How Have You Equipped a Tiny Server Closet?

BenEnglishAtHome asks: "One of our remote offices will soon be gutted/rebuilt and our local IT staff managed to fumble the political ball. Our server closet is being reduced to 45 square feet and there will be no more unused desk space that can be occupied by visiting techs. Result? That 45 square feet must house 3 desktop-size servers; 3 UPSs; a fully-adjustable user workstation that includes separate adjustments for work surface height, keyboard height, and keyboard angle as well as a big ergo chair; an area suitable for workstation diagnostics; a good KVM switch; 2 monitors, keyboards, mice, and laptop docking stations that must be simultaneously available; and some amount of small item storage, while still having enough room for a door to swing into the roughly square room. The only bright side is that I can have all the A/C, power, and LAN drops I want. Has anyone managed to find and deploy a freestanding server rack/workstation/furniture system (probably something L-shaped) that can perform this many tasks in such a small space?"

Comments

Another recommendation

[LiquidCoooled]

I would store the servers outside the closet and convert the closet into a fully stocked bar.
By piping the A/C through, you can keep your beverages at a perfect temperature.

If you have any remaining space, you could install a dockable sweet trolley to take your refreshments mobile.

If your boss asks, just tell him your servers were claustrophobic.

Huh???

[Black Parrot]

I've heard of "earth closet" and "water closet", but I'm aghast at the idea of a "server closet".

All the same, I'd equip it with toilet paper and hand soap, just like the others.

Re:Huh???

[cptgrudge]

Well, it's pretty simple. This is where you put your POS servers. Granted, they won't go away, but maybe they'll be bricked up behind a wall?

I think I speak for everyone...

[isecore]

... when I say: "my home is my server closet!"

hey, it works the other way around as well. Now, where'd I put that CAT-6 cable...

We have a server closet

[dtfinch]

Roughly same dimensions. 8 systems. 3 24 port switches. And a security system with a monitor that can't be turned off independently.

I've mentioned several times that it'll all go to hell when the small single room household A/C dies. They won't even approve my offsite backup plans. There is a backup server, but it too is in the server closet. They even had a heating vent going into the server closet until I convinced them to seal it this last winter, after it reached the 90's during the coldest time of year.

The thing gives me nightmares. I imagine the A/C failing, the servers dying, and the room catching fire and taking the building with it.

Re:We have a server closet

[plover]

The thing gives me nightmares. I imagine the A/C failing, the servers dying, and the room catching fire and taking the building with it.

But... wouldn't that be your dream come true? :P

No, they decided it was easier just to give him back his stapler.

Zero footprint server room

[symbolset]

Plant them on some users' desktops and tell them they got an upgrade. Then remote in.

That leaves you 45sq ft, which is a nice space for a cot when you need quiet time. It sounds like you're going to need a lot of quiet time.

pffft, sissies

[DNAspark99]

what's all this 'ergonomic seating and laptop docks'... all I need to admin my servers is a ssh connection, a cup of coffee, and a toilet.