A server room is integral to the functioning and efficiency of any business—no matter if the enterprise is big or small. This asset is a physical space that houses all company data that runs through the computer network and is a major point of focus for the Information Technology organization, which will spend much of their time maintaining systems, troubleshooting, and ensuring uptime, safety, and compliance.
In this new blog, the IT infrastructure experts at Connectivity will describe the steps a small business should take when creating a server room that enables IT operations.
Steps for Setting Up a Server Room
When setting up your small business’s server room, we recommend the following:
1. Determine the size of the room. The physical space of the server room must be planned in such a way that there is ample room for servers, wires, cables, and other equipment that is necessary to your IT operations. Additionally, the space must accommodate for safety and there should be enough space around the perimeter of the room so the equipment and data are kept away from the exterior wall.
2. Maximize the space. Cabinets and shelves need to be designed to store physical machinery as well as IT-focused inventory; for instance, electrical switches and sockets. The IT department will need to oversee this process specifically as it will enable them to offer safe, timely, and quick maintenance.
3. Ensure the room remains cool. Once you have the space planned, it is imperative that a system be implemented for keeping the room cool and dry. This will prevent your equipment from overheating. One strategy in this regard is to install a raised floor that distributes cool air. Another option is to implement in-row cooling units (these do not require a raised floor). Additionally, make sure a thermometer and a dehumidifier are present in the room—this will allow for the tracking of the temperature and assurance that there is no humidity.
4. Create space for cables. The safety of your cables is also imperative, and the server room must have plenty of space so that electrical cables can be run without being damaged. It is also recommended that you partner with a structured cabling professional who can properly run your cabling and organize this equipment correctly.
5. Establish and implement security procedures. One of the key tasks in server room setup is developing security parameters for its management. Your server room is central to your company’s operations, productivity, and profitability. Therefore, limit access across your enterprise. Only designated and select personnel should have access. Additionally, it may be a wise investment to also set up an access control system so that this room is always kept secure, and your company’s data is protected.
6. Enable monitoring. Finally, after security processes are in place, it is also key to confirm the server room is always monitored. A dedicated IT professional must be aware of activities occurring in the room as well as the type of data that is housed there. Abnormalities or network connectivity issues must be sounded as they occur to prevent breaches, system errors, or downtime.
Keep Your Server Room Organized and Secure
Your server room plays a key role in your company’s operations and contains assets and information that enable uptime and productivity. If you are just establishing your organization’s server room, it is a good idea to implement best practices from the get-go. However, if your business’s server room is less than organized and could use some TLC, we invite you to reach out to the team at Connectivity.
We are experts in server room organization as well as cleanup and would love the chance to help you ensure your server room is always in good working order. Reach out to us today and schedule a consultation.