Any company that depends on technology would want to achieve 100% infrastructure uptime for better productivity. While the idea of 100% uptime may be very appealing, it may not always be possible. However, companies can make the most of their infrastructure and get closer to their uptime targets with a little help from these tips.
MOVING CLOSER TO 100% INFRASTRUCTURE UPTIME
Here are six things you can do to get your infrastructure uptime closer to a 100%.
1. KEEP THE SPARES HANDY
A simple way to handle your infrastructure issues is to have cold spares for servers, server components, routers and switches. This is usually possible when you use standard servers and server components like the switches or routers. A cold spare can be a server with basic configuration, which is inexpensive and indispensable in case of a problem. In case of a server failure, all you need to do is switch the key server components and the disks and your spare server is all set to resume the services.
2. BACKUP LINKS
Having multiple backup links for your data centers and offices in remote locations can help create alternative access paths to the site and reduce downtime. The cost involved in getting alternative access through DSL or cable is something most enterprises can afford. When you have multiple paths to the data center, you can also split the traffic. In case of an emergency, splitting traffic allows you to assign the active DSL or cable path to the traffic from the Internet and direct the business traffic through the leased line.
3. KNOWLEDGE OF LINUX
Knowing how to operate on a Linux platform makes it easier to access the inexpensive Linux and UNIX tools for networking, system maintenance and monitoring. There are several Linux and UNIX based tools that have Windows versions. In case of system downtime, these tools can help you keep the critical applications and machines running with lower costs.
4. EASY ACCESS TO INFORMATION
When you need to access necessary information like the functions of a switch, the serial number of a port or some other information, accessing it from a Wiki can be easier and faster. Compiling and storing the troubleshooting data for your infrastructure can save you time when you need to access it during emergencies. However, the stored data should be limited to what is necessary for troubleshooting and not sensitive data like passwords or access keys.
5. EMERGENCY SERVER
In case of visualized infrastructure, having a four-CPU server can help you handle emergencies effectively. This also removes the need for a duplicate virtualization farm, and can also save the amount of money spent on a dormant virtual server.
6. HARDWARE WARRANTIES AND MONITORING
You may never even think about your hardware warranties, but your MSP (Managed Services Provider) should be. According to an article posted in Bluewire.com warranties have a huge role in maintaining system up time. Your critical systems (usually the servers) should have a Next Business Day warranty. In the event of a hardware failure with an NBD warranty the replacement part will be shipped overnight and installed the next morning. The ROI on this is huge if you ever have a system failure and need to get back up and running immediately. Your MSP should also be constantly monitoring all of your devices for early warnings of system health and impending failures. By using System Performance Management systems they can analyze critical network components and head trouble off before it starts.
We can help you navigate these options and decide what’s best for your particular business network environment. Contact us today to learn more!
