Patent attributes
An asset management system comprises a control function module configured to manage a set of rack-mounted devices having a corresponding allocated rack space when the devices are sparsely distributed over multiple cabinets, possibly in different data centers. The aggregate rack space occupied by the set of devices does not exceed the allocated rack space. A user interface is communicatively coupled to the control function module and configured to generate a virtual representation visible to a user of the set residing in a virtual cabinet corresponding to the allocated rack space. The user interface includes a user control to enable the user to interact with the set of devices. The asset location system can comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) system to locate and track the devices, and select a subset of the devices to display and control based on filter parameters.