Six Practical Data Center Management Tips

Nowadays, big data platforms are everywhere, and an overwhelming majority of people store digital content in the cloud. The hyperactive lifestyle of todays professionals forced to access their work on multiple platforms as they travel, attributes to this.

Of course, big data is about much more than cloud-based systems. Businesses, government agencies, schools, and even the average individual now rely on data centers to save, organize and facilitate valuable information.

Data center administrators are more important than ever at least if you want a reliable system in place. But what about the data center itself?

Experienced administrators are a given, along with a substantial maintenance team. But what improvements can be made to the actual data center and related hardware? What can you do to ensure your data center operates smoothly?

Maximize Storage Space

You can never have enough storage space, especially in a data center designed to hold thousands of terabytes or petabytes of information.

Its not just about maximizing the amount of storage, though you also want the space available to be efficient. It wont do you any good to make use of old, outdated hard drives or storage systems. Read-write speeds wont be able to keep up with customer demand.

Dont forget about networking storage devices, which have a relatively low overhead and tend to be more flexible.

Perform Routine Maintenance

Regular or routine maintenance schedules will cut down on hardware failures, at the least allowing technicians to prepare for a problem before it happens.

The last thing you want to happen is to lose one or several servers and data storage units, effectively misplacing client data.

Routine maintenance includes checking operational hardware, identifying problematic equipment, performing regular data backups and monitoring outlying equipment.

For instance, its paramount that the area where the servers are remains consistently at a cool temperature. This means the HVAC system connected to your data center must also be in good shape. If an AC unit or HVAC system fails, it could spell disaster for your hardware. So make sure to factor in routine checkups of this equipment.

Preventative maintenance can mean the difference between minor issues and a complete hardware failure.

Adopt Reliable Infrastructure Documentation

Using spreadsheets and word processing tools to record and track information can help, but it can also cause unnecessary problems, particularly when you need to refer to specific documents. Its tough to organize a bunch of disconnected materials, especially when theyve all been created by different people and stored in various locations.

Thats why you should look into software or tools that help you organize this information openDCIM is a great example.

When it comes to designing, upgrading or installing data center infrastructure and creating the proper documentation its best to leave that to the professionals.

Monitor Hardware Temps

Theres no question 24/7 cooling is essential for any data center when it comes to smooth and reliable operation. But even when you have a cooling system in place automated or not its important that you keep an eye on hardware temperatures.

Higher operation temperatures can cause a great deal of problems like hang-ups, freezing and decreased performance. The real kicker is that higher operating temperatures when unusual can be a warning sign of pending failure.

Continuously monitoring temperatures and setting up a limit-based alert system can better prepare you prepared for the worst. It allows you to conduct more accurate preventative maintenance on your equipment. For instance, if you know a particular server is running hotter than usual, you can have your technicians keep an eye on it or take it out of rotation.

Optimize Energy Efficiency Ratings

This concept is much more involved than we have time to explain here. Instead, well refer you to an extensive energy savings guide from Energy Star.

One thing you should understand is that optimizing energy efficiency can cut down on operating costs, which leaves more money to roll into the maintenance and upkeep of essential equipment.

Computerized Maintenance Management

As soon as possible, set up a CMMS or Computerized Maintenance Management System. CMMS is a comprehensive software tool that will allow facility managers and technicians to not only monitor the status of required maintenance work but also collects pertinent data.

For example, a CMMS will track the use of assets for maintenance tasks along with associated costs. It will also assist in revealing the time spent on certain tasks, and the reliability and productivity of facility hardware and equipment. It collects anything and everything youd ever need to know internally related to data center maintenance.

When used in combination with routine maintenance schedules, a CMMS can help keep a data center in tip-top shape.