IT operations play a key role in a business’s efficiency and productivity. That should come as no surprise. Switching the default laptop model and closely monitoring data server bills can drastically affect the bottom line.
Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) provides crucial insights into a business’s health and control over its outputs. Choosing the right software requires meticulous examination of every feature, making the selection process cumbersome.
In fact, data center infrastructure management (DCIM) facilitates real-time data tracking, driving a $76.85 billion IT infrastructure market.
Leveraging my experience and the expertise of the ClickUp team, I’ve curated a list of the 12 best DCIM software options you should consider before making your final decision.
What Should You Look for in DCIM Software?
Here are a few key features to consider in every DCIM software to make an informed choice:
- Real-time monitoring and alerting: DCIM software must proactively track critical infrastructure metrics (power, temperature, humidity) and receive timely alerts for anomalies
- Asset management: Every business must have a solution to provide an accurate inventory of IT and facility assets. Asset management features include location, configuration, and lifecycle status tracking
- Capacity planning: The solution you’re looking for is more than short-term IT management. DCIM software should be able to forecast future resource needs based on historical data and trends
- Change management: Look for data center infrastructure solutions that streamline change processes. Features here include automation software and reporting features that reduce manual tasks and track compliance
- Ease of use and scalability: I’ve seen businesses boom quickly, and DCIM software must adapt to such changes. Select intuitive, user-friendly solutions that accommodate changes in your data center design
In addition to these key features, I ensure that DCIM software offers solid customer support and can integrate with external IT management platforms.
The 12 Best DCIM Software
After extensive research, here are my top 12 data center infrastructure management solutions:
1. Device42
Device42 is an agentless DCIM solution recognized for its powerful auto-discovery capabilities. This software is at the top of my list because of its comprehensive mapping and tracking features.
Device42 focuses on IT governance across complex data center environments. Its strength lies in detailed asset management and extensive integrations with various IT systems, proving helpful for data center operators.
Device42 best features:
- Saves time and reduces manual errors with its automated discovery tool for IT asset information and documentation retrieval
- Offers instant information on the health of infrastructure with its extensive centralized repository
- Streamlines workflows with seamless integration with numerous IT management tools, such as ITSM and CMDB solutions
Device42 limitations:
- Complex initial setup and configuration processes make the adoption an extensive process
- Extensive feature set and depth of functionality can lead to a steep learning curve
- Limited reporting features compared to other DCIM software
Device42 pricing:
- Custom pricing
Device42 ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.7/5 (40+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.9/5 (60 reviews)
2. iTRACS DCIM
iTRACS is a data center infrastructure management software solution that excels in infrastructure management through visualization. Its ability to provide in-depth graphical representations of multiple data centers streamlines the decision-making process.
iTRAC’s features are ideal for large enterprises looking to boost physical asset efficiency. It is also best suited for power management, capacity planning, and dependency mapping.
iTRACS best features:
- Simplifies configuration management and energy consumption analysis with its visual interface
- Offers integrations that support live monitoring and bottleneck management
- Delivers an in-depth overview of data flow and infrastructure health through detailed and customizable graphs and charts
iTRACS limitations:
- Its extensive features are more suited for large enterprises
- Analysis and insight generation are resource-intensive
iTRACS pricing:
- Custom pricing
iTRACS ratings and reviews:
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
3. Nlyte
Nylte is a software solution that emphasizes automation and change management. It features energy optimizers and asset monitoring to ensure efficient data center operations and resource utilization.
Nlyte streamlines bottleneck management with its predictive intelligence and management controls, making data center ops a breeze.
Nlyte best features:
- Eliminates communication gaps and coordinates activities across independent departmental resources with automated workflow and change management
- Provides extensive integration options with other IT systems, enabling seamless data exchange and process orchestration
- Ensures high accuracy in data center lifespan prediction with its simplified capacity planning
- Tracks all asset changes and KPI performance with its in-depth reporting tools and visual dashboards
Nlyte limitations:
- It offers a relatively basic and dated user interface compared to other software options
- Customizing the platform to fit specific workflows or requirements can be challenging and may require professional services
- Implementation time is high due to its comprehensive nature and extensive data migration pre-requisites
Nlyte pricing:
- Custom pricing
Nlyte ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.3/5 (40+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.3/5 (20+ reviews)
4. Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT
Another standout DCIM solution is IT hardware giant Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT. Known for its cloud-based platform, EcoStruxure IT provides real-time monitoring and IoT-driven insights that optimize data center performance.
