Re: DATACENTER: Rack Mounting Server Towers

[Grisha Trubetskoy <grisha@verio.net>]

The problem with non rack mountable servers on a rack is just that - the
servers are not rack mountable. And the only real remedy is to use rack
mountable chassis, anything else is a compromise.

The best way to deal with the delema that I have been able to come up
with so far, is using cabinets. It costs considerably more than open
racks, not just by itself, but also the installation, cable management,
cooling, access, etc is a bit more complex. Cabinets take up more real
estate. But the cabinets will hide all the mess and the servers cannot
be accidently knocked off the shelf. And for your application,
colocation, they will work especially well.

Grisha

P.S. Sorry, Kenny - I couldn't resist....

Mark Strother wrote:
> 
> I'm curious as to how people out there deal with rack mounting non
> rackmountable equipment. We offer colocation services and 80% of the
> equipment we colocate are standard PC towers. Currently we just place these
> on shelves within a rack. Although we've never had any problems I guess the
> potential exists for these to be knocked off the shelf if there was an
> accident.
> 
> I know some places strap towers onto rack shelves. Is this a common
> practice? What else do you recommend. Maybe rack mounting isn't even the
> best way to deal with this type of equipment?
> 
>         Mark Strother
>         Pacific Online