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This poor neglected enterprise server system (a Dell PowerEdge 2500) was recently discovered inhabiting some premium office space on the floor and in the corner of an unventilated supply closet. (The computer is the big black box under the monitor just to the right of the water bottle.) To make matters even worse there is both a refrigerator and a coffee maker sharing the luxurious accommodations!
The server running Windows NT was also connected directly to the internet without the protection of a firewall or any anti-virus software, it's operating system had not been updated in at least 2 years, and it had never been backed up! No power backup either.
We strongly suggest you correctly install, maintain, protect and backup all of your computer systems in a proper environment... unless your critical business data is no more important to you then a paper clip.
One Simple Solution
Let's face it, not everyone can afford, or needs, a fancy custom made network operations center, but even with a limited amount of space and a shoestring budget better solutions can be found.
Pictured on the left is one such example. While it certainly doesn't look as elegant as something NASA might build, it is just as functional at a fraction of the cost.
The servers have been raised a few inches above the floor for a measure of flood control, switches and hubs are visible and accessible, and all are monitored and controlled from a central point using a single operator's station.
The system draws power from a rack of UPS's mounted on the other side of the wall.
Really, we love hot coffee and donuts as much as anyone... just not near the computers.
UPDATE: Since this picture was taken in 2006 the monitors have been upgraded to flat screens and it now looks even better and saves energy!
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