Its seamless integration with existing infrastructure and powerful remote management capabilities are key advantages. With detailed insights into power consumption and incident management, Schneider Electric effectively reduces downtime and ensures efficiency, resilience, and sustainability.
Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT best features:
- Offers deep integration with Schneider Electric’s power, cooling systems, and IT infrastructure hardware, enabling unified management and control
- Supports remote monitoring and management of a data center floor and edge sites, enhancing visibility and control across geographically dispersed locations
- Provides scalability to accommodate data center growth and changing needs
Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT limitations:
- Support for third-party hardware is limited, potentially restricting its use in heterogeneous environments
- Managing non-Schneider Electric equipment within EcoStruxure IT may require additional integration efforts
Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT pricing:
- Custom pricing
Schneider Electric EcoStruxure IT ratings and reviews:
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
5. ManageEngine OpManager
If you’re looking for a solution specialized in network monitoring, the ManageEngine OpManager is what you need. This DCIM software extensively monitors network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, and load balances.
ManageEngine is known for its simplicity and affordability without compromising on feature quality.
ManageEngine OpManager best features:
- Provides essential DCIM features, such as asset tracking, power monitoring, and environmental monitoring, at an affordable price point
- Features 2000+ performance metrics, intuitive dashboards, and intelligent reporting
- Correlates raw network events, filters unwanted events, and presents meaningful alerts to the operator with robust fault management
ManageEngine OpManager limitations:
- It does not offer as comprehensive features ​​as others
- It is not suitable for complex environments and offers relatively limited scalability
- Its primary focus on network monitoring makes it less ideal for environments with diverse infrastructure requirements
ManageEngine OpManager pricing:
- Free: 30-day trial
- Standard edition: Starts at $95/year (for two users excluding add-ons)
- Professional edition: Starts at $145/year (for two users excluding add-ons)
- Perpetual license: Starts at $11,545 (excluding maintenance)
- Enterprise edition: Custom pricing
ManageEngine OpManager ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.5/5 (100+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (100+ reviews)
6. Hyperview DCIM
Hyperview is cloud-based DCIM software that aims to deliver scalability, flexibility, and accessibility. Unlike traditional on-premise solutions, this software quickly deploys and fits businesses of all sizes.
Hyperview also offers an intuitive interface and straightforward navigation, making it easy to start almost immediately. Since it’s cloud-based, it drives collaboration, access, and real-time performance updates.
Hyperview DCIM best features:
- Maintains a centralized inventory and tracks the lifecycle of equipment
- Helps optimize space, power, and cooling utilization for future growth with a dedicated capacity planning module
- Features a customizable dashboard to make insights on data center health and performance
Hyperview DCIM limitations:
- It relies on a stable internet connection because it’s a cloud-based solution
- Sensitive data is stored off-site, which may go against specific security policies for some businesses
- Hyperview is comparatively less customizable than other DCIM software solutions
Hyperview DCIM pricing:
- $2/year per asset (minimum 300 assets)
Hyperview DCIM ratings and reviews:
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
7. IBM Turbonomic
After reviewing data center infrastructure management tools (with a focus on resource management), I found IBM Turbonomic to be a good fit. Its AI-powered automation allows businesses to optimize IT systems and ensure efficient resource allocation for peak performance.
It’s also ideal for managing data center assets and controlling power consumption. Turbonomic’s focus on lifecycle management and network monitoring makes it a comprehensive solution for maximizing efficiency and cost savings.
IBM Turbonomic best features:
- Automatic, continuous cloud optimization helps businesses enhance efficiency
- Determines the right resourcing actions at the right time with its AI-driven insights
- Customizes configurations and efficiently provisions physical infrastructure in real-time
IBM Turbonomic limitations:
- Offers only annual prices, making it challenging for businesses to know if it’s the right fit
- Requires extensive DCIM knowledge or specialized training before use
IBM Turbonomic pricing:
- On-prem/hybrid: Starts at $3,271/year
- Cloud only: Custom pricing
IBM Turbonomic ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.5/5 (230+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
8. FNT Command
The FNT Command is one data center infrastructure management software that offers comprehensive data modeling capabilities and network infrastructure management. It’s particularly well-suited for large enterprises and telecommunication companies with complex IT and network environments.
FNT Command focuses on helping businesses gain control over their entire IT landscape.
