How Important Is Airflow In A Server Room?

One of the main challenges in a server room involves being able to keep servers and cabling cool; overheating within a server room can cause significant damage, and can result in expensive repairs. In this context, it’s important to have a range of different options available for improving airflow management, while also checking on the overall environment of a server room, and making use of technologies that can make it easier to reduce damage.

Server rooms can become a danger when multiple stacks and racks of server are crowded together in a small room; depending on the size of the room, and the number of servers, restricted airflow can cause equipment to heat up, making it more likely for it to burn out and lose valuable data. At the same time, overheating can result in humidity and water dripping onto cables; this is a particular problem if servers are stacked too closely together without enough space between them.

When putting together a server room, it’s consequently important to know what the optimum temperature should be for a space, and how to best improve the flow of air around a room to prevent heat from building up. In most cases, you don’t want to go below 10 degrees, or above 28 degrees - a server room that is too cool will produce dryness, and the risk of static damage. Google recommends about 26.7 degrees as an optimum temperature for a server room.

So What About Solutions?

There are many solutions available for creating an airflow management system. Some of these solutions are server based, with racks and cabinets designed with enough space between different shelves and panels; cooling fans can also be installed within racks, while blanking panels can prevent hot air from becoming trapped. Fans on the outside of racks, and on walls, can also help to blow away dust, while proper cable insulation and shielding will prevent a build up of heat.

Other solutions to improving airflow within a server room include air conditioners that can maintain a consistent temperature; some air conditioning units can be used to create cold corridors around server racks. Environmental monitoring sensors can similarly be installed that check for humidity and temperature problems, and can be adjusted to make sure that the right amount of air is circulating in a server room at any time.

It’s also possible to use computer programs to remotely monitor thermal changes within a server room; this approach is particularly useful for identifying hot spots, and for developing audits that can work out where pressure and humidity levels are becoming dangerous. These audits can also be used to decide whether to change the structure of server racks and cabinets, as well as whether to adjust floor tiling and ceiling ventilation.

Another alternative for airflow management, and one that works well if you have limited space for a server room, is to switch part of your server needs to virtual cloud servers. Doing so will reduce the amount of processing power you need on site, and can mean that you don’t have to invest as many resources into cooling down your server rooms. In any case, though, it’s crucial to have some kind of airflow management system in place.

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•  License: Creative Commons image source 

Rob James loves blogging about which netgear router you should choose, selecting the correct data racks and many other nerdy networking issues.  Rob can often be found tinkering with new equipment and reading up on the latest developments.

The 4 Most Common Advantages of Managed Server Services

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In order to adequately determine whether or not managed servers are the best solution for a business, it is essential for that business to approach the issue first from a cost-benefit analysis perspective.  This allows businesses to identify any opportunity costs it gains or losses, as well as considering the financial side as well.  Only by taking a holistic perspective of how managed server services can be utilized by a company can the driving forces behind it be identified.

Security

Security is an overriding issue for every business looking into IT related solutions.  When it comes to servers, both physical and digital security must be considered.  By taking advantage of managed servers, businesses gain the ability to leverage state-of-the-art data centers to provide the physical security for the server.  This is a notable benefit because a league data centers are purpose built which allows for an integrated, layered approach to preventing physical threats.  The same approach is nearly impossible to duplicate when a room or building is retrofitted to accomplish this goal.

When discussing digital security, managed server providers take a multitude of steps to ensure the businesses data is secure.  Not only is data proactively secured from potential threats, but it is also backed up so if data is lost it can be recovered quickly.  For a business to replicate this in house, it would require significant resources to train and maintain the necessary IT staff.

Expert Support

Closely tied to security is support.  Managed server providers go to great lengths to provide businesses with expert support.  Support can include everything from strategic planning and expansion to fixing any hardware or software related issues which arise.  Not only do managed server providers offer support around the clock, but the staff is expertly trained to remedy the situation as quickly as possible.  For a business to create this same opportunity in house, it would not only require an expertly trained IT staff but the staff must be available 24x7.  Overall, this is an extremely resource intensive challenge many businesses cannot overcome without taking away from office efficiency and profitability.

Infrastructure Reliability

The infrastructure related benefits stem from the same premise as the physical security benefits.  By housing the managed servers in a purpose built data center, businesses gain access to unparalleled infrastructure.  This includes a fully redundant system, multiple connectivity options, and an up-time guarantee.  Creating the same benefits in house is extremely cost prohibitive which is why more businesses turn to third-party data center facilities rather than trying to create their own.

Scalability

The final benefit of using managed servers is scalability.  Managed server providers give businesses the opportunity to quickly expand the number of servers they utilize on an as needed basis.  This makes manage servers and infinitely scalable option.  On the other hand, it in-house scalability requires businesses to invest significant capital in additional hardware, software, and personnel.  Additionally, setting everything up takes time which means while scalability does exist, it takes time to implement.

