Abstract: In a method of workspace modeling, a user selection of a step is received at a workflow region of a workspace modeler, the workflow region including a plurality of steps. At least one step of the plurality of steps is unavailable for user selection prior to satisfaction of a prerequisite condition associated with another step of the plurality of steps. Available steps of the plurality of steps are selectable in any order. Access to objects associated with the step is provided in response to the user selection of the step. The objects are selectable by the user for respective inclusion in a content region of the workspace modeler. A user selection of an object is received at the workflow region, and a visualization of the object is added to the content region. The visualization remains persistent within the content region regardless of a user selection of a different step.

Abstract: In a method of workspace modeling, a user selection of a step is received at a workflow region of a workspace modeler, the workflow region including a plurality of steps, wherein at least one step of the plurality of steps is unavailable for user selection prior to satisfaction of a prerequisite condition associated with another step of the plurality of steps, and wherein available steps of the plurality of steps are selectable in any order by a user. Access to a plurality of objects associated with the step is provided in response to the user selection of the step, wherein the plurality of objects are selectable by the user for inclusion in a content region of the workspace modeler. A user selection of an object is received at the workflow region.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a graphical representation of load distribution or “balance” in a computing cluster. Load metrics representing the resource utilization of individual host computing devices are collected, and a load imbalance metric representing the variability of the host load metrics is calculated. A graphical balance indicator including a balance position and a boundary is created. An imbalance icon is positioned relative to the balance position and the boundary based on the calculated load imbalance metric. Attributes of the graphical balance indicator, such as the position of the boundary and/or the size of the imbalance icon, may be determined based on an acceptable imbalance threshold value.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for managing a datacenter using a mobile device, which method includes: (a) in response to a user request, the mobile device causing an identification prober to obtain information from one or more of a plurality of identification providers disposed at predetermined locations in the datacenter, and determining a mobile device location in the datacenter therefrom; (b) the mobile device requesting a datacenter map from a datacenter management system, displaying at least a portion of the map on a mobile device display, and displaying the mobile device location on the at least a portion of the map; and (c) the mobile device obtaining an equipment location of an equipment in the datacenter from the datacenter management system, displaying directions from the mobile device location to the equipment location, and displaying the equipment location on the at least a portion of the map if it fits in the display.

Abstract: A user interface (UI) is accessible on a display to depict and control a plurality of smart racks in a data center is disclosed. The UI includes first, second and third graphical displays. The first graphical display depicts smart racks in the data center so as to mimic a physical arrangement of the smart racks. The second graphical display depicts a plurality of blade hosts in a smart rack in the plurality of smart racks, so as to mimic a physical arrangement of the plurality of blade hosts. The first and second graphical display may include visual indicators to depict error and warning conditions. The third graphical display depicts blade information about a blade host in the plurality of blade hosts. The blade information includes system information, a list of virtual machines hosted on the blade host, and a physical location of the blade host in the data center.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a graphical representation of load distribution or “balance” in a computing cluster. Load metrics representing the resource utilization of individual host computing devices are collected, and a load imbalance metric representing the variability of the host load metrics is calculated. A graphical balance indicator including a balance position and a boundary is created. An imbalance icon is positioned relative to the balance position and the boundary based on the calculated load imbalance metric. Attributes of the graphical balance indicator, such as the position of the boundary and/or the size of the imbalance icon, may be determined based on an acceptable imbalance threshold value.

Abstract: A user interface (UI) is accessible on a display to depict and control a plurality of smart racks in a data center is disclosed. The UI includes first, second and third graphical displays. The first graphical display depicts smart racks in the data center so as to mimic a physical arrangement of the smart racks. The second graphical display depicts a plurality of blade hosts in a smart rack in the plurality of smart racks, so as to mimic a physical arrangement of the plurality of blade hosts. The first and second graphical display may include visual indicators to depict error and warning conditions. The third graphical display depicts blade information about a blade host in the plurality of blade hosts. The blade information includes system information, a list of virtual machines hosted on the blade host, and a physical location of the blade host in the data center.

Abstract: A system for managing physical and virtual inventory in a data center is disclosed. The system includes a resource management system for managing computing resources of the data center, an inventory management system for tracking physical locations of the plurality of hosts and the plurality of virtual machines in the data center and a smart rack for housing a plurality of hosts. The computing resources include a plurality of hosts and a plurality of virtual machines running on one or more of the plurality of virtual machines. The smart rack has sensors for detecting movement of each of the plurality of hosts in the data center. The smart rack also has a control unit to control the sensors and collecting data from sensors. The control unit is coupled to the inventory management system and configured to transmit the collected data to the inventory management system through a network. The plurality of hosts, the resource management system and the control unit are coupled together through the network.

Abstract: A system for managing physical and virtual inventory in a data center is disclosed. The system includes a resource management system for managing computing resources of the data center, an inventory management system for tracking physical locations of the plurality of hosts and the plurality of virtual machines in the data center and a smart rack for housing a plurality of hosts. The computing resources include a plurality of hosts and a plurality of virtual machines running on one or more of the plurality of virtual machines. The smart rack has sensors for detecting movement of each of the plurality of hosts in the data center. The smart rack also has a control unit to control the sensors and collecting data from sensors. The control unit is coupled to the inventory management system and configured to transmit the collected data to the inventory management system through a network. The plurality of hosts, the resource management system and the control unit are coupled together through the network.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a method for managing a datacenter using a mobile device, which method includes: (a) in response to a user request, the mobile device causing an identification prober to obtain information from one or more of a plurality of identification providers disposed at predetermined locations in the datacenter, and determining a mobile device location in the datacenter therefrom; (b) the mobile device requesting a datacenter map from a datacenter management system, displaying at least a portion of the map on a mobile device display, and displaying the mobile device location on the at least a portion of the map; and (c) the mobile device obtaining an equipment location of an equipment in the datacenter from the datacenter management system, displaying directions from the mobile device location to the equipment location, and displaying the equipment location on the at least a portion of the map if it fits in the display.