FNT Command best features:
- Creates detailed and accurate representations of IT and network infrastructures for better planning and decision-making
- Provides comprehensive tools for managing network assets, connections, and dependencies, facilitating efficient network planning and optimization
- Offers a holistic view of operation management to identify and address potential issues proactively
FNT Command limitations:
- Less accessible for smaller organizations with budget constraints
- Adapting FNT Command to specific workflows or requirements requires significant configuration and expertise
- Comes with a steep learning curve
FNT Command pricing:
- Custom pricing
FNT Command ratings and reviews:
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
9. Atlassian Data Center
For those looking to manage a high volume of mission-critical IT operations, the Atlassian Data Center is a go-to solution. This DCIM software’s specialty lies in enabling scalability and security. It allows collaboration and seamless management of complex workflows without significant downtime issues.
With all these features, the Atlassian Data Center best fits large-scale operations and organizations.
Atlassian Data Center best features:
- Ensures uninterrupted access to critical applications like Jira Software and Confluence even during infrastructure failures or maintenance
- Handles increased user loads and data volumes without issues
- Offers enterprise-grade security controls and data protection for sensitive information
Atlassian Data Center limitations:
- Comes with a high level of complexity and requires data center managers for implementation
- Extensive features also come with high pricing
- Offers limited focus on specialized DCIM applications like power consumption
Atlassian Data Center pricing:
- Custom pricing
Atlassian Data Center ratings and reviews:
- G2: 4.4/5 (20+ reviews)
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
10. Sunbird DCIM
Sunbird DCIM is a software solution best suited for power management. Its comprehensive features extend to real-time consumption tracking and automation for addressing potential outages.
The software delivers all its features in a simple yet intuitive interface. Sunbird DCIM also includes environmental monitoring and uptime analysis and management.
Sunbird DCIM best features:
- Provides immediate insights into data center health and performance
- Efficiently optimizes resources such as space, power, and cooling utilization through predictive modeling and scenario analysis
- Tracks the lifecycle of all equipment, including IT assets, power, and cooling infrastructure
Sunbird DCIM limitations:
- Focus is largely limited to power consumption
- Integrations often require custom development
- Pricing is on the higher end for those without extensive focus on energy consumption
Sunbird DCIM pricing:
- Power IQ DCIM monitoring: $5.50/month per node
- dcTrack DCIM operations: $17.50/month cabinet
- DCIM suite bundle: $25.65/month per cabinet
Sunbird DCIM ratings and reviews:
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: 4.7/5 (160+ reviews)
11. Cormant-CS DCIM
Cormant-CS is a software solution focused on mobility in managing data center infrastructure. It excels at creating 3D models of data centers, and this specialization extends to real-time insights on space utilization, power consumption, and thermal conditions.
Cormant-CS is a favorite for businesses seeking to maximize data center efficiency and plan for future growth.
Cormant-CS DCIM best features:
- Facilitates intuitive planning and management through detailed and accurate 3D representations of data center environments
- Streamlines change processes and ensures compliance with automated workflows and approvals
- Provides powerful tools for analyzing and adapting IT infrastructure strategies in real-time
Cormant-CS DCIM limitations:
- Comes with extensive implementation and deployment time
- Mastering the full functionality and features of Cormant CS requires a long learning curve
- Pricing options do not suit smaller organizations
Cormant-CS DCIM pricing:
- Starter pack subscription: Starts at $7,200/year
- Starter pack perpetual: Starts at $13,999
- Solutions beyond 1500 assets: Custom pricing
Cormant-CS DCIM ratings and reviews:
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
12. Vertiv Trellis
Vertiv Trellis offers DCIM software solutions focused on maximizing efficiency and uptime. The software specializes in customized systems like Environetâ„¢ and Environetâ„¢ Alert.
Vertiv Trellis provides comprehensive real-time monitoring and capacity planning, which is ideal for businesses looking to optimize their power management.
Vertiv Trellis best features:
- Offers proactive issue detection and quick response to potential problems with live monitoring
- Identifies areas of energy wastage and helps implement environmental and cost optimization strategies through visual dashboards
Vertiv Trellis limitations:
- Complex third-party systems and tool integration
- Varying levels and responsiveness of support may vary depending on the specific solution chosen
Vertiv Trellis pricing:
- Custom pricing
Vertiv Trellis ratings and reviews:
- G2: Not enough reviews
- Capterra: Not enough reviews
Other Data Center Management Tools
Specialized DCIM software is essential for strengthening infrastructure and operational efficiency. However, a project-based tool, like ClickUp, can be a game-changer, especially in aligning IT systems with the broader business.
With its extensive features, ClickUp focuses on streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration.
These capabilities are crucial for effective infrastructure management. They also help businesses manage IT and other operations, like CRM and HR.
