Keep your servers labelled clearly to minimise confusion
Published on 12 March 15
Andrew0
If you have quite a few servers and find it increasingly difficult to keep track of them, you might consider organising them using labelling. Typically, when you label a server, you want to note the IP address, server name, or its serial number when relevant.
Keeping track of servers and managing them is a difficult enough task without being properly organised. Organisation only takes a few minutes, but can save you hours of downtime when something goes wrong. When it comes to labelling, you have a number of choices to make, each with its own pros and cons.
Laser Labels and Traditional Label Makers
You can create a label using a number of different methods. Typically, you would use a traditional label maker to print a sticker with the information needed. This type of machine is normally hand-held and makes a small label. The disadvantage of this type of label is that it eventually will fade and peel due to wear and tear, meaning you would have to re-label every server.
Laser printed labels are a new technology that is very convenient if your server will have one function for its entire lifespan. We spoke to UMS Laser Marking experts and they told us that a laser label can be engraved or directly printed onto the actual server, which is more of a permanent solution to temporary hand held label printers. This is a very good solution if your servers are not regularly changed around, saving you time and money.
Colour-Coding Multiple Servers
If you have a setup or business with multiple servers organized into groups, colour coding is a good option. You could keep a key showing the meaning of each colour near the location, including any other important information. You can also add any other additional information on the key to make it easier to decipher and understand if necessary.
Label Both Sides
It is often good to affix a label on both the front and back of a server, as well as the cables. This ensures it is clearly marked no matter where you are approaching from, which helps you avoid the mistake of pulling the plug accidentally because you think it is a different server. You should also make sure both labels match to avoid mistakes.
Every type of label has its advantages and disadvantages. You must simply determine what the servers will be used for and for how long, which will then let you know what type is right for your situation. Keeping your servers in good running condition can be hard, but if you label them, you should find that your operation runs much smoother over time.
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