Server infrastructure helps organizations in managing most of their IT functions which includes data storage, website hosting, emails, and software applications. Although a number of organizations have shifted to cloud servers, some organizations still have in-house servers or hybrid server infrastructure. In order to ensure efficiency of in-house and hybrid server infrastructures, organizations need to undertake effective server management.
Goals Of Server Management
An effective server management strategy should focus on three primary goals:
- Work towards minimizing or eliminating server slowdowns and downtime.
- Building secure server environment.
- Ensuring that the server continues to meet the needs of the organization as it grows.
Server Management Basics
Hardware Management: This is the first step towards server management. Some important hardware elements that need continuous monitoring are CPU (Central Processing Unit), RAM (Random Access Memory), and Hard Drive. Other hardware management elements include CPU temperature and operating environment. An important point of consideration while choosing server hardware is to keep in mind the required server specifications. Make sure to choose excess storage and processing capacity as it would allow easy up-scaling of server, when required.
Software Management: In order to ensure effective software management, it is important to understand the software dependencies in the server infrastructure. A suggested approach is to employ basic best practices along with application management. The software, firmware and operating systems should be regularly updated for performance and security. Outdated versions may lead to poor performance and also create vulnerabilities that may be exploited by cyber criminals to infect organization’s network and server. Software that are no longer used should also be removed.
Security: Maintaining secure network is an important component of server management. The security policies may vary depending upon industry type and individual organization’s needs. However, some common server security solutions include-
- Installing and regularly updating antivirus software.
- Enable firewall
- Use access control software such as Kisi, ISONAS, ADT, NetMotion Mobility, etc.
- Employ data encryption
- Implement SIEM tools such as SolarWinds Security Event Manager, Micro Focus ArcSight ESM, Splunk Enterprise Security, IBM QRadar, etc.
- Use security logging best practices
Backups: The last step towards effective server management is to take regular backups. Make sure to employ server backup software among other backup solutions. Some examples of popular server backup software are V2 Cloud, Unitrends, Veeam, GoodSync, BackupVault, etc.
We, at Centex Technologies, help businesses in ensuring effective server management by employing customized solutions. For more information, contact Centex Technologies at (254) 213 – 4740.