You may have state-of-the-art servers, but their efficiency can decline over time. Enhancing your server management is key to optimizing your business operations.
Numerous organizations rely on servers for various IT functions, such as applications, emails, hosting websites, and data storage.
Although many companies have turned to cloud-based services using remote data centres, many enterprises still depend on in-house servers. As such, they need to ensure their devices remain in tip-top condition
Thatโs where enhancing your server management comes into play.
Managing your servers can streamline the performance of your team by allowing them to complete complex tasks faster. Plus, it can enable them to detect problems early on before they get out of hand and compromise your business. As a result, the risk of experiencing operational setbacks is drastically lower.
But the only way to make the most of your server management is to perform it correctly. And to help you do so, this article will share nine tips on improving your server management.
THE 8 TIPS TO ENHANCING YOUR SERVER MANAGEMENT
TIP #1 – MOUNT THE SERVERS PROPERLY
Small businesses often need to prioritize immediate concerns over long-term plans because they need to work on tight budgets. This is particularly evident when it comes to server management.
When you first set up your servers, it might be tempting to connect them near your workstations. However, this can harm your hardware.
Mounting your servers in racks is a much better solution. It can shield them from accidents in high-traffic areas, tripping hazards, spills, and dirt.
Furthermore, server racks can help keep the hardware safe by organizing it in an accessible area that facilitates management and cleaning. They also limit the exposure to regular wear and tear in the office.
Another critical consideration is to plan for the future when installing your servers.
When selecting a rack mount, be sure thereโs enough room to expand your hardware. Unless your office is tiny, having half-empty racks is preferred to tearing them down and redesigning them a few years down the line.
TIP #2 – SEPARATE YOUR SERVER FROM YOUR MAIN AREA
Depending on the type of servers, they can get quite noisy when in operation. On top of that, they can comprise valuable hardware. So, youโll want to separate them physically from the working premises.
If you canโt afford a designated server room, invest in secure rack mounts with integrated sound reduction.
TIP #3 – MANAGE AND MAINTAIN YOUR SOFTWARE
Software used for your server requires regular maintenance, too. The key is to perform regular updates and delete old software to enhance performance. Your servers will operate better, and there will be fewer vulnerabilities cybercriminals can exploit to access your network.
TIP #4 – ARRANGE YOUR SERVER WIRING NEATLY
The amount of wiring in your server setup can be overwhelming, especially if you have no technical experience. Sorting out the mess doesnโt only improve cleanliness, but it can also help boost the performance of your server viability for future upgrades.
Keep in mind that whenever youโre removing, rearranging, or installing your cables, label and group them neatly. Doing so helps prevent clutter.
TIP #5 – PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO SECURITY
As previously mentioned, servers can be susceptible to cyberattacks. Thatโs why itโs crucial to maintain a secure system. Hereโs what you should do:
- Install and update antivirus software.
- Repel unauthorized traffic with firewalls.
- Use robust access control software or sound password policies and instruct your users to change them regularly.
- Encrypt external networks and data storage.
- Incorporate SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) tools.
- Analyse and implement security logging measures to understand potential threats.
TIP #6 – BACK UP YOUR DATA
The final part of robust server management is backing up your data regularly. After all, loss of data can be disastrous, harming your reputation and losing your customers.
Besides backing up server software and hardware, you should also have a backup for your power supply to prevent data losses during power outages. Moreover, you can integrate with various tools to expedite backups, recoveries, and status monitoring.
Look for software that covers both your IT architecture and operating system. It needs to work across systems and applications you currently have or plan on installing. Additionally, it should diagnose server issues efficiently with powerful analytic capabilities.
ENHANCING YOUR SERVER MANAGEMENT AT ITS FINEST
Managing effective server operation involves several key considerations, from monitoring system temperature to updates and data backups. Even though this can be an arduous process, itโs integral to optimizing your server performance and eliminating security concerns.
If you need help in optimum server management in your business, weโd love to help you out. Contact us and letโs have a quick, no-obligation chat about it.
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.