Mythbusters: server edition – 7 misconceptions about your hardware

In personal or professional life, it’s easy to get caught up in habits that might be holding you back, especially when myths and misconceptions are as common as in our field. From server management to data security, IT professionals often grapple with widespread beliefs that may or may not be reasonable.

To bring clarity to this tech folklore, we embark on a MythBusters-inspired journey through the server edition. Let’s explore some common server-related myths and uncover the truths behind the buzz.

Myth 1: Server rooms must be arctic tundras

One persistent myth is that server rooms must be kept at near-freezing temperatures to prevent overheating. While it’s true that servers generate heat, keeping your server room as cold as the Arctic is not only unnecessary but also inefficient. Extreme cold can lead to condensation, which is hazardous to electronic equipment, not to mention the financial and ecological disaster. Servers operate best in a controlled environment with stable, moderate temperatures and efficient airflow to manage heat effectively.

According to several specialists (Server Room Temperature: Guide to Important Ranges – C&C Technology Group ) and ASHRAE, ideal temperature should be in the 18°C to 27°C range, with an associated relative humidity of 20-80%. Those numbers represent the two extremes though, so the middle ground is the safest for most server rooms.

Busted: The ideal server room temperature is moderate, not as cold as the Arctic.

Myth 2: RAID is a bulletproof data backup solution

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations are often viewed as the ultimate safeguard against data loss. While RAID does provide redundancy and fault tolerance, it’s not a bulletproof backup solution. RAID protects against hardware failure but won’t safeguard your data from accidental deletion, corruption, or software issues, all of which might happen more often than you think. To ensure comprehensive data protection, a proper backup strategy is necessary, including offsite backups (What are Offsite Backups & Why Use Them? (12 Advantages))

Busted: RAID isn’t a substitute for a robust data backup plan.

Myth 3: You must always choose the latest server hardware

Always investing in the latest server hardware can lead to overspending. While it certainly offers cutting-edge features and performance. . It may not always be necessary, and often isn’t. Analyze your specific server requirements and workload to determine whether an older, refurbished and less expensive server can meet your needs effectively. Our specialists are always here to help you assess your exact needs and get the most bang for your buck. On top of that, you’ll be doing a solid to the planet.

Busted: Invest in the latest hardware when it aligns with your specific needs; otherwise, consider cost-effective alternatives such as refurbished hardware (a fit-for-purpose approach is always preferable)

Myth 4: Cloud servers are always more secure than on-premises servers

The cloud vs. on-premises debate often includes the assumption that cloud servers are inherently more secure. While it’s true that cloud providers invest heavily in security, the responsibility for securing your data in the cloud falls on you. At the end of the day, you have absolutely no control over said security protocols, and it can often be pretty opaque. An on-premises server under your direct control might be a better fit for certain sensitive data. The choice should be solely based on your specific security requirements.

Plausible: Cloud and on-premises each has its security considerations; the choice depends on your specific needs and controls. A good overview of pros and cons can be found here: https://www.cleo.com/blog/knowledge-base-on-premise-vs-cloud

Myth 5: Virtualization solves all server problems

Virtualization has revolutionized server management, offering enhanced resource utilization and flexibility. However, it doesn’t solve all server-related problems. Poorly planned virtual environments can lead to resource contention and performance issues. (​​5 common virtualization problems and how to solve them | TechTarget) Proper planning and

management are essential to reap the full benefits of virtualization.

Busted: Virtualization is a powerful tool, but it requires careful planning to be effective. Again, don’t hesitate to contact our specialists that will be happy to help you navigate this.

Myth 6: The cloud eliminates the need for in-house IT

While the cloud offers many advantages, it doesn’t make in-house IT obsolete.

In-house IT teams play a vital role in several ways: managing cloud resources, ensuring data security (tracking the movement of important data/,ensuring the privileges are correctly configured), integrating cloud services into the organization’s infrastructure, keeping IT resources documented and secured and securing and backing up business data just to name a few examples. The cloud complements in-house IT but definitely doesn’t replace it,; thinking otherwise will be dangerous for any business.

The Cloud Does Not Eliminate the Need for IT – Interplay

Busted: In-house IT remains essential, even with cloud adoption. Their value lies in maximizing the organization’s IT resources, making them more productive and effective in addressing client needs.

Myth 7: More redundancy is always better

The belief that you can never have too much redundancy can lead to over-engineering and increased costs. While redundancy is crucial for fault tolerance, data protection, downtime reduction, disaster recovery capabilities or scalability, adding excessive layers of redundancy may complicate your infrastructure without significantly improving reliability. A balance between redundancy and efficiency is essential.

For a more comprehensive overview :  Server redundancy: What it is and why it matters

Plausible: Redundancy is crucial, but too much can be counterproductive. Luckily, our experts can guide you through the maze and help you set up a perfect fit-for-purpose infrastructure for your business. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Debunking IT myths highlights the need for informed choices and strategic planning. It’s key to balance server maintenance, data backup strategies, and cloud security with practical needs, avoiding unnecessary expenses. Emphasizing fit-for-purpose solutions and the vital role of in-house IT ensures optimized, secure, and cost-effective IT operations, ready to tackle future challenges. Contact our team today, and let’s bust those myths together. Your efficient and sustainable IT journey starts now!