When identifying the benefits driving the use of managed servers among businesses of all sizes, the benefits far outweigh the costs in four distinct areas.  They are security (physical and digital), support availability, infrastructure reliability, and scalability.

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Ron Brown discusses colocation opportunities in the Houston Area.  He believes that co-location services should be considered by any company that wants to keep data safe. Ron helps educate readers about the benefits of co-location and data centers for companies of all sizes.

The Dallas Data Center Checklist for Success!

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When evaluating Dallas data centers, users must assess many areas in order to ensure the provider is reputable and their data is safe. These areas include cost, security, redundant systems, location and staff experience. 

Data Center Staff

 

One of the most important features to check on with a Dallas data center is the hours they are staffed. Ideally, they should always have the data center staffed in case of an emergency or disaster. In most cases data centers only staff during normal business hours and have emergency staff on call 24x7. This is not optimal if an emergency happens at midnight-- there would be no one on-site to support the user. So, before a business chooses a Dallas data center, they should be sure that there are trained technicians on duty constantly. The only acceptable support system is one that is available on-site 24/7/365. 

Data Center Redundancy Systems

 

Another large portion of any Dallas data center will be the redundant systems they save set in place. The center should utilize several alternate providers for all their utilities, including power, cooling, networking and water. The data center should have several independent networking carriers available simultaneously in order to prevent networking loss should one of those carriers fail. The power and cooling systems need have redundant alternatives as well. Every utility system needs to have at least one backup source in case of total failure of the others. Examples would include generators and UPS units for the power system. 

Data Center Location

 

Location, location, location - it is absolutely critical for a Dallas data center to be located in an area of low risk for natural disasters. The center must also be purpose-built in a secure location. Buildings that were retrofit are not secure enough to withstand a disaster should one strike. Only choose data centers housed in buildings that were originally constructed as data centers. These purpose-built facilities are constructed using materials designed to withstand winds in excess of 160mph. If a company’s home is located in a disaster zone, they can be assured their data will be secure at a Dallas data center. 

Data Center Security

 

Make sure the Dallas data center is equipped with the latest security procedures. By storing vital and valuable business information at the center, companies cannot afford a security breach. Look to be sure there are adequate security cameras, patrol personnel, passcode protections and the latest in biometric security. Biometric security systems provide the highest level of security by using finger printing and even retina scanners. Security measures should be in place throughout the data center, from access gates outside to individual cage and cabinet security.

If businesses follow these tips when selecting a data center in Dallas, they will find a company that satisfies all their security needs and will be a long-lasting partner in the future success of their business. 

How much can you store in the cloud?

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Cloud storage is a model of networked online storage where data is stored in virtualized pools of storage which are generally hosted by third parties. Hosting companies operate large data centers, and people who require their data to be hosted buy or lease storage capacity from them. The data center operators, in the background, virtualize the resources according to the requirements of the customer and expose them as storage pools, which the customers can themselves use to store files or data objects. Physically, the resource may span across multiple servers.

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Redundancy at Every Level

Many technology, computing, energy, finance, and healthcare firms depend on data centers for their colocation needs.  Businesses use data centers for disaster recovery operations as well.  A reliable and efficient Houston colocation facility must have several key components in regard to redundancy. 

Redundancy refers to the ability of a colocation facility to keep their operations running 24/7/365.  Houston colocation facilities should have secure and constant sources of power, water, and network connectivity.  No component or system has a single point of failure in a fully redundant utility supply chain.  Dual utility feeds make this possible.

Power Supply

There are four distinct data center power feed classifications:

1.)    Class One: ‘Single Feed’

1. A single substation supplies the power to the data center.

  i. The substation supplies multiple, external utility transformers with power. These in turn supply the data center.

  ii.  This system is risky because the power supply has multiple points of failure.

1. If the substation experiences an outage, then the data center experiences an outage.
2. There is no MTO (manual throw-over) or ATO (automatic throw-over) switch.

2.)    Class Two: ‘Single Substation’

1. A single substation supplies two power feeds to the data center.

  i.  An ATO/MTO receives the power supply and then supplies the external utility transformers with power.

  ii.  This system reduces outage risk, but is still inherently risky because all power comes from one substation.

1. There are multiple points of failure in a Class Two system.

3.)    Class Three: ‘Dual Substations’

1. Two substations each supply a feed to the data center.

  i.  An ATO/MTO receives power supplies from both feeds and then supplies the external utility transformers with power.

  ii.  This system is still risky because the data center must rely upon the ATO/MTO switch’s proper operation.

4.)    Class Four: ‘True Dual Feed’

1. Two substations each supply a direct power feed to internal transformers within the data center. 

  i.      The data center has control of their power supply, not the utility company.

  ii.      This guarantees full redundancy.

Businesses should select a Houston colocation data center that offers a Class Four dual power feed.

