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Listen "SAS 012 – Building a Server Room"
Episode Synopsis
Server Room Diagram
In today’s episode I go over all the requirements for building or remodeling a server room.
Today’s Show – Building a Server Room
New construction or remodel
Project Management
Depending on the scope IT maybe expected to manage this project
If not managed by IT you will want to ensure you are involved as early as possible
Communication
Email is best to communicate instructions
It’s good to review, debate and plan in person or on the phone, but follow meetings up with emails outlining what is being done, by who and by when
If possible have someone take meeting notes
Room location
1st floor or above, not a basement if possible
Opening to an office area, not a shop or garage
Away from outside walls
No windows
Room size
2 racks minimum, 10′ x 10′
Will provide at least 3′ on every side
Floor, walls, ceiling
9′ drop ceiling
Full height walls, no crawl spaces above the ceiling to other rooms
Painted drywall
Anti-Static floors
Door
Metal if possible
Open out
Locking
Lightning
LED if possible
Above from and rear of racks
A/C
Dedicated split unit
Calculate size
Power
Input power requirements
Hard line / Plug Type
Amps
UPS, Calculate size & run time
PDU
Generator backup
Racks
7′ H, 3′ D, 2′ W
Cable management 6″
KVM
Console & KVM Switcher
Demarc
3/4 Plywood, Painted
Outlets fed from UPS
Access Control
Unique key or electronic lock
Environmental Monitoring
Report of Temp, Humidity, Water
Storage
Cabinet
Safe
Budget
Sometimes dictated, sometimes generated by IT
Should include all materials and labor
Include time required by internal resources, so you can plan accordingly
Final Thoughts
Many companies will not see the value in building a proper server room, do research to advocate for it
If you do not get involved early in the conversation it will be an afterthought and very difficult to do it properly
Server rooms don’t change very often, so expect that you will need to make it work for the next 5-10 years of growth
As with any negotiation divide you requirements into needs and wants. Don’t fight so hard for what you want that you cannot get what you need
Email me with any questions or comments on this episode: [email protected]
In today’s episode I go over all the requirements for building or remodeling a server room.
Today’s Show – Building a Server Room
New construction or remodel
Project Management
Depending on the scope IT maybe expected to manage this project
If not managed by IT you will want to ensure you are involved as early as possible
Communication
Email is best to communicate instructions
It’s good to review, debate and plan in person or on the phone, but follow meetings up with emails outlining what is being done, by who and by when
If possible have someone take meeting notes
Room location
1st floor or above, not a basement if possible
Opening to an office area, not a shop or garage
Away from outside walls
No windows
Room size
2 racks minimum, 10′ x 10′
Will provide at least 3′ on every side
Floor, walls, ceiling
9′ drop ceiling
Full height walls, no crawl spaces above the ceiling to other rooms
Painted drywall
Anti-Static floors
Door
Metal if possible
Open out
Locking
Lightning
LED if possible
Above from and rear of racks
A/C
Dedicated split unit
Calculate size
Power
Input power requirements
Hard line / Plug Type
Amps
UPS, Calculate size & run time
PDU
Generator backup
Racks
7′ H, 3′ D, 2′ W
Cable management 6″
KVM
Console & KVM Switcher
Demarc
3/4 Plywood, Painted
Outlets fed from UPS
Access Control
Unique key or electronic lock
Environmental Monitoring
Report of Temp, Humidity, Water
Storage
Cabinet
Safe
Budget
Sometimes dictated, sometimes generated by IT
Should include all materials and labor
Include time required by internal resources, so you can plan accordingly
Final Thoughts
Many companies will not see the value in building a proper server room, do research to advocate for it
If you do not get involved early in the conversation it will be an afterthought and very difficult to do it properly
Server rooms don’t change very often, so expect that you will need to make it work for the next 5-10 years of growth
As with any negotiation divide you requirements into needs and wants. Don’t fight so hard for what you want that you cannot get what you need
Email me with any questions or comments on this episode: [email protected]
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