This tool is available online from Compaq’s Web site and as a stand-alone application for download, although the online version is probably a better choice since it stays current with Compaq hardware.

These utilities are aimed more at designing new solutions, but they can help you document your equipment as well.Ĭompaq Rack Builder Online is a Web-based tool that will allow you to select a Compaq rack, add Compaq equipment, and create a visual display of your equipment. We will take a look at three of these tools: Some of these tools are Web-based and some are applications you install. Your equipment manufacturer may provide tools to help you diagram your rack equipment-good news for those of you with deep brand loyalty. Now let’s take a look at some vendor tools that can assist in the process of designing and documenting your racks. Figure A shows a preview of the rack diagram.Īfter you open the stencil, you can customize the diagram for your rack server environment. Many items from Visio’s PC & Peripherals, Network Devices, and General Manufacturer Equipment stencils also have the correct size ratio to be placed into the rack. My Visio rack diagram contains a sample 34U rack with objects from the custom stencil, as well as some Visio default items. It would be worthwhile to label your rack in the same manner. The cabinets also provide you with a number to denote the position.

Rack-mounted keyboard/mouse trays, monitors, and KVM pop-ups.

Generic rack servers in heights of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6U.The stencil (.vss file) contains common items that are used in rack environments. My Visio diagram and the custom stencil are available for free download. In this article, I’ll introduce some elements used in this diagram and discuss a few of the software solutions for documenting rack equipment that are offered by popular server vendors Compaq, IBM, and Dell. Today, however, organizations across the board are finding that rack servers are a good fit for their IT environment.īecause working with rack servers demands some special design considerations, I created a Visio diagram and a custom stencil to help you plan and document your rack equipment. Historically, rack hardware was reserved for the largest IT enterprises and service providers. Provide a visual picture of your rack equipment so you will be better equipped to handle change and transfer knowledge within your IT department. Get It Done: Use Visio to diagram your rack server equipment

Visio rack stencils audio visual