At a time when organizations rely significantly on the web to conduct their communication and business transactions, having an optimized server has never been more crucial. Nothing can bring business to a stall like an exchange server outage. As a business owner, it is essential that you find ways of ensuring that your server environment is the best that it can be.
Storing the majority of your data on the cloud should prevent outages. However, on its own, cloud storage cannot optimize your server performance. The following tips should enable you to keep an efficient and dependable server environment.
Have an Updated Operating System
Obvious as this may seem, not many people take the time to update their systems. In most cases, it takes a malware threat to alert users of the need to have an upgraded network. Apart from damaging unpatched computers, malware such as WannaCry can also attack your servers and cause outages. You can avert such by using a windows version that Microsoft supports with regular patch releases. Also, ensure that your OS is updated.
Once your network is up and running, there is the urge to not tamper with it. Some people even go the extent of switching off the windows update function. The latter is done to avoid buggy patches that Microsoft has provided in the past. Also, the fact that VM patch testing can be time-consuming does not help the situation. Nonetheless, keeping an outdated system is not an option. You should maintain an updated server at all times.
Clean Your Server Physically
Many companies provide a secure environment with racks and cabinets for their servers. While this will protect them from physical damage, they are still exposed to dirt and dust that will hinder efficiency.
To enable fast cooling and prevent overheating, good servers have powerful fans to enhance air circulation. Unfortunately, these fans also suck dust and dirt from the surrounding. The compilation of these elements can prove fatal to your server if not cleaned regularly. Use compressed air to remove all traces of dirt and dust from the desktop and server cases. However, if not carried out with caution, the compressed air can damage the fans and cause more problems. Also, if your server has filters, ensure that you remove and clean them properly. Newer model cases have screens that are retracted from the top, bottom and rear end to make cleaning easier.
Virtualization Helps in Server Preservation
Letting go of your old system can be hard at times. For instance, in spite of its costly nature, it’s not unheard of to find someone that still uses the backup servers to date. Embracing newer technologies such as virtualizing all your servers is crucial. This is because spinning up VM backup for virtual servers is quite easy. Also, you can enjoy an improved uptime by using new hardware to consolidate several servers.
For servers that cannot be virtualized due to hardware, performance or licensing issues, you can always seek other recovery alternatives that improve efficiency.
Check Records for Hardware Mistakes
Bad components can bring about severe system malfunctions. Unfortunately, you will only be alerted to such hardware errors after the system has become operational. To avoid such surprises, ensure that you purchase all your network components from a certified HPE parts dealer. Also, assessing your system logs is part of your maintenance plan. Sometimes updating a driver for RAID or GPU card is enough to fix the problem. Though, in case the error persists, you will have to replace the parts in question.
Removing any nonessential such as the PCI-E cards and drives is another way to go about this task. Eliminating such dormant components will boost capacity use and system performance. Server hardware is designed to sustain operations all-clock-round without experiencing any problems. The issues often arise from the fans, expansion cards and power supplies. If not solved in time, such seemingly minor errors can cause significant damages to your network.
Assess Your Backup
Scheduling server backup protocols and confirming that they are running is a good practice. However, it is not enough. You have to ascertain whether these protocols are performing the set functions. Many people under look the procedure. Make no assumptions. Ensure that you check and verify that your backups are working as required. You can accomplish this by running recovery tests until you are satisfied with the results. If this is too tedious, you may opt for spot-checks.
Outsourcing your backup needs to a cloud provider doesn’t mean that you should forget about it. You should know how the cloud provider handles their verifications. Crucial elements of an efficient backup plan include recovery times, backup schedule and location. Whether you are using your team or outsourcing this function, it is vital that you know these basics.
Several factors contribute to the smooth running of your servers. The best ways of ensuring your server is operating optimally are also the simplest. Unfortunately, most people overlook such ways. Pay attention to these basic tips, and your server will be efficient and reliable for a long time.
