Server management systems

Enterprises receive the services and functions they need (databases, e-mail, website hosting, work applications, etc.) for their corporate IT systems based on servers , or rather, the so-called. "Server farms" (server farm). They are usually located in data centers, private (located in the organization itself) or public (cloud).

In any case, the organization's servers require constant and effective management so that their resources are used in the most optimal way.

What is Server Management?

Server management is the process of monitoring and maintaining servers in order to achieve their best performance. Server management also includes management of storage systems , software , security, and data redundancy .

The main goals of server management: Aruba Certified Design Expert

Minimization (and, if possible - complete elimination) of slowdowns and downtime;

Creation of an environment for the safe operation of servers;

Creating the conditions for evolution to meet the needs of the organization as it grows.

Various server management features

Virtual server

Virtualization is the main trend in information technology. A traditional server runs on a separate physical machine, while a virtual server allows multiple servers to run as multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the use of physical equipment. For example, if in the case of single physical servers in a data center, the average processor load is 4%, then in the case of virtual machines (servers), the physical processor load can be up to 80-90% or more.

At the same time, of course, the tasks of managing a virtual infrastructure become much more complicated. However, the general principles are the same for both physical and virtual servers.

The main elements of server management systems

Server management includes the following elements:

Equipment management . Monitoring the state of hardware (processor, memory, etc.) to ensure the best possible server performance.

Software management . Provides for regular updates of software, firmware and operating systems.

Security management . Security measures such as antivirus software, firewalls, access control and data encryption.

Reservation management . Regular data backup and data recovery plan in case of disasters.

Equipment management

Ensuring good hardware performance is the foundation of effective server management. It is important to continuously monitor at least five pieces of equipment:

Central Processing Unit (CPU), processor . The processor is the “brain” of the server, performing the computations that enable applications to run. The processor load must be constantly monitored so that the programs work correctly and without delays. If the processor load approaches 100%, then there is a big risk that when a new process is turned on, the processor will stop working normally, and the server, as IT engineers say, “freezes”. If the average processor load approaches a critical limit, then it is necessary either to replace the processor chip with a more powerful one, or to stop the operation of unnecessary programs that take up system resources. More fine tuning may involve adjusting other elements of the system to reduce the load on the processor.

Random access memory (RAM), memory . RAM is the server's working memory. This memory, designed for temporary storage of program data and calculation results, works much faster than permanent memory - hard drives (HDD), solid state drives (SSD), etc. The more RAM a server has, the better its performance. The use of RAM must be constantly monitored, and if the time average value of the occupied memory approaches its maximum size, then it is necessary to take measures to expand the memory.

Hard disk drive (HDD) . This is a persistent memory, a server data storage. This is where programs and data are stored that remain on the hard drive even when the power is turned off, unlike RAM, where information is stored only when the power is turned on. If the hard disk is "crammed" with data "to the eyeballs", this also greatly reduces the performance of the server as a whole. Therefore, you need to constantly monitor the availability of free space on your hard disk, add new disks, delete unnecessary data. Or you should consider connecting to cloud storage, where all of the above will be done automatically.

Processor temperature . Servers usually generate a lot of heat during operation. Most servers come with wired thermometers to keep track of whether the processor temperature is within specified limits. If the server gets very hot, you need to find the reasons for the rise in temperature. Server operation in this mode can lead to application failures and complete processor failure. Cooling fans are one of the essential components of a physical server. If the fans (which are also called "coolers") fail, there is a high risk of overheating of the physical server processor and its failure.

Environment . In addition to monitoring the temperature inside the server, you must constantly monitor the ambient temperature. The server room must be kept at an appropriate temperature and humidity and airflow must be controlled (“hot and cold aisles”). This not only helps prevent server breakdowns, but also allows you to achieve optimal performance.

When choosing a physical server, it is important to proceed from the requirements for its parameters and purchase a server that slightly exceeds these requirements. However, choosing a server configuration that is too powerful "with a margin" can lead to an unreasonably high price, as well as unnecessary waste of energy.