For those who think (falsely) that they have the perfect
data center, read on for some enlightenment. Those who work in the data centers
of their dreams might beg to differ with your fantasy. Though you may not
achieve desired perfection affordably, you can come close by changing the way
you handle certain aspects of your data center management. Managing a
collection of computer systems is no easy task. But, through better management
and proper planning that task might involve popping fewer pain pills. Here are
the 10 major data center mistakes to avoid.
1. Inadequate
Virtualization
If you operate a data center and haven’t caught on that virtualization
saves money, you’re way behind the curve. Virtualization saves valuable rack space.
It saves additional money on cooling, power and service contracts for those
non-existent systems.
2. Untapped Cloud Computing
Similar to virtualization, cloud computing requires that you
obtain a clue about its capability for your company or your customers.
Amazon.com offers flexible and scalable plans that fit into an on-demand
capacity scenario. Using Canonical’s Ubuntu Linux Server Edition, for example, you
can create your own private cloud or leverage Amazon.com’s Elastic Compute
Cloud (EC2) dynamically.
3. Design Flaws
Design flaws of a standing data center are difficult to overcome,
but a redesign is less expensive than a fresh build. A 20-year-old data center
still looks good, but it doesn’t perform
up to today’s greener standards. You’ll also have to retrofit your electrical
apparatus to handle blade systems. You’ll probably need to toss that old
cooling system as well, since contemporary servers run cooler and more
efficiently than their predecessors did.
4. Limited Expandability
“640K of RAM ought to be enough for anybody.” How many times
have you heard that quote that’s attributed to Bill Gates, circa 1981? Whether
he said it is of little importance now. The lesson to learn is that when you build
anything, pretend you’re converting a Celsius temperature to Fahrenheit: Double
the amount you think you need and add 32. Using the Celsius-to-Fahrenheit equation
will allow for some expandability in your data center. Two thousand square feet
of floor space isn’t enough? Try 4,032 feet instead. Poor planning is No. reason
to run out of floor space or any other capacity.
5. Relaxed Security
Enter any data center and you’ll see card readers, retina
scanners, circle locks, weight scales or other high technology security systems
in place. But, next to those extreme security measures, you’ll see a key entry
access door for security bypass. Physical security requires no bypass. If
there’s a bypass in place, consider your security compromised.
6. Haphazard Server Management
To manage your server systems, do you need physical access
or can you manage them remotely? Every contemporary server system comes with a
maintenance connection with which to manage that system remotely. Use it.
Enable it. For each person who enters a data center, you can expect some amount
of system failure. Incorrectly labeled systems, incorrect locations, a misread system
name — the list goes on. Do yourself a favor: Enable those remote access consoles
when you provision your physical systems.
7. Ill-fated Consolidation Efforts
One order of data center management business is to minimize
the number of systems on the floor or in the racks. Server consolidation is the
method by which this effort is carried out. Consider a consolidation ratio of 2-to-1
or 3-to-1 unacceptable. Physical systems that operate in the 5 percent to 20
percent utilized range can easily consolidate onto a system with five, six or
more of ts peers. Underutilized systems waste rack space, power and money in
the form of service contracts.
8. Overcooled/Undercooled Space
What temperature is your data center? You should find out.
If your data center operates below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, you’re wasting money.
Servers need air flow more than they need arctic temperatures. Take a stroll through
your data center. If it’s comfortable for you, it’s comfortable for your
servers. There’s no need to freeze your data center employees or make them
sweat.
9. Underpowered Facility
How many times have you heard that a particular data center
has floor space but no more power? You hear it more than you should, if you
hear it at all. An underpowered facility is a victim of poor planning. (See No.
4 above.) Virtualization can help give you back some power. Server
consolidation can also assist. But those are short-term fixes for the greater
problem of an underpowered facility.
10. Rack Overcrowding
If you’ve ever attempted to work in a fully populated rack, you
probably wished you had miniature hands or extra long fingers. It might seem
inefficient to leave a bit of space between systems, but those who have the job
of plugging and unplugging components for those systems will thank you. Poor
planning leads to rack overcrowding, and it’s unnecessary. Virtualization,
consolidation and a more efficient arrangement will ease the problem. Experiencing
an outage because of accidentally unplugging a server might convince you to
leave a bit of space between systems.
