For the rest of you IT managers trying to cobble together a decent environment for the business servers and telecom equipment, this post is for you. Was your server room crafted from left over space? You know, an area that was too big for a closet but too small for an office so someone decides it's the perfect location for the server equipment!
Keeping those mystical boxes up and running is your priority. After all, the servers and telecom equipment do everything from routing phone calls, to allowing internet access, email delivery, payroll and account processing, word processing... just about everything you do at work, except make coffee. Job #1 is keeping this equipment up and running.
And when there's a cooling crisis that disrupts processing we know what happens. It isn't pretty. The frantic calls come in one after the other. Before you know it, you're cornered in your cubicle!
Unfortunately, I have no magic wand to wave and must confess there isn't a one-size-fits-all server room cooling solution.
Each server room is unique. You have to consider the equipment in the room, where the server room is located in the building, the type of building and the HVAC system installed to support the building. Plus you usually have to work with the facility management and building engineer for any modification to the building support systems.
Over the years I've discovered IT managers are often great problem solvers so cooling down the server room is just another obstacle to overcome. As with all problems, take the path of least resistance and start with the easiest, least expensive solution. If you need help, we're just a click or call away.