We're almost at the end of a network and email server migration. We're moving the client from a Novell Netware system with Groupwise email to a Windows domain with Exchange 2010 email. While it's been quite a complex migration it has run smoothly for the most part and we're just tying up some loose ends.

Once of those loose ends is the network patch panel where the telephone and network cabling connects to various equipment in the server room. This one is going to be a massive job to tidy up, we've inherited a disasterous looking network patch panel from the client's previous IT provider. Have a look at the state of this:

We'll post some new photos once the tidy up is complete - unfortunately for the client, its going to take a considerable amount of downtime on a weekend and cost to rectify this poorly management patch panel.

Your server room should look neat and tidy to the naked eye - if your network cabling looks something like the photo above then its time to start asking your current IT provider some questions!