Casey Cook is a writer, technologist, and musician living in South Florida. He worked for over a decade at some of the industry’s largest ISPs and Web Hosting providers in numerous capacities, including Director of Network Operations, Director of Corporate Alliances, and Senior Product Manager.
Whether it's moving into that first dedicated server or changing dedicated server providers, it's a prospect that can give nightmare to even a seasoned IT professional. Extensive information gathering and, in the case of live sites, lots of moving pieces make setting up a new dedicated server a complex project. Those headaches can be avoided however, by paying careful attention to a few key details.
Measure twice, cut once
Create a thorough project document that describes every planned use of the new server in complete detail. List all the software that needs to be installed, down to the operating system and web server application. Include version numbers, system requirements, and even the order in which the software needs to be installed. Compare the full list of system requirements with the technical specifications of the new dedicated server. An unfortunate number of dedicated server deployments have been derailed by an unplanned system requirement, so don't be caught in that spot.
Build a team
You aren't alone in this process, so be sure to identify the other members of your team. At minimum, this includes you and your provider. It should also include any other vendor partners. Have your application vendor, site developer, and appliance supplier on call the day of the deployment to help quickly resolve any issues related to the server implementaion.
Thinking things through
Your plans shouldn't stop at the moment the server is booted up. Think through exactly how the server is going to be used on a day to day basis, and how it impacts not just the IT group, but other teams in your organization. Make sure contact numbers for support, account logins, and other important information are distributed to the relevant people. Identify the scope and range of support services that your provider delivers, and create scenario based "who to call" flow charts to be used in the event of an emergency. Solid pre-planning eliminates downtime.
Have an exit strategy
Sometimes despite the best laid plans, things still go awry. By planning for that possibility, you can determine with cool forethought when to cut losses and regroup. In the heat of a tense server installation bad decisions can be made, unnecessarily wasting time and resources.
Setting up a dedicated server can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. With careful planning and thorough documentation, you can avoid many common pitfalls and make sure the transition to your new server is smooth and efficient.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A
Fresh MLM Leads: Not as Hard as You Think
By: Stevern Morrison | 06/11/2009Fresh MLM leads are so important that if you do not have any your business will dry up. Learn how to never run out of leads again!
The Basics of Magnetic Sponsoring
By: Stevern Morrison | 06/11/2009Magnetic Sponsoring is a buzz word that many people hear in the MLM world, but don't entirely understand the concept. This article provides a brief overview of what Magnetic Sponsoring is and how it can help you in your business.
MLM Lead Generation - Becoming an Expert for Your Customers with Article Marketing
By: Stevern Morrison | 06/11/2009MLM lead generation can be easier than you think, but there is work involved. Consider becoming an expert in your readers eyes by doing the research for them and using article marketing to inform them.
Attraction Marketing Blueprint - Secrets To Attracting More MLM Prospects
By: Dean Caporella | 06/11/2009Implementing an attraction marketing blueprint will definitely be a good start in getting your network marketing business on the right track.
Innumerable types of Business cards
By: Edgar | 06/11/2009A business card is a vital feature that can promote your business directly to your clients. Marketers often exchange cards to forward their contact details and to introduce their company. The professional presentation of card plays an essential role in establishing the brand image of your company. Distinctive and high quality card mirrors the image of the company. It indirectly projects the nature, vision and mission of an organization. Therefore, professional presentation of card brands your co
Boost Your Business with Exquisite Greeting Cards
By: Harsin | 05/11/2009Sending greeting cards to the prospective customers is a distinctive and best way to promote the business. An entrepreneur is able to establish an everlasting identity of a company in the minds of the prospective customers. A marketer can send cards on various occasions like during festive seasons.
How A Blog Can Help Build Your Network Marketing Business
By: Michael Cole | 05/11/2009A blog can be much more than just a platform to talk about your favorite subject. Read just a few of the many ways a blog can build your network marketing business to new heights.
Effective log management – A way to be compliant
By: Sudhakar | 05/11/2009OpExpert Log Aggregation Solution Helps to Manage High Volume Logs and Security Alerts, OpExpert includes an integrated Syslog server for receiving and processing these messages, can collect Windows Event Logs with the use of an agent.
Why Microsoft WebsiteSpark is perfect for small design and development firms?
By: Casey Cook | 05/10/2009 | Online BusinessThe Microsoft WebsiteSpark hosting program knocks down the barriers to entry for new design and development companies, giving them the technology they need to compete for SMB opportunities in the Windows Hosting platform arena without paying a dime in upfront costs.
What is hosted Exchange
By: Casey Cook | 27/08/2009 | Online BusinessIf you're worried that your business is at a disadvantage thanks to an outdated e-mail solution, you’re probably right. If you haven’t acted on those worries because of budgetary concerns, then outsourcing to a Hosted Exchange provider is the cost-effective answer.
Managed Windows Ddedicated Hosting - Why one should opt for?
By: Casey Cook | 13/08/2009 | Web HostingOne of the great debates in the IT industry is what operating system is best for managed dedicated web hosting and other network applications - Linux or Windows? When it comes to integration with existing business applications, powerful management tools in a familiar environment, and support for a wide range of applications and development platforms, Windows dedicated hosting is the right choice for many SMBs.
How to Compare Web Hosting Services
By: Casey Cook | 21/07/2009 | Small BusinessChoosing a web hosting service provider can be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Focus on the quality of support, partner and client lists, and a cohesive product offering, and you’ll be able to make the right decision for your company.
How to secure your web server?
By: Casey Cook | 09/07/2009 | Web HostingWhen considering how to best secure your web server, there are endless options. While it can be a daunting proposition, securing your web server doesn’t have to be complicated.
How to Hack proof your web server
By: Casey Cook | 07/07/2009 | NetworkingProtecting your server from being hacked is a serious concern requiring complete attention. In most cases you're going to need help, and if you've chosen your server provider carefully, you're going to have it.
Setting up a dedicated server? Essential things to know before
By: Casey Cook | 06/07/2009 | NetworkingWhether it's moving into that first dedicated server or changing dedicated server providers, it's a prospect that can give nightmare to even a seasoned IT professional.