Computer and IT equipment storage options are a key element to consider in the process of acquiring consoles for control room or command center environments. In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the right computer storage that best fits your needs.
Computers come in various shapes; only a few years ago, full/mid-size towers were the norm and used almost exclusively in command center environments. Fast-forward a few years, CPU units are now made smaller and smaller every year, which is why you might find Small Form Factor as well as Thin Client in IT-intensive work environments. However, while smaller CPUs require less storage space, the cable management needed to power and access the device still remains an issue as it hasn't changed much with a lot of bulky solutions in the market.
Option 1. Swing-Out CPU Enclosures
The first critical step in identifying the right console is to know what type of CPU and how many will be used for each workstation. For instance, the make, size, model, and power requirements. In the Focus Series, the CPU enclosures are attached to the rear wall section of the console. CPU swing-out enclosures are a great option to store your computers aesthetically, cable clutter-free, and with easy access to the computers for troubleshooting. Swing-out enclosures also give users plenty of space with nearly 10-inch-deep (made to store your CPU sideways) and the width varies as per the rear wall section width. To give a concrete example, if you have a 72’’ wide console, you will be looking at approximately 60’’ W x 10’’D x 24’’ H storage enclosures, which is perfect to house 2 Full/mid-size towers. This enclosure can also be doubled or positioned at the rear or front of the wall, depending on your storage need and room layout. CPU enclosures include a lockable feature for an extra layer of security.
Option 2. Transit Series Cabinet
The Transit series cabinets are perfect to house multiple CPUs under one single console. With front and rear access for your CPU’s (on the Transit S models), this cabinet is offered in various formats, with widths ranging from 16’’ to 24’’ allowing you to store one or two desktop computers side by side in each cabinet. Thanks to the sliding shelf, it is easy to access the computer when connecting to a new device.
Option 3. CPU holders / Thin Client support
A very cost-effective solution to house your computer remains the CPU holder, most of the models come with a rail system so you can slightly adjust the position of your CPU underneath your desk. Since the rail is simply screwed underneath the surface, you can add/remove it easily as well as modify it’s positioning with ease. Although the cabling will never be fully hidden, it remains a good option if you intend to use an extra CPU for a certain time. We are seeing more thin clients being used in control centers, there is also the possibility of fixing the thin client between the monitor and the VESA plate of your LCD arm. This allows you to shorten the cables run and hides the CPU cleanly for the console operator.
On the last note, if you happen to use rackmount equipment’s such as for DVR’s and others, it is entirely possible to add a rackmount support kit to the option 1 and 2 described above. Get in contact with your Sustema representative to learn more today.
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