Case study BIT

About BIT

BIT is a corporate internet service provider specializing in colocation, internet connections, managed hosting, and outsourcing. BIT operates three data centers in Ede (Gelderland province), all of which are fully owned.

In the realm of colocation, BIT offers various options, ranging from a single server, a quarter rack, half rack, or full rack to a ‘private cage.’ Reliability is the cornerstone of service provision, enabling customers to focus on their core activities without concern. BIT endeavors to maintain control over its operations as much as possible, minimizing reliance on external suppliers or shared infrastructure. This approach allows BIT to provide customers with firm performance guarantees.

For over 10 years, Schleifenbauer has supplied rack PDUs and energy meters to BIT. The collaboration has been notably positive, with Schleifenbauer adapting its product development over the years to meet the specific desires and requirements of BIT.

Collaboration between BIT and Schleifenbauer

Timo Gerritsen, Data Center Manager at BIT: “Approximately 10 years ago, our CTO Alex Bik approached Schleifenbauer with the question of whether it was possible to separate the measuring part and the power distribution part within the PDU. Based on his experience, it is likely that the measuring unit needs replacement sooner than the power distribution part. He sought a solution where the measuring unit could be ‘hot swappable.’ At that time, there was no suitable product available on the market. Consequently, Schleifenbauer developed a concept, resulting in the Definilink product, which we still use satisfactorily in our data centers.”

Jos Janssen, Head of Sales & Marketing at Schleifenbauer: “A solid foundation for our collaboration is the shared passion for technology. Both parties inherently prefer to contemplate a tailored solution rather than provide a standard answer. Based on this, we have also devised a specific offering for BIT.”

In addition to the deliberate choice for Schleifenbauer’s technical solutions, BIT also acknowledges and appreciates the collaborative approach, characterized by effective communication and prompt service. “Communication flows smoothly between us, and we have a good understanding of the data center engineers. They can approach us directly with any questions or issues. And if necessary, we can be on-site at the customer’s location within a day,” Janssen added.

Definilink as an Appropriate Solution

Currently, Definilink is extensively utilized and implemented by BIT in its data centers. Whereas a typical ‘intelligent PDU’ comprises a single component encompassing all functionalities, Definilink diverges from this convention. This solution consists of two distinct physical parts, wherein the electronics (measuring unit) are separated from the electromechanical components, namely:

1. A Basic PDU: This type of PDU lacks any ‘intelligence.’ It primarily comprises outlets and, if applicable, fuses.
2. A Definilink controller: This component houses the measuring electronics, controller, and data bus connection.

The primary advantage lies in the controller’s ability to be connected or replaced without disrupting the power supply, a feature commonly referred to as ‘hot swappable.’

BIT has several specific reasons and arguments for opting for this solution:

• The data center can autonomously or at the behest of a client (in the case of colocation) decide to measure power consumption at any given time. In such instances, energy measurement can be seamlessly added via a Definilink controller without interrupting the power supply.
• In the event of a malfunction or defect, the controller can be easily replaced without disrupting the power supply. This scenario is plausible as the technical lifespan of the controller is typically shorter than that of the basic PDU.

Both aspects significantly contribute to BIT’s ability to maintain maximum continuity and availability within its data centers, thereby benefiting its clients and users.

For further information regarding this collaboration or if you are interested in Schleifenbauer’s products and services in the realm of energy measurement and power distribution, please visit our website or contact us at sales@schleifenbauer.eu.