CPI’s reputation in power began in 1998, when the company moved forward with its mission to provide a complete solution to not only organize and store IT equipment, but also deliver power to the equipment. It further crystalized in 2009, with the acquisition of Epicenter Inc., an industry-leading provider of data center products that addressed both the growing complexity of managing IT infrastructure spread and the increasing concerns regarding data center operating costs. Epicenter's patented solutions provided the capability for advanced data center performance measurement such as compute per watt.
Since then, CPI has been committed to providing advanced power products to solve critical data center applications. Take a look at the infographic highlighting our major power developments throughout our history.
• July 1991 – 90 employees buy out the Dracon Division of Harris Corp. using an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), and founded CPI.
• 1992 - 2006 – As CPI grows, it develops a power product line to its offerings. The line of basic rack-mount power strips expands to include various combinations of outlets, metering plugs and surge protection, and models such as the transformer-spaced power strips.
• 1995 – CPI produces electronic KVM switches and becomes one of the only companies in the market to offer the product.
• 1998 – Epicenter, a provider of power and software products for data centers, is founded in San Jose, California. Its four founders brought in over 60 years of experience in the electronics industry.
• 1998 - 2009 – Epicenter solidifies its presence in the market by developing systems that provide capabilities for advanced data center performance measurement, such as compute per watt, patented KVM solutions, IP-addressable power distribution units (PDUs), as well as software that contains the early features of Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) solutions, as they are known today. Epicenter acquires numerous patents for data center management technology.
• June 2006 – CPI adds Remote Infrastructure Management (RIM) to its offerings. The new RIM-600 delivers flexible, scalable and affordable remote monitoring of cabinets.
• June 2007 – CPI releases remote monitoring and automated access for the TeraFrame® Cabinet System, available with IP accessible Electronic Locking System.
• January 2008 – CPI expands its data center solutions to include LCD/KVM Console that provides access to multiple computers using a single set of rack-mount peripherals.
• 2009 - 2010 – CPI’s leadership team makes the commitment to design and develop a new line of intelligent rack PDUs that will incorporate the 20 years of electrical, electronic and software development experience from Epicenter with CPI’s 20 years of mechanical innovation.
• May 2009 – CPI acquires Epicenter. With the integration of Epicenter’s technology and power expertise, CPI further addresses customer needs with one of the most comprehensive data center power hardware and software in the market.
• September 2009 – CPI announces new Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions, which include the components necessary to meter, monitor and control equipment and devices around the world from a single location. A complete personalized Enterprise Infrastructure Solution can be built using CPI’s Software Systems, KVM Systems and Power Management Products, along with Thermal Management and Cabinet and Enclosure Systems.
• September 2012 – CPI introduces eConnect® PDUs as a new generation of power management solutions for enterprise data centers, featuring a low-profile design that reduces airflow disruptions, an ambient temperature rating of 149°F (65°C) and more than 160 standard configurations. This first generation of eConnect features the initial stages of Secure Array™ Technology, enabling users to link up to 16 PDUs under one IP address, reducing installation time and costs. With one of the highest temperature ratings in the industry and Secure Array technology, eConnect establishes a milestone in the PDU market, quickly becoming the ultimate connecting point between thermal innovation and intelligent power distribution.
• February 2014 – CPI expanded its eConnect line of intelligent PDUs to include high-density PDUs in 50A and 60A 208V that meet power loads of up to 17kW per PDU, further addressing the market’s demand for high-density power solutions. Additionally, two new eConnect tools are developed: eConnect Software Demo and eConnect PDU Product Selector. The eConnect Software Demo links to eConnect PDUs installed in CPI’s Research, Development and Training Facility in Georgetown, Texas, and allows users to interact with each PDU model and learn about the individual features. The eConnect PDU Product Selector allows customers to compare up to four PDUs at once, and make selections based on product type, input voltage, input power range, outlet type and more.
• August 2014 – CPI upgrades its environmental monitoring and security line to include RIM-750 and RIM-1000. Also, the option to add power to cabinets and racks at no additional cost becomes available. For convenience and quick installation, CPI preinstalls eConnect PDUs or basic power strips into cabinets before they ship. CPI’s Product Configurator allows customers to create personalized solutions.
• March 2016 – CPI enhances its eConnect PDUs to include two new features: Secure Array IP Consolidation, now linking up to 32 PDUs under a single IP address, and Click Secure Technology. Patent-pending Click Secure Technology is available on all eConnect PDUs with IEC outlets and features locking outlets that securely fasten equipment to the PDU without the need for proprietary power cords, safeguarding power and eliminating the cost of additional accessories.
• April 2016 – CPI offers a horizontal version of its popular eConnect PDUs. These new additions are available in the Monitored and Switched PDU functionalities, measure 2U x 19” EIA x 10.1 (89 x 486 x 257) and provide a variety of plug and outlet choices. Horizontal eConnect PDUs also support Secure Array IP Consolidation.
• May 2016 – CPI announces global partnership with Sunbird Software, a leading innovator in DCIM software solutions that simplify how data center are managed. The companies collaborated to develop, test and certify a co-branded version of Power IQ® for eConnect that offers out-of-the-box compatibility with CPI eConnect PDUs, including automated data collection, power control, outlet naming and information presentation.
• July 2016 – CPI adds high outlet density configurations to the eConnect line of intelligent PDUs. Monitored models have up to 60 outlets, and Switched models have 48 outlets. CPI’s eConnect product line is the industry’s first intelligent PDUs to carry high outlet densities, while maintaining low-profile design.
• 2016 and beyond – CPI is committed to providing data center power solutions in the rack space and will continue to expand its power product offerings. 2016 will see additional introductions of high power systems to support the increase in rack density and expanded monitoring that maximizes the cost savings and utility of our Secure Array technology.
To learn more about why you should choose Chatsworth Products for your power needs, visit our power product page.
Shannon Erdley, Public Relations Specialist