6 steps for setting up a server room for your business

Server rooms are an integral asset to the business as it is a physical space that houses all the data running through the computer network.

Most of the time and resources of the IT department in any organisation is spent in troubleshooting server or network issues and performing routine maintenance.

There is a need to design server rooms that are compliant with the safety norms of the organisation. To ensure this opt for infrastructure that is safe, spacious and computer friendly for the entire IT team.

Here are the steps one should take to set up a server room for the business.

Step 1: Determine the appropriate room size

The first step is to lay the requirements of the physical space of the server room. It should be planned in a manner that there shall be enough space for the servers, wires, cables, and other necessary equipment to be kept comfortable. The IT department shall ensure that the data should be kept away from an exterior wall of the room.

Step 2: Set up hardware for storage

The next step is to plan the space and optimise for space maximisation. The cabinets and shelves shall be designed to store the physical machinery and IT related inventory like electrical switches and sockets in the server room. Having a well-planned machinery space helps in quick and timely maintenance.

Step 3: Keep the room cool

Once the server room is set, ensure that it stays cool and dry to avoid the equipment from overheating. One viable option is to install a raised floor to distribute cooling in the entire space. Else the people can use in-row cooling units, which do not require a raised floor. Ensure that there are a thermometer and a dehumidifier in the room to ensure the temperature is moderate and there is no humidity.

Step 4: Make space for cables

Keeping the cables safe is necessary. Ensure that the server room has ample space to run electrical cables without having them tattered. It is better to have one electrician to install all power whips from a central electrical panel to ensure optimum power distribution and avoid cutting down on the electrical services being routed to each joint.

Step 5: Develop security procedures

One of the major tasks in hand is to develop a security process. The server room has all the data essential to the company. Therefore, the server room should be restricted to only a few people. Access control systems shall be plugged to ensure that only the people who need to go there for work have its access. A secure server room protects all the data crucial to the company.

Step 6: Allow for monitoring

However secure the server room may be, it is essential that a monitoring process shall be set that takes care of the activities happening in the room or the data stored in the room. Any deviation from the regular activity coming over the network connectivity is to be scanned for abnormalities.