Survey: Managers Lack Clout

How much say do you have about what goes into your data center? In research compiled by data center managers organization AFCOM and the InterUnity Group, a majority think they're out of the loop.

The survey of 161 AFCOM members found that nearly three quarters of data center managers polled complained of not being involved in the planning and procurement of new equipment.

This isn't a surprise. For some time now, there have been rumblings of discontent amongst data center staff who feel undervalued within their organizations (see Data Center Staff Are Revolting).

This doesn't mean IT managers don't worry about the data center. A full 45 percent of those surveyed said they were concerned about being able to support their business goals within two years. The main reasons for this are:

1. Acquisition of new equipment without adequate concern for power or cooling requirements (59 percent)
2. Uncertainty about future IT needs (43 percent)
3. Insufficient space (37 percent)
4. Data center consolidation (35 percent)

These concerns can also affect buying patterns. While just 56 percent of respondents have deployed high-density blade servers, for instance, many who haven't done so cite a lack of perceived benefits and the ever-present cooling concerns (see Go With the Flow, Data Center Heat Wave, and Vegas Blade Warning).