RFID for datacenters

[Len Boyle]

Hi Sonali, 
 
At least some data centers do inventory control. 
You can locate a device in a data center with several methods. 
One you can set up a grid system based maybe on the floor tiles. 
You can place the RFID tags on the racks. So you would scan the rack then the devices in the rack. The rack would have a grid location. 
 
I am not sure if this is viable. There may be problems with the signal. 
 
You  might try the symbol folks, that is the people who make most of the scanners in the retail stores. I believe that they are working on RFID also. 
 
len

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From: ncsa-discussion-bounces at ncsysadmin.org [mailto:ncsa-discussion-bounces at ncsysadmin.org] On Behalf Of sonali luniya
Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2004 11:07 AM
To: ncsa-discussion at ncsysadmin.org
Subject: RFID for datacenters


Hi all,
I am a graduate student at North Carolina State University. I have taken a class this semester in the NCSU business school. The aim of the class is to evaluate a technology for commercialization. One of our product ideas is a chipless - RFID tag. The chipless tags will be 5 times cheaper than the conventional RFID tags. 
 
Now we are in the market research phase. Since our tags can be read from a maximum of 3 meter distance, it will have applications in niche markets. One of the market segments could a datacenter. The idea is -- Each device (server / router etc) in a datacenter will be have  a RFID tag on it. The RFID handheld reader can read multiple tags, wirelessly. In a datacenter the datacenter / system administrator can walk down the aisle and scan multiple tags. This will speed up regular inventory control. It will also help locate a particular device fast in case of a device failure. 
It sounds like a good idea, but we want to know if there is really a need for such a solution in the industry. If there is a need, what is the problem we are trying to solve.
 
Some of our market research questions are:
1: In a datacenter, how difficult it is to locate a particular device in a room full of devices?
2: Does a datacenter do regular inventory control?
3: Is this a viable/interesting solution ?
4: What amount would a datacenter be ready to invest in such a system?
 
We would be very glad if anybody who has experience working in a datacenter or similar projects, could answer the above questions. Your feedback will help us build a good business plan , the end goal of the course.
 
Thanks for your time and effort.
 
Sonali.
 
 
 

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