Virtual facility

[Image:VirtualFacility.jpg|thumb|250px|A Virtual Facility snapshot created with 6SigmaDC software.|right]A Virtual Facility is a highly realistic digital representation of a data center, used to model all relevant aspects of a physical data center with a high degree of precision.
The term "virtual" in Virtual Facility refers to its use of virtual reality, rather than the abstraction of computer resources as seen in platform virtualization. The VF mirrors the characteristics of a physical facility over time and allows for detailed analysis and modeling.

VF Model features

A standard VF model includes:

Three-dimensional physical facility layout
Network connectivity of facility equipment
Full inventory of facility equipment, including electronics and electrical systems such as power distribution units and uninterruptible power supplies
Full air conditioning system and controls within the room

The term Virtual Facility was introduced to address the emerging environmental problems facing modern Mission Critical Facilities. This concept combines virtual reality, computer simulation, and expert systems applied to the domain of facilities.
The VF type of computer simulation allows for detailed analysis and prototyping of airflow in the data center using computational fluid dynamics techniques. This enables the visualization and numerical analysis of airflow and temperatures within the facility, helping to predict real-world outcomes.

VF applications

The VF model can be used to assist with the following:

Greenfield design
Asset management
Troubleshooting existing data centers
Making existing data centers more resilient
Making existing data centers more energy efficient
Cost prediction
Staff training
Capacity planning
Load growth management

Many organizations use VF models to virtually assess scenarios before committing resources to physical changes. This allows for better decision-making regarding the addition or modification of equipment, helping to avoid logistical or thermal problems.