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There are various factors to be considered while purchasing racks for office or commercial use. Server racks are basically steel or metal racks upon which your server systems will be mounted and assembled with all cables and joints. Their main purpose is to provide a compact and ergonomic storage space that facilitates usage and immobility. Since they are used to store server systems which are the backbone of any network or web domain maximum care must be taken while purchasing them. Depending on the size and quality of material used the price of racks may vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Various kinds of racks are available that suit the needs and purpose of various users – small and large. This article seeks to explain the various factors that are to be considered while purchasing a server rack for commercial use. Size and dimensions for storage The first and foremost factor to be considered before purchasing a rack is the desired size and dimension. Racks come in box sizes hence, the desired height and width has to be measured before placing the order. The size should be capable of storing computer hardware and servers leaving sufficient space for air movement. The measurements of racks are usually expressed in “rack units” and a standard rack unit is precisely 1.7 inches. It is ideal to measure your server storage requirements beforehand and convert them into rack units so that suppliers are enable to provide accurate rate quotes. Based on multiple quotes provided by various suppliers like Rittaldatacentre, a logical decision can be derived as to which supplier is cheaper and worth of supplying quality material. It should be kept in mind that while making the measurement provision should e made for storage of other computer hardware also that may have to complement the functioning of the servers. Air ventilation and security of servers Almost all electronic appliances like computers and servers get heated up when used continuously. It is essential that server racks have sufficient provision of ventilation for movement of hot air, the absence of which will heat up the stored equipments heavily. Excess heat can cause severe internal damage to hard disks, internal memory and circuit boards of the servers. The temperature within a server rack can be maintained in two ways – ambient air conditioning and individual air temperature control. Ambient air conditioning is affected through the use of air handlers, blowers, server room air conditioning, etc. The other way is to use liquid cooling units, individual cooling stations, etc which will blow out the excess heat inside the rack and help in keeping the racks cool and ventilated. The racks should not be a storage space alone but should also aid in providing ample security and protection to the servers that it houses. They should be theft proof and provide ample protection from damage due to electrical shocks or other accidents. Some racks also have in built alert systems that raise alarms when a theft is attempted or when the door is left open for a long duration. The writer is an expert in the field of Server Racks with focus on Rittal Australia .
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