Choosing a name for your home WiFi network or servers can be a fun opportunity for those who are tech-savvy. From humorous WiFi network names like “TellMyWifiLoveHer” to server names inspired by Greek gods or Star Trek characters, the naming tradition has always been a creative one.
While funny server naming conventions can be entertaining in smaller organizations, the challenge arises as the number of servers grows. With the rise of cloud computing and virtual servers, it becomes essential to establish a proper server naming scheme for efficient IT asset management.
Having a consistent server naming convention is crucial for effective IT asset management practices. By incorporating notations for production, testing, location, and other relevant information in the server names, IT teams can easily identify and manage servers without the need for additional tools or software.
Types of servers
Whether it’s a web server, mail server, DNS, database server, FTP, version control software server, monitoring server, or application server, understanding the unique role and requirements of each server type is essential in designing an intuitive naming scheme for your IT infrastructure.
Server naming conventions
Apart from ensuring a sufficient supply of names, utilizing a standard naming convention offers several benefits for organizations. Random names may be amusing but lack functionality and consistency. A standardized naming convention facilitates easy identification and management of servers, enhancing organization and efficiency within the IT environment.
Consistent naming conventions also promote stability and standardization across various IT disciplines, including domain controllers, DNS references, and credentials.
Consider the following best practices when naming your servers:
1. Consider your unique requirements
Develop a naming convention tailored to your organization’s server functions and workflow, ensuring that the names provide relevant information for quick identification.
2. Keep it short
Maintain brevity in server names to facilitate easy communication and avoid lengthy, cumbersome names.
3. Make it informative and readable
Include details such as disk space, IP address, or server roles in the names to convey essential information at a glance.
4. Make it easy to type or discuss
Avoid confusing characters and inconsistent letter cases in server names to ensure clear communication, especially during verbal exchanges.
5. Ensure scalability
Create a naming convention that can accommodate future system expansions without the need for frequent changes or adjustments.
6. Avoid name reuse
Prevent confusion and duplicates by refraining from reusing server names, even after decommissioning a particular server.
7. Establish a well-defined naming standard
Implement a clear and consistent naming standard organization-wide to promote uniformity and ease of server management.
When naming servers, keep it short and create a key for all the information you’re adding. For example, use
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
The speedy brown fox leaps over the lethargic dog.
