Setting up your server room is one of the most vital processes a modern business can go through. From physical space, to your backup systems – every decision counts. In addition, server rooms also need to be designed to be able to both grow and be used safely – leaving business owners with a lot to think about.
Whether you’re a startup or a business looking to take your game to the next level – here are some things you should consider when designing or redesigning your server room. Let’s jump right in!
Determine the right room size
Determining the amount of physical space you’ll need is the first step in designing a server room. Not only should you plan to design the room with wires, server boxes and shelving all taken into account, but you also should ensure that data is kept away from exterior walls of the room. In addition, it’s important to think about today with tomorrow in mind – understanding that someday, you may have to grow the space out.
Hardware and storage
The next thing you’ll want to do is maximize the space that you have for cabinets, Shelving, physical machinery, switches and sockets. Having a well-designed space that allows for liberal movement makes a significant difference when it comes to things like service and maintenance.
In addition, be sure you have space to run things like electrical cables without them being tattered. We also recommend that you install all power whips from one, central electrical panel so that power is distributed more evenly and that you don’t have to worry about things like services being routed to each joint.
Keeping the room cool
Keeping server rooms cool and dry prevents overheating. There are a variety of ways to make this happen – two of the most common being raised floors and the other being in-row cooling units. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but both will require you to have a thermometer and a dehumidifier in place just to make sure temperature and air moisture is regulated.
Have security procedures in place
Developing a security process is one of – if not the most important tasks you’ll undertake. This process should not only include what to do if something goes wrong, but also what the day to day protocols are. With so much sensitive information stored in one place, only a few people in your company should have access to it. Information is the lifeblood of any business – be sure that you’re protecting it!
Monitoring
There should be a way to monitor every single action that takes place in the room from security cameras to who is accessing what, why and when. Deviations in usual activity should be recorded and when they occur, there needs to be some sort of check for abnormalities.
Hopefully if you’re looking at what your server room will look like in the future that you’ll take some of these tips into consideration. If you’re interested, feel free to contact us today and get a free consultation. Good luck!