Server consolidation involves combining multiple servers into one to maximize resources and efficiency. Consider hardware, redundancy, operating system, and optimization. Create an inventory list and design the server environment to achieve 95% occupancy. Redundancy and backup plans are crucial. Choose a primary platform and use load-sharing network structure for efficiency.
Server consolidation is the management of the entire complementary server computer to eliminate multiple individual servers and maximize available resources by loading different applications on the same server. Database architects or system managers typically complete this function or role. A server is a computer dedicated to managing data or software applications. It typically has a basic operating system and the rest of the space is used to support multiple users accessing the same software at the same time.
There are four things to consider when looking at server consolidation: hardware, redundancy, operating system, and efficiency optimization. The purpose of server consolidation is to reduce the number of individual servers and maximize available resources. Create an inventory list of all your servers, operating system, installed software, versions and their main function and user group. If possible, examine total traffic load, peak hours, and overall user demand.
All of these elements help you make the best decision when moving to server consolidation. Review the age of existing servers and determine if new hardware is needed. The vast majority of server consolidation exercises do not require the purchase of new hardware. Instead, system managers simply combine existing units together to make them more efficient.
From total inventory information, design your server environment to consolidate programs to achieve 95% occupancy on the latest and greatest servers. When selecting programs to put together, base your decision on load balancing, user experience, demand, and software sizing. By combining these functions, application performance is not negatively impacted and there are fewer servers to manage.
Redundancy is a very important concept in computing. Daily incremental backups and weekly full backups provide a level of confidence that these design changes will not weaken the infrastructure. All backups must be done in a secure location that protects both the system and data from sabotage or system failure. The ability to quickly transition to a backup system is very important and should be built into server consolidation plans.
The first step when consolidating servers is to determine a primary platform and operating system version level for each server. While it is possible to support multiple operating systems and versions on the same computer, it is not recommended. Instead, users and network administrators have to think about updating the various software programs on a single supported platform. Maximize efficiency using a load-sharing network structure. In this model, the software applications are stored on one drive and the data on a separate drive. The software to fully manage this process is mature enough and allows the system administrator to focus on other elements that are important to the business.
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