Modern Data Center Architecture: Infrastructure Overview
Wondering what it takes to architect a modern data center? Whether you’re just curious or already in the active planning phases of building out a data center, you may already understand that choosing the right data center infrastructure can be a complex process. You’ll need a wide range of equipment, from storage options to network and security hardware and cooling solutions. How do you know, without months or years of extensive trial and error, which options to choose and how to get it all set up correctly? At ServerLIFT®, we work with data centers across the globe on a daily basis. We respond to their needs, hear their complaints, celebrate […]
How to Install New Server Racks
Nearly every business needs at least one server rack to house networking equipment, and some businesses might need several. However, unless you or someone on your team has data center experience, installing server racks may be difficult. We put together this step-by-step guide to help you through the process. There may be some variation in steps depending on the brand and type of rack you choose (two-post racks versus four-post racks, for example), but generally these steps should translate across the board. You may want to look up rack-specific instructions from the manufacturer if you run into a situation that isn’t addressed here. Some of these steps may be completed […]
10 Steps to Successfully Move Server Racks and Cabinets
When you need to move server racks or cabinets to another location, you may think you’ll save time if you don’t unload all of the equipment first. Moving a fully loaded cabinet seems so much simpler than having to unpack everything, move it all, reassemble the components, and cross your fingers that everything has been configured correctly and still works as it should. But is this the best way to move them? There are two answers. The first is “No, unless your equipment was specifically designed for movement while fully loaded.” The second is “No, unless you have a device designed specifically for moving fully loaded racks or cabinets.” Never […]
Colo or No? A SWOT Analysis for Utilizing Colocation Facilities
Before your business rents services and/or space in a colocation facility, you need to determine if that’s your best move when compared to keeping data-center-based IT operations in-house. The following analysis can help you weigh your choices. You wouldn’t want to rent space in a colocation data center if it would be more valuable to build, acquire, or expand an existing self-operated data center. There are so many considerations, from security to ease of updating software, that any business decision-maker without a clear idea of the trade-offs could easily make a choice they might end up regretting. One simple way to determine the pros and cons of running or expanding […]
Data Centers Continue to See Rack Densities Increase
Does it seem like your customers’ needs intensify more every year, forcing you to get newer and more powerful hardware to meet demand? It’s not all in your imagination. Though technology advancements always drive the need for data center upgrades, many data center operators are reporting that changes are coming even faster than before. Increased rack power densities in the average data center are a sign of these changes. Most data centers have seen their average rack density rise rapidly over the past few years. Data center operators have adapted by finding ways to provide more computing power without having to expand their physical spaces. Let’s see why the demand […]
Reasons for the Chip Shortage and the Effects on Data Center Switching
When your job and your company’s success rely on the availability of high-quality data center equipment chips, it’s understandable to feel nervous about the microchip shortage that is currently affecting the world. As with most major industry upheavals, the best way to adapt and stay flexible is to thoroughly understand the situation and make adjustments accordingly. The following is a detailed breakdown of the causes behind the supply disruptions and how data centers will likely be affected. Supply can’t keep up with demand for a number of reasons. While there are several factors in play, a distinct set of issues is dramatically impacting microchip availability. Demand is higher than ever. […]
Innovative Solutions for Data Center Cooling
The data center industry has experienced massive expansion in recent years. Cooling and other vital infrastructure upkeep have often been put on the back burner because other matters seem more pressing. When a data center has major corporations vying for precious server space, meeting those demands right away usually takes precedence over routine maintenance and supportive upgrades. But, as you know, the importance of keeping your data center equipment cool cannot be overstated. Overheating servers are, at best, inefficient, but, at worst, could be dangerous to your facility and employees. Let’s explore the current state of data center cooling and look at the most efficient, cost-effective solutions you can incorporate […]
The “Whys” of ServerLIFT® Product Design
At ServerLIFT®, we believe that server-handling devices should be able to cope with any tricky transport, positioning, or transfer issue an operator may face. Thanks to careful research and the deliberate decision to keep all three of these essential functions at the forefront of all design choices, ServerLIFT® data center lifts can be safely operated by any person, in any data center, with any server rack, to lift any server in the world. The following are the three critical design elements ServerLIFT® incorporates into our products, and the “why” behind each of those data center lift design choices. 1. Easy transportation Operators can bring a ServerLIFT data center lift into […]
Military Veterans: The Untapped Pool of Data Center Staffing Talent
If you’re running a data center, you know how important it is to be adaptable. That means recognizing valuable opportunities when they come along. Whether it’s due to employee turnover, attrition, labor market conditions, or your competition, keeping your data center properly staffed is always a challenge. There is, however, a fantastic and mostly untapped pool of talent out there to build out or fill in positions on your team. Military veterans are excellent candidates for data center employment for many reasons. Let’s take a brief step back and look at the nature of data center staffing as a whole and then explore why training and/or hiring military veterans for […]
Focus On Server Manufacturer: Supermicro
Founded & headquartered in the United States, Supermicro manufactures servers, networking devices, server management software, and other data center technologies. They also build high-end motherboards and workstations for data center, cloud computing, enterprise IT, big data, high-performance computing (HPC), and embedded markets (computer-based products designed for specific tasks versus computer products such designed for general-purpose use). Charles Liang, Wally Liaw, and Sara Liu founded the company in November of 1993. Since then, Supermicro has been among the fastest-growing companies on Fortune’s Top 100 list. The company sets itself apart from competitors by following a progressive green computing initiative. Their Resource-Saving Architecture helps the environment and provides total cost of ownership […]