Water Supply

Houston colocation facilities use a considerable amount of electricity, due to the nature of high performance computing.  Significant amounts of cool water are needed to keep temperatures of equipment low and stable.  Water cooling techniques offer a more energy efficient solution than air-conditioning techniques.  Houston colocation facilities should have dual water feeds that originate from different utility sources.  This ensures complete reliability and redundancy.  On-site emergency water storage tanks provide a way for data centers to guarantee that the water cooling system will operate seamlessly in the case of disaster or utility shutdown.     

Network Connections

A Houston colocation facility should offer blended and carrier-neutral Internet access.  Blended Internet access gives clients the most efficient and reliable routing for network connectivity.  Carrier-neutral access allows businesses to select from a wide variety of carriers.      

Conclusion

It is vital that a Houston colocation facility offer full redundancy at every utility level.  Power, water, and network connectivity should have true, dual feeds.  Businesses should select a Houston colocation facility that can provide these guarantees in order to maintain continuous and secure operations.

James Rogers discusses colocation opportunities in the Houston Area.  He believes colocation should be considered by any company that wants to keep data safe. James helps educate readers about the benefits of colocation and data centers for companies of all sizes. 

CLOUD COMPUTING TRENDS

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Adoption of cloud computing has become more and more prevalent across the globe in recent years. Experts affiliated to the industry claim that cloud computing are currently a $74 billion trade and estimate that this figure will double in the coming year. This industry is responsible for an approximated 3% of global IT expenditure and is expected to create 13 million jobs worldwide from for a period of three years, 2012 to 2015. As cloud computing grows in stature both technologically and economically, a number of new key trends associated to it can be outlined:

English: Cloud Computing visual diagram (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

# 1 - The Personal Computer Will Lose its Place to Personal Cloud as the Preferred Digital Device.

Experts postulate that by 2014, personal cloud will inevitably take the place of the personal computer. This is outlined by the following 'super-trends' that are propelling this alteration:

-Consumer Space; it is projected that cloud services will be on 90% of personal user devices by 2015. Therefore, users can save, connect, torrent and synchronize data across a myriad of platforms and locations.

- The continuous growth in the number of organization that have put into place a fused plan to synchronize private and public clouds.

- Previously, cloud was mainly recognized for its lower costs but it is also now being widely acclaimed for its speed and agility.

# 2 - Mobile Cloud's Rapid Growing Reputation

A large number of people are currently manipulating their social and professional interactions with the use of smart mobile devices. This is going to amplify the need for more reliable, efficient, and user friendly storage applications amongst digital users.

# 3 - Executives' Call for Dependable Cloud Data Security

As current focus on Big Data proliferates, the need for the protection of security and authenticity of this data source will also grow. This will prompt controllers into play and renew policies by implementing a twin-phased verification and password generation. Furthermore, with the wider assimilation and the growing acclamation of cloud amongst users, service providers are now channeling their efforts towards the area of security innovations.

# 4 -Huge Data Entails More than just Manipulating Data Amounts

Huge data backlogs will compel many organizations to look for substitutes to conventional databases, and cloud's operational model will ease the rollout. Thereby, large cloud databases will consolidate huge amounts of data and analytics will now be transferred to the cloud more promptly than usual.

# 5 - The Migration to Platforms is growing By the Day

The PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) will constantly grow in recognition and requisition as it continues to offer organizations with scalable data translation and transformation services on a cloud platform. Without a shred of doubt, the leading IT organizations will those that will adopt the private and public and private PaaS platform.

In conclusion, there is an array of other available trends linked to each and every type of cloud - public, private, or hybrid. However, it is of high significance to note that in this current year, more organizations will maintain their business processes movement to the cloud, thereby escalating prospects for cloud data integration and manipulation as a component of their data infrastructure. 

Natasha is writer and bloger, currently writes for Ninefold. She contributes to the online society by blogging on a variety of topics, currently exploring in cloud computing, cloud server and other popular tech related trends.

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Infographics: Energy Efficient Data Centers

A data center or data centre (also datacenter or datacentre) is a facility used to house computer systems and associated components, such as telecommunications and storage systems. It generally includes redundant or backup power supplies, redundant data communications connections, environmental controls (e.g., air conditioning, fire suppression) and security devices.

IT operations are a crucial aspect of most organizational operations. One of the main concerns is business continuity; companies rely on their information systems to run their operations. If a system becomes unavailable, company operations may be impaired or stopped completely. It is necessary to provide a reliable infrastructure for IT operations, in order to minimize any chance of disruption. Information security is also a concern, and for this reason a data center has to offer a secure environment which minimizes the chances of a security breach. A data center must therefore keep high standards for assuring the integrity and functionality of its hosted computer environment. This is accomplished through redundancy of both fiber optic cables and power, which includes emergency backup power generation.

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