3 Benefits of Using Server Racks

The largest and most important components of your network is your servers. Technically, you can line up your servers on a big table and they will work, but if you want to get the most out of your servers, then we recommend using a server rack.

Maybe your servers are tucked away in a closet and they are out of sight and out of mind, but setting up your servers with nice racks does more than just increase aesthetics; server racks can also increase server performance, make your servers easier to maintain, and increase security.

Increase Performance
Proper airflow is the key to having your servers perform well. If there is any object obstructing an air vent to a server, then the temperature will increase, performance will drag, and you run the risk of overheating. Even by keeping your servers on a tabletop, you run the risk of having the server units pushed up against a wall or against other pieces of technology, which will in turn block the airflow.

In order to prevent servers from being pushed around, server racks are designed to keep servers securely in place. Server racks are also designed to maximize airflow. If good airflow is a priority for you, then you can even order a server rack that has a built-in cooling system. A server rack is also customizable; empty shelves can be removed and covered with blanking panels to increase airflow even more.

Easier to Maintain
Servers kept on racks make for easy maintenance. Everything is where it is supposed to be and cables can be easily bundled. Many server racks are fitted with wheels, or the shelves slide out; this is a much more preferable way to access a server; as opposed to crawling on a table and bumping your head on shelf.

Directive has worked on many different servers, and over the years we have had to squeeze our bodies into some pretty tight spots to make a repair. Any business that uses a server rack is like a dream maintenance job for us because of how easy it is to access what we need. Server racks allow our technicians get in and out quicker; this makes for smaller maintenance bills with service jobs that are billed by the hour. Jobs that have server racks also cause less bumps and bruising on our bodies, another reason why we love server racks.

Increase Security
You have likely taken security measures to keep unwanted people from accessing your network; but do you have any security in place to keep unwanted people from accessing your network directly from the server? Having network security in place without having your server locked up is like having a big lock on your front door while keeping your windows open. Server racks use locked panels to keep unwanted people out. There are even server racks available with multiple locks in case you only want to lock up certain server units.

All three of these server rack features will allow you to get the most out of your servers. It is difficult to recommend one style of server rack because they are very customizable and can be built to meet your specific needs. To get an idea of how customizable server racks are, here is a list of features that you can add to your rack: fixed or rollout shelves, monitors, power strips, seismic bracing, fans, cable management, keyboard trays, joining kits, reducer rails, utility drawers, adjustable angle brackets, blanking panels and more.

If you are looking for a server rack that will fit your needs and your budget, then call Directive at 607.433.2200, we can design a server rack specifically for the needs of your company so that you can get the most out of your servers.