Simplifying IT Naming should be common place

Why does IT over complicate the nameing of  devices and Computers

Things in the computer world seem to be designed to cofuse the common user

• Names that make no sense seems to be a common practice

– Eg: cparacct100
– Eg: pparacctf2100
– Eg: spbraengfs100

Simple Names

• I have believed in the K.I.S.S philosophy
• I think this pertains well to IT since the bulk of users want simple solutions
• Even for yourself or a new person coming in to the department it makes sense

Simple Examples

• BRA_ACCT_COMP_1 – this is to find and easy to read you can tell quickly what it is with out a convoluted matrix

• BRA_ACCT_PRINT_1
• BRA_ACCT_C_PRINT_1 (C = Colour)
• The one thing you need to remember is people will know the printer closest to them

Server Names

• BRAENGFILES – Engineering Files
• BRAPDC – Main Login or Domain Controller
• BRABDC – Backup Domain Controller
• BRAPRINT – Print Server
• BRAINTERNET – Internet Server
• BRAEXCH – Exchange
• BRAGENFILES – General File Sever

• These are examples in a mid-large environment
Small Company Names

• COMPDC – Company DC
• COMPFILE – Company File Server
• COMPEXCH – Exchange Server

• In a small company one of the other machines will have a dual role ie. DC is typically also a print server as it is not taxed

Documentation