If your office has IT equipment and servers strewn about, with noise and heat filling your work space, it’s probably time to set up a dedicated server room.
In large offices, the server room is the nerve centre of the business, handling all of the data which bounces back and forth between the computers in your office.
Therefore, to say it’s an important room is an understatement.
There are plenty of benefits to having a dedicated room for your servers; your equipment and data will be more secure, and the noise and heat will be localised.
When you decide to have a server room installed there are a number of things you’ll need to consider, which is why it’s a little easier to have a professional office design company like Niche Projects handle your requirements.
Space
First of all, you need to select an appropriate space for your server room.
The room you use has to be large enough to store all your server equipment and have it operate effectively, as well as allow for some expansion where necessary.
However, if it’s too big, you’ll simply be wasting space that could utilised more effectively.
Security
Security must be a priority when it comes to designing and fitting out a server room.
Having all of your server equipment in one space allows you to reduce the number of staff who can access your important data.
Furthermore, and particularly if you deal with sensitive information, heavy duty locks or card access and CCTV will make this space more secure.
Office design should always incorporate some degree of security, but when it comes to your server room, security should be paramount.
Noise
You’ll need to ensure your server room is noise proof.
The constant buzzing from even a small server installation can distract your staff working nearby. This can affect their quality of work and their productivity.
Rooms can be noise-proofed with affordable acoustic ceiling panels, sound proof doors and fabric wrapped sound proof wall panels.
If you’re unsure, consult a professional office design company.
Racks
You’ll need sturdy, specifically designed racks for your server room.
Strong, high quality shelving racks will ensure your server equipment is safe from damage, and that cables aren’t strewn about the room.
There are a number of retailers who specialise in this equipment, so the proper racks aren’t difficult to find.
Cooling
Server rooms get hot, so install adequate air conditioning.
This heat is generated from the combined power of so much electrical equipment and unfortunately, constant exposure to too much heat can reduce the lifetime of your IT equipment.
Therefore, it’s so important to have adequate cooling systems in place.
Power
Your server room must have a good power source.
Invest in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which gives emergency power for a short time if there is a mains power failure.
As a result, you’ll be able to avoid any issues that may occur with lost data when you have a problem with your primary power supply.
With all of these considerations in mind, it’s best to leave your server room to a professional design and fit out company.
Get in touch with Niche Projects to discuss your needs here.
