Server room design is an evolving science. Planning and implementing proper layout and infrastructure is offering new challenges as IT equipment becomes smaller, but more powerful (remember Moore’s Law?). The challenge, however, is not how to fit more into a room, the challenge is in keeping that room running smoothly.

Racks that once held a handful of servers are now holding dozens of servers – creating increased cooling and electrical demands. For example, if you put 40, 1U servers in a rack that can take up to 3.6kW to power, you’ll need one ton (12,000 BTUs) to cool that one rack alone. Many IT managers never envision this kind of airflow need, let alone a future with this much technology in a confined space.

But growth happens, and often, IT growth outpaces infrastructure growth – meaning many companies have packed more technology into a static space with little-or-no plans for future room.

Regardless of the amount of technology and the space it occupies, the fact remains that technology must be monitored to maintain optimal performance. In fact, as the ratio of technology to space becomes weighted in favor of technology, monitoring takes on an even greater importance. This means companies have a lot riding on monitoring airflow, temperature, humidity, voltage and even things like motion, carbon monoxide and gases.

Small monitoring devices that don’t take up much space, but provide a wide range of real-time data that can keep cramped IT spaces running as optimally as possible.

Ironically, it boils down to monitoring your technology with even more technology. Thankfully, the kind of technology we offer, such as the RPM CM with the daisy chain sensor® technology, doesn’t take up much rack space.

If you haven’t already read our posts about server room best practices, take a look – they may help you better manage the space you have and even give you some ideas for planning future IT space.