5 Ways to Keep Your Server in Tip-Top Shape

Your server room is more than likely not the center of attention at your place of business or a place where people congregate. Sometimes, it can even be downright creepy, between the beeps, boops, and constant, droning hum of the machines. Despite this, your server deserves constant attention. And if you want it to continue to optimally store and manage your data, you should know how to take care of it properly. Here’s how:

1. Put eyes on it

If you don’t ever actually take a look at your server equipment, it shouldn’t come as a surprise when it decides to fail on you. Just looking at your hardware is enough to recognize if something just isn’t right (think indicator lights or something being visibly broken). A more thorough inspection by checking to make sure all cables are attached and neatly organized can also go a long way. Finally, run tests that can show whether or not everything is functioning correctly.

2. Give it some air

Servers generate a lot of heat. Without proper ventilation, this excess heat can lead to a number of issues. A great way to ensure that your hardware is kept at appropriate temperatures is to store your server in a climate-controlled cabinet or vented metal shelves.

3. Keep it clean

Dust and other airborne particulate matter can be sucked into your machines by the same fans that are used to cool them if these ports are unfiltered. In order to avoid coating the interior of your hardware with harmful debris, also make sure that the air ventilation system in your server area is filtered so that these particles are removed from the air supply as opposed to being circulated.

4. Keep it fresh

Wear and tear is normal. And after a while, certain hardware will need to be replaced. Make sure to communicate with your vendors so that you understand how long each component will last. Having a log of when certain pieces will need to be replaced is easy, so do it! When you buy new equipment, buy the latest or most advanced versions to guarantee an advantage over your competition.

5. Keep it up

Consistency is key when making sure that your server is in tip-top shape. Problems can happen at any time, and they can get worse if they go unnoticed. Set daily and weekly maintenance goals to ensure that your hardware is running as it should.

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