Lies and Specifications: What are Data Sheets Really Telling You?

The IT industry has always been enamored with “speeds and feeds” — performance, capacity, bandwidth. Needles and dials. “Ours goes up to 11.” Vendors are constantly putting data sheets full of metrics that suggest their products are superior to the competition.

But what is that data sheet really telling you?

Many other industries do similar things. A few days ago, I saw an SUV with a logo that said, “Trail Rated.” Then a commercial came on the radio that said no other SUV in the world is “Trail Rated.” What does that mean? I have a small car, and I could drive it onto a trail. Is there a government or industry ratings body that hands out this designation? If so, what are the criteria?

There aren’t any, of course. “Trail Rated” is just a clever term the manufacturer’s advertising agency came up with. It suggests rugged individualism and the freedom to go wherever you want. No other SUV is “Trail Rated” because somebody made that up. It’s marketing fluff — exaggerated statements that have no objective basis and cannot be measured.

Luckily, when you’re buying an SUV, it doesn’t really matter if it’s “Trail Rated.” There are standards for things like safety and fuel efficiency to help consumers make (relatively) informed buying decisions. If those kinds of data are misrepresented, the consumer can hold the manufacturer liable for false advertising. Right?

Well, at least in theory. I have an SUV that’s not “Trail Rated” but it is a gas-guzzler. Sometimes, when I’m going downhill with a tailwind, the mile-per-gallon gauge says I’m getting 99.9 miles per gallon. Who knows, it might even be higher if the gauge displayed triple digits. The point is that just because a meter spits out a number in a ridiculous scenario doesn’t mean it’s generally true. That’s why automotive manufacturers always say, “Your mileage may vary.”

Back to the IT industry. Several years ago, manufacturers were asked to certify their power distribution units with a temperature range up to 60 degrees Celsius. The next day, everyone changed their spec sheets. What they didn’t tell you is how they were able to “recertify” their products overnight. They simply added fine print that said, "Sure, you can go to the higher temperature but you can only use half the capacity of the PDU."

There are, of course, IT industry standards, and independent organizations have established benchmarks for various metrics. But manufacturers have been known to set up testing in a downhill, tailwind scenario. As you’re reading data sheets, you have to look for that asterisk that leads you to fine print: “Your mileage may vary.”

Certain metrics cannot be fudged. A server rack has specific dimensions — you can take out a tape measure and verify that. But will it support 3,000 pounds of equipment? Sure, if you don’t plan to move it. Yes, that fiber-optic cabling meets ANSI standards, but to fully understand the specifications you have to know the testing method and criteria.

At Enconnex, we strive to be clear and accurate in the specifications for our products. While there’s a certain degree of marketing-speak in our website and data sheets, we don’t play hide-and-seek when it comes to the metrics that matter. What’s more, our team is well-versed in the design, architecture and implementation of data center infrastructure solutions. We’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and can help guide you to the right solution for your project.