. Considering its useful space and cable management capabilities, CRN Test Center engineers found that this technology can be a real asset to corporate infrastructure.

The rack is made up of channel-based enclosures that can be attached to either the front or to the rear, providing extra depth when larger servers or NAS devices are added. The EX&'s unique proposition is that each enclosure can be individually adapted to suit the data center&'s changing equipment. Whether it is the cabling and/or heat removal requirements, the reconfigurable EX can morph as needed for optimal performance.

Another important characteristic of the Liebert product is how it improves airflow with its state-of-the-art design. The high heat densities that surround racks are addressed with optimized internal rack airflow and Liebert XD (Extreme Density) cooling systems. Data centers have evolved significantly over the last decade and require more attention now than in years past. Whereas in the past, traditional data centers were comprised of one large mainframe in one geographic location running a single business-critical application, today most organizations have multiple date centers that run multiple hardware devices such as tape-backup unites, firewalls, KVMs, switches and routers. It is up to the solution provider to accommodate the new data center&'s changing design needs, and the EX will support any supplemental equipment added to the rack with its adaptive design and reconfigurable space.

The base cabinet comes in three different heights 22, 42, and 46U, which should fit into any environment. The expansion channel comes in a nominal 2-, 4-, and 6-inch depth; the depth options allow the channels to be stacked.

The base price for the complete base Foundation EX System starts at $1,075. The price goes up from there, depending on the accessories needed. Some of the additional accessories besides the channel racks include channel covers, cable rings, cable spool and cable trays.

Solution providers can earn some real margin with the Liebert EX, due to the fact that the rack is completely customizable and can fit within any infrastructure. Because of Liebert&'s limited distribution strategy, some VARs can realize margins as high as 30 percent to 40 percent. Liebert representatives work directly with the VAR channel by providing assistance to partners from a marketing standpoint, including collateral material for solution selling and through lead-generation programs.

Emerson, based in St. Louis, was acquired by Liebert in 1987. The Liebert Network Solutions Provider Program was introduced last year, replacing and enhancing the VARsity reseller program established in 1994. Solution providers are evaluated as Category 1, 2, 3 or 4 depending upon their Liebert sales and certification levels. Those who earn the higher designations are eligible to receive deeper product discounts, solution-set training and access to specialized tools and programs. Training is typically done in person, although Web modules are available.