Overcome distribution management challenges with new software platform

Oct 4, 2023

“I need to do more with less.”
“I can’t get anybody at my remote site to reboot faulty IT equipment.”
“Securely managing so many devices and different systems is a daunting task.”
“I wish I could upgrade the firmware of my installed base in one click.”

For channel partners, these struggles represent just a small sampling of the many challenges inherent in the remote management of distributed assets. Now Eaton is taking a virtual sledgehammer to that list, thanks to the enhanced capabilities of three new products in our Brightlayer Data Centers suite. The solutions are part of a digital platform that uniquely integrates asset management, IT and operational technology (OT) device monitoring, power quality metrics and one-line diagrams in a single, native platform.

Brightlayer brings full capabilities across the enterprise

Not only does the solution’s scope now encompass management of assets across the entire enterprise, wherever they are located – from data centers and co-location sites to remote locations and the edge – but also delivers traditional Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) capabilities. Even more, Brightlayer is following in the footsteps of Eaton’s hugely successful IPM software, which was first-to-market to join with virtualization platforms. By integrating with architectures such as VMware and Nutanix to automate disaster recovery functions, Brightlayer takes this proficiency to the next level – delivering full capabilities within an enterprise platform. Furthermore, the solution incorporates an EPMS module that enables facility managers to rapidly identify the root causes of any power problem, bolstering uptime for customers.

Yet even the best relationships at times experience a bump in the road. We understand that the Tripp Lite acquisition in 2021 sparked some confusion in the channel – an unfortunate byproduct of positive progression is often unwelcome distractions and disruptions; after all, there’s a reason for dubbing the term growing pains.

Seamless migration – and more upsell opportunities – for partners

In addition to its industry-first feature set, the new platform opens the door to significant revenue and margin opportunities for channel partners. Not only is selling a single platform easier, but it offers several upsell paths. For instance, partners can cash in on a variety of recurring service options, such as the ability to perform health checks on platform architecture, provide asset inventory audits and Cybersecurity assessments, and complete upgrades to ensure customers receive new features and product fixes. The highly configurable application also provides an easy upgrade path that eliminates the need to migrate data or change or integrate software platforms when customers want to expand capabilities. For example, a customer that starts with Distributed IT Performance Management (DITPM) and later upgrades to Data Center Performance Management (DCPM) platform to utilize a single application for data center and distributed locations will only require a simple network key update. For partners, this migration path is seamless and doesn’t add any burden to their list of tasks, enabling them to concentrate on new opportunities.

One-click firmware updates, remotely

The platform is also valuable when executing scale-out deployments of multiple UPSs and PDUs in remote locations. Because these environments often lack on-site trained personnel to perform even mundane IT tasks, it can be extremely difficult for organizations – and a cost burden for channel partners tasked with supporting them. Using DITPM, partners can save significant time, resources and costs with the software’s ability to broadcast firmware updates to a complete fleet of remote UPSs or PDUs in just one click – eliminating the need to roll trucks on sites to perform this task while dramatically improving uptime. Meanwhile, customers can rest easy knowing that the software constantly monitors all locations, generates warnings in case of potential issues and automates remediation actions to ensure maximum uptime.

Your pick of licensing options

To meet varied customer needs, the new platform is available in several packages, including as a perpetual license with annual support and maintenance; a subscription license with multi-year terms to streamline renewals; or a SaaS offering to accommodate any deployment preference. For ultimate flexibility, managed service providers can integrate the platform with their preferred RMM.

When it comes to remote management of distributed assets, Eaton understands there are countless challenges, which is why we are so excited to provide partners with one solution to address them all. From the single application interface to upsell paths and recurring service revenue opportunities, the new Brightlayer software platform delivers key market differentiators for channel partners – and has changed the narrative of data center management:

“Now I can do more with less!”
“I no longer need anyone at my remote site to reboot faulty IT equipment!”
“Securely managing so many devices and different systems is seamless!”
“It’s so easy upgrading the firmware of my installed base in one click!”

Brightlayer: Illuminating power management possibilities

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