Networker

[Networker] Server Room

2007-06-15 09:36:00
Subject: [Networker] Server Room
From: Fazil Saiyed <fazil.saiyed AT ANIXTER DOT COM>
To: NETWORKER AT LISTSERV.TEMPLE DOT EDU
Date: Fri, 15 Jun 2007 09:30:49 -0400
Hello,
This is a Huge subject and policies procedures etc are influenced by 
company, requlations (SOX, HEPPA) & Managment willigness to support your 
initiative, here are some suggestions.
1. Reduce number of server admins & restrict admin rights to absulute 
minimum.
2. Employ monitoring software such as Whats up Gold, MOM, SMS Insight 
manager etc for alerts, automate where possible.
3. Tighten Phsical Security in server room.
4. Remove PC-Anywhwere type of access, limit console access via Raritan in 
as few location as possible-Group server access by Group Responsible.
5. Document DR requirement per server and develop procedures and testing 
frequetly.
6. Devise comprehensive Data retention, backup offsite\onsite restore and 
Tape policies.
7.Test restores Freqently, may be offsite, address shortcoming and develop 
written plan.
8.Snapshot, replcate and clone important data when possible.
9. Create and Maintain comprehensive documentation on Serverlist, 
including installed app, group responsible, oncall list, off hr support &amp; 
lable everything possible.
10.Have change\reverse procedures for servers, hardware, application &amp; 
develop a test enviroments.
11.Have Offhrs operations staff for routine works & train them to monitor 
servers etc.
12.Develop Patch managment\updates.
13. Whenever possible enable heighest possible support for technology in 
use & retire older technologies servers\hardware asap, have fall back plan 
in place.
14. Review and understand your domain\DNS, Wins, DHCP, AD 
servers\processes and document recovery\fallback, build in redundency &amp; 
failover.
15.Work closely with Network, security to understand infrastructure and 
any changes that would impect you.
16.Reduce number of servers to minimum and enable vertulization 
technologies where possible, i,e VMWARE, Cloning, Ghosting etc.
17.If you dont have first level support now, implement if you can Help 
Desk support & train staff.
18.Have Auditors go through your ducumented procedure and check for 
compliance with company, legal requirements.
19. Plan ahead and budget years in advance for any new technology 
introduction.
I hope that this is a good start, you will need penty of help and support, 
think of this as long term plan and dont have to do everything at once.
HTH

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