Top Avocent Data Center Planner Alternatives for Optimal Infrastructure Management
Avocent Data Center Planner, an Emerson Network Power solution, has long been a valuable tool for visual infrastructure planning and management. It provides data center managers with crucial insights into device location, current capacities, and growth potential. However, as technology evolves and diverse operational needs emerge, many organizations are seeking robust Avocent Data Center Planner alternatives that offer specialized features, different pricing models, or broader platform compatibility. This article explores leading alternatives to help you find the perfect fit for your data center management strategy.
Top Avocent Data Center Planner Alternatives
Whether you're looking for open-source flexibility, commercial support, advanced automation, or specific platform compatibility, the following alternatives offer compelling solutions for managing your data center infrastructure effectively.

DCImanager
DCImanager is a commercial platform designed to automate the provisioning of dedicated servers and simplify the management and control of data center equipment. Running on Linux, it offers features like automated provisioning, infrastructure monitoring, and PXE, making it a strong Avocent Data Center Planner alternative for those needing robust automation capabilities.

RackTables
RackTables is a free and open-source solution for datacenter and server room asset management. Available on Linux, BSD, and self-hosted environments, it helps users document hardware assets, network addresses, rack space, and networks. As a free and open-source Avocent Data Center Planner alternative, it's ideal for organizations seeking a cost-effective, community-driven solution for basic asset tracking.

DCIM
DCIM (Data Center Infrastructure Management) refers to software that empowers data center operators to run efficient operations. While this entry is broad, commercial DCIM solutions, often web-based, serve as direct Avocent Data Center Planner alternatives by providing comprehensive tools for managing the physical infrastructure of a data center.

Device42
Device42 offers automated and agentless discovery of entire IT infrastructures, providing comprehensive and current insight into computing environments. This commercial solution runs on Windows, Linux, Web, and VMware Player, and boasts features like Asset Management, IPAM, IT Asset Management, Reporting, REST API, and Server Management, making it a powerful and feature-rich Avocent Data Center Planner alternative.

RackMonkey
RackMonkey is a free and open-source tool for managing racks of equipment such as servers and switches. Available on Mac, Windows, and Linux, it helps users track equipment location, operating systems, and ownership. As a free and cross-platform Avocent Data Center Planner alternative, RackMonkey is an excellent choice for basic, localized rack management needs.

Sunbird dcTrack
Sunbird dcTrack is automated data center operation management software offering asset, capacity, and change management with visualizations of floor maps, racks, power chains, and network connectivity. This commercial solution supports Windows, Web, Android, iPhone, Chrome OS, Android Tablet, iPad, and VMware Player, making it a comprehensive and versatile Avocent Data Center Planner alternative with broad device support.

Nlyte Software
Nlyte Software is a leading commercial provider of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) solutions, recognized as a Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader. Available on Mac, Windows, and Web, Nlyte offers advanced features like Bulk uploader, Capacity planning, Real-time analytics, and Workflow Designer, positioning it as a robust and enterprise-grade Avocent Data Center Planner alternative.

CENTEROS
CENTEROS is a purpose-built commercial data center management software solution for Windows that manages the physical infrastructure of data centers in an effective visual way. With features like Asset Management, IT Asset Management, Planner, and Server Management, CENTEROS is a strong Avocent Data Center Planner alternative for those seeking a visually intuitive and comprehensive DCIM solution.
Choosing the right Avocent Data Center Planner alternative depends on your specific needs, budget, and existing infrastructure. Whether you prioritize open-source flexibility, advanced commercial features, or particular platform compatibility, the options above provide a solid starting point for optimizing your data center management.