For most organisations, the server room is the core of their operations. It hosts their servers, network equipment, backup hardware, databases, and more.
If the room malfunctions, it could halt operations indefinitely. Unfortunately, server room problems are often neglected as companies prioritise handling security threats such as viruses and data breaches.
Other than being heavily relied on, servers are expensive and considered a major investment. That is why you should take the necessary steps to keep your data safe and accessible for your business.
Read on to discover the 7 most common server room problems that can damage your data.
7 Common Server Room Problems That Are Often Neglected
1. Inadequate Temperature Control
When preparing a secure space for your servers, you must create the proper physical conditions. Keep the surrounding air between 20° to 24°C to prevent overheating.
In addition, place servers away from direct sunlight and other factors that may increase the room temperature. Moreover, as servers tend to generate heat while operating, equip the room with a cooling system to prevent overheating.
2. Limited Ventilation
To prevent server room problems, ensure there is sufficient space surrounding your equipment for air to circulate. Or use a server rack if you have limited space instead of piling them on top of each other.
3. Irregular Moisture Levels
High humidity causes server room problems such as rust, corrosion, short-circuiting, and even fungus growth.
Moreover, low humidity results in electrostatic discharge, which leads to system malfunction.
Installing a dehumidifier is the best way to maintain the moisture levels in a server room.
4. Too Much Jostling
Other server room problems include vibrations that dislodge the boards and chips that power your server. Therefore, it is best to plan your cushioning and other stabilising forces well to protect your servers.
5. Poor Cable Management
Keep your server room as neat as possible. Make sure to untangle your cords to prevent causing accidents.
6. Unforeseen Blackouts
Among the potential server room problems are power outages, spikes or brownouts. Prepare power backups such as a standalone generator or an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device to protect your data.
7. Water Damage
Water damage is one of the biggest server room problems for many data centres and server rooms. Regularly check for leaks and keep your server room away from areas with plumbing.
With your own local server room, you can enjoy the benefits of internal control. However, it is also your responsibility to protect the room from external forces that may damage your servers.
That said, outsourcing your server room infrastructure to a cloud service provider may be better for you to solve your server room problems.
Read More: Top Questions You Should Ask to Evaluate Your Cloud Service Provider
Aegis Cloud Data Protection and Disaster Recovery
Aegis is a trusted cloud managed service provider with a broad range of cloud backup and disaster recovery solutions. With centralised backups and encryption, while adhering to the 4-3-2 backup rule, we keep your data safe.
Additionally, Aegis provides complimentary cloud disaster recovery (DR) services to ensure infrastructure redundancy and minimal downtime. It is also an ISO 27001: 2013 Information Security Management System (ISMS) certified Cloud Managed Service Provider.