Using server racks to store critical data is an efficient and secure method. The physical nature of this data storage, however, puts your organization at risk. Structural damage from severe weather and other natural events can be devastating to most types of data racks. This is especially true for earthquakes, so be sure to follow these tips if you are operating a data center in a seismic region.
- Know if you operate in a seismic zone. The first step in earthquake protection is determining your risk in the first place. If you operate in California or in another area near a fault line, your risk will be higher than other data centers. Make sure you access local seismic data to know how much you should invest in protections.
- Consider the placement of your data center. The location of your center within the building can also impact your risk. Structures on the top floor usually have a higher tip risk than those on the bottom floor, so keep this in mind.
- Install seismic server racks. Installing specialty server racks is the best way that you can keep your data safe. Seismic racks offer the highest protection for data centers, so consider this investment. These structures have enhanced bases and stronger anchoring hardware to keep the rack in place. Be sure that you customize your specific types of data racks to be the appropriate size.
- Reinforce other features in your data center. While anchoring the actual server racks is important for seismic risk management, be sure to account for other data center features. Remember to reinforce your floors and organize your cables to better prepare for an earthquake. Minimizing the damage as much as possible will leave you with less recovery work after a natural disaster.
- Have your racks and bracing systems inspected regularly. Stay prepared for a sudden earthquake by keeping your data center in the best possible shape. Appoint someone or hire a professional to check all of your structures and point out any problematic areas. Address these problems as quickly as possible to keep your data safe.
Data storage is in growing demand, so be sure to be prepared for the future of your data center. About 82% of companies have reported saving money by switching to cloud storage. As this catches on, protecting company data will be more important than ever.