As an organisation, you’re probably relying on state-of-the-art servers for different IT operations, such as emails, applications, data storage and hosting websites.
Sure, there are many businesses out there that have switched to cloud-based solutions and are using remote data storage centres, but many companies still leverage in-house servers. In which case, it’s important for you to ensure that your systems are in top condition, whilst also performing efficiently.
This is where effective server management comes into picture!
Put simply, by managing and improving the efficiency of your servers, you can enable your IT team to complete their tasks faster, whilst streamlining their overall performance. Additionally, your team can identify any issues early, that is, way before it gets worse and hampers the way your business functions.
As a result of this, your vulnerability in facing operational hiccups is significantly reduced.
However, to make the most of your server management strategy, it’s crucial to perform it correctly. To help you with this, we’ve put together this guide wherein we’ll be sharing tips to improve the efficiency of your servers.
Let’s take a look!
Server Management Tips – How to Improve Its Efficiency
Tip #1 – Install Your Servers Away from the Workstations
Small organisations usually have to prioritise immediate issues over long-term goals and this is usually due to tight IT budgets. What’s more, this generally happens when it comes to managing servers.
When setting up servers for the first time, businesses are often tempted to install them near the workstations. However, that’s only going to harm your systems. This is why it’s important to mount them over racks, as this can protect the servers from spills, dirt and other hazards.
Additionally, since a server rack is organised in an accessible area, not only does it help keep your hardware protected but also facilitates easy cleaning and management. It also lowers the vulnerability of regular wear and tear.
Tip #2 – Set Your Servers In a Different Place than Your Main Area
Depending on the types of servers you’re using, they can create a lot of noise whilst working. Additionally, they can also cause harm to your valuable systems. This is why it’s essential to physically separate them from the main working area.
You could either have a designated room for your servers or, if you can’t afford this, invest in sturdy racks that come with sound reduction.
Tip #3 – Ensure You Conduct Regular Maintenance of Your Software
Another way to improve the efficiency of your servers is to regularly conduct maintenance of the software that’s used for them.
The key here is to execute updates at regular intervals, whilst also deleting old software to improve the overall performance. Doing so will ensure your servers function properly and that their vulnerability is reduced, preventing cyber criminals from gaining access into your systems.
Click here to find out about how you can secure your servers and business from a cyber attack.
Tip #4 – Take Server Security into Account
As mentioned before, your servers can be vulnerable to various cyber attacks and that’s why it’s important to keep them secured. Here’s what you can do:
- Encrypt all your data storage and external networks
- Evaluate and execute security measures to gain an understanding of the potential cyber threats
- Install and constantly update your antivirus software
- Add Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools
- Use sound password policies and ask your team to constantly change them or install strong access control software
- Get rid of unauthorised access with the help of firewalls
These tips will not only protect your systems but also prevent your business from falling victim to a cyber threat!
Tip #5 – Constantly Backup Your Confidential Data
The final but the most crucial step to improve the efficiency of your servers whilst keeping them secure, is conducting regular backup sessions. After all, losing your confidential data can be catastrophic, damaging your business reputation and resulting in you losing customers.
However, along with backing up your data to prevent losing it to cyber criminals, you also need to create a separate backup for your power supply. This will help you steer clear of losing data because of power outages.
Additionally, you can also look to integrate different tools to speed up your backup process, status monitoring and recoveries. Perhaps you could install software that secures both your operating system and IT infrastructure. While you’re at it, ensure that it works for all your existing applications and systems, and that it helps diagnose any server problems efficiently.
Improve the Efficiency of Your Servers with Redpalm
Managing and maintaining your server operation requires various key considerations – from constantly monitoring the temperature of your systems to updating them and conducting regular data backups.
Although this can be a strenuous process, it’s imperative to optimise your server’s overall performance, whilst getting rid of any security issues.
To help you with server management in your organisation or for any IT related solutions, get in touch with the IT team at Redpalm today. Either give us a call on 0333 006 3366 or drop us an email at info@redpalm.co.uk
