In recent times, large data platforms are everywhere, and an overwhelming majority of people store digital content in the cloud. Today’s hyperactive lifestyle has forced professionals to access their work on multiple platforms even when in transit.
Obviously, big data is much more than cloud-based systems. Businesses, government agencies, schools, and even the average individual now rely on data centres to save, organize and facilitate valuable information.
Datacenter administrators are more important than ever, at least if you want a reliable system in place. But what about the data centre itself?
Experienced administrators are a given, along with a substantial maintenance team. But what improvements can be made to the actual data centre and related hardware? Here are six (6) management tips you should consider in order to ensure the optimal performance of your data centre.
Maximize Storage Space
You can never have enough storage space, especially in a data centre designed to hold thousands of terabytes or petabytes of information.
It’s not just about maximizing the amount of storage, though you also want the space available to be efficient. It won’t do you any good to make use of old, outdated hard drives or storage systems. Read-write speeds won’t be able to keep up with customer demand.
Don’t forget about networking storage devices, which have relatively low overhead and tend to be more flexible.
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, it’s paramount that the area where the servers are remains consistently at a cool temperature. This means the HVAC system connected to your data centre 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 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. It’s tough to organize a bunch of disconnected materials, especially when they’ve all been created by different people and stored in various locations.
Monitor Hardware Temps
There’s no question 24/7 cooling is essential for any data centre when it comes to smooth and reliable operation. But even when you have a cooling system in place automated or not it’s important that you keep an eye on hardware temperatures.
Higher operation temperatures can cause a lot of problems like hang-ups, freezing and decreased performance. The real kicker is that higher operating temperatures when unusual may be a warning sign of pending failure.
Continuously monitoring temperatures and setting up a limit-based alert system can better prepare you 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 the rotation.
Optimize Energy Efficiency Ratings
It is pertinent that optimization of 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 you’d ever need to know internally related to data centre maintenance.
When used in combination with routine maintenance schedules, a CMMS can help keep a data centre in top-notch condition.
Credit: Datafloq.com, SAPnewscenter
