Whatever business you are running there will come a time where you need to expand your capabilities. Whether it’s a brick-and-mortar store or an online business, everything is making the leap to the digital world. While it’s safe to say that the vast majority of us have already gone fully digital when we need to upscale our business we will need to incorporate more resources to cope with the load. And this means that it’s not just about getting one server, but it could be about getting many to sit snugly in a server room. But what do you need to consider when it is time for this?
Find Your Needs And Acquire Resources
Determining your needs is the first port of call. But if you don’t know where to begin it is recommended that a server room usually has an electrical setup that allows backup power, no windows, easy access to the server rack, as well as a cabling system that makes everything less haphazard. It isn’t just about finding a spare room for your service but it’s about making sure that it has the specifications to keep your servers running at the optimum level. Because servers can be incredibly noisy and tend to overheat, these are the things that you need to consider by installing sound insulation and fans.
Assembling The Server Room
Predominantly this comprises of the power distribution, the cooling equipment, and the racks. The racks need to be built for easy access and the power distribution needs should be discussed with the owner of the building if you rent the space. If not, there are resources like professional electricians as well as server energy consumption calculators. While you may consider purchasing fans it would be more beneficial to install air conditioning units. Servers generate a lot of heat and while many data centers invest in liquid cooling or subfloor cooling systems, for smaller businesses, where every penny is vital, installing ductless AC units can help you to minimize your money expenditure.
Incorporating Security Practices
As it’s a room that will have the most expensive equipment on-site, protecting it is vital. You could install security cameras as the first line of defense but you should also think about limiting access. A key lock may suffice for a small startup but if your business is growing larger and you are hiring more people you might want to think about something more sophisticated like an access code. It’s also important to remember that servers can buckle under pressure on occasion. Having backup power is vital to your infrastructure. The most common approach is to incorporate a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) that will protect the business from sudden power surges and outages. This, in conjunction with the cloud package, means that you can protect your business and the data on every front.
If your business is expanding, a server can be the savior of your data. But before you invest in piles of equipment think about the benefits it will bring to your business but also consider what you need to protect your investment.