Here’s how ClickUp functions as an IT project management tool to optimize operations, capacity, and infrastructure health:
Drive efficiency with task management
With real-time DCIM insights, it’s vital to close the loop tasks that come from it, such as planned downtime and upgrades. ClickUp offers a comprehensive set of task management features to facilitate this.
ClickUp Tasks is a task management feature, ideal for addressing any changes due to IT infrastructure. It helps streamline task execution and tracking with instant task creation and delegation features.
ClickUp Tasks also facilitates change management with its live task progress visualization. This builds an accountable and progressive IT environment.
Streamline operations with standardized frameworks
Managing routine maintenance and scheduling projects may get tedious and repetitive. That’s why having a framework to streamline all operational tasks is crucial.
ClickUp features a bunch of user-friendly IT templates to standardize your business processes.
ClickUp Data Center Project Plan Template is my go-to solution for streamlining all projects connected to the IT roadmap. It also helps improve IT infrastructure and planning capacity and aligns actions with IT goals.
The template’s sprint and milestone features help break down projects into manageable phases. It also includes views such as Migration Roadmap and Project Gantt for clear resource allocation. Besides, this ClickUp platform has live collaboration features to promote teamwork and accountability.
Boost collaboration with communication tools
When your DCIM tools highlight changes in power use and data flow, it’s vital to update all stakeholders. At this point, communication tools shouldn’t be more than a click away.
ClickUp has a dedicated tool to loop stakeholders and bottleneck teams in for swift action.
ClickUp Chat is a communication feature that is excellent for proactive information sharing. When it’s time to share reports and start tasks, this tool ensures everyone is on the same page.
ClickUp Chat comes with instant tagging and rich markdown features. It helps you instantly emphasize the priority of your IT updates and loops each of the updates to the relevant stakeholders. It also allows you to create tasks within the chat and delegate.
Integrate insights with dashboards
A DCIM software shares insights on IT health and data center status. But an analytical dashboard is best for visualizing how these IT indicators connect to your business projects.
ClickUp’s visualization tools help ensure sharing insights is quick and easy.
For those who want to customize IT metrics with visualizations, ClickUp Dashboards is an ideal choice.
With an integrated data center management tool, ClickUp Dashboards relays real-time insights. You can easily visualize graphs and charts on energy consumption and server utilization data, helping you get a pulse on the whole IT infrastructure in one glance.
ClickUp Dashboards also allow you to convert any insight into a task. This approach enables IT teams to start addressing any gaps in the infrastructure immediately.
Automate reporting with AI
DCIM software generates massive data. ClickUp offers businesses a customized AI solution to ensure DCIM software data is used to its full potential.
ClickUp Brain is the perfect tool for businesses looking beyond basic automation. This software perfectly suits IT infrastructure improvement, from instant summaries to optimization strategies.
ClickUp Brain also lets you predict future resource needs based on usage trends. It enables businesses to generate project summaries instantly from the latest DCIM insights and helps you track IT health with its automated reports and insights.
Taking these features one step further, ClickUp also features a dedicated IT management solution to streamline your operations.
ClickUp IT PMO is an IT project management solution perfect for converting DCIM insights into live tasks and potential improvements.
IT PMO instantly reduces manual tasks with automated workflows and reporting. It offers real-time resource allocation and task management to ensure timely project completion. ClickUp IT PMO also organizes your data with centralized cloud storage, providing instant access to all platform features.
ClickUp best features:
- Streamline complex IT projects into manageable phases with comprehensive task management
- Automate routine IT tasks, generate instant insights, and maximize operational efficiency with ClickUp Brain
- Visualize maintenance progress and resource allocation through customizable dashboards
- Facilitate seamless communication and collaboration among IT teams and stakeholders with ClickUp Chat
- Integrate with popular IT tools and DCIM software to create a unified project management ecosystem
ClickUp limitations:
- May take a little time to become familiar with its extensive features
ClickUp pricing
- Free Forever
- Unlimited: $7/month per user
- Business: $12/month per user
- Enterprise: Get in touch with the sales team for a customized solution
- ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $7/month
ClickUp ratings and reviews
- G2: 4.7/5 (9,700+ reviews)
- Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,200+ reviews)
Streamline Infrastructure Management with ClickUp
DCIM software helps businesses optimize their IT assets and use infrastructure resources better. The 12 options we’ve covered, plus a project management tool, make adapting and executing IT strategies seamless.
With live dashboards and AI capacity planning, ClickUp is a great choice to integrate DCIM into your business.
So, don’t wait! Sign up with ClickUp today!
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