Businesses of all sizes rely on technology to manage operations. As summer in the Pacific Northwest kicks into gear, the need to keep technology equipment cool is paramount.

How can a small organization without sophisticated infrastructure keep technology equipment cool? Here are a few tips from the City of Seattle’s Technology eZine Brainstorm:

• Get a thermometer. This is helpful to watch your network closet. Most Netgear, Linksys, D-link and other products can’t function over 104 degrees.
• Make sure the equipment is in a well-ventilated area.
• Do not stack your equipment.
• Turn off the equipment if not used. Most equipment generates heat 24/7 when on, and things overheat if left on in a hot room.
• Open the closet door if your equipment gets too hot.

Even though the outside temperature may be 80 or 90 degrees, equipment may already be over 100 degrees. A portable air-conditioning system or even a standard fan can help bring temperatures down. Don’t let the work that resides in your technology – and the business that your technology serves – get lost in the summer heat!

For more technology news and tips, look through the current issue of Brainstorm, or browse its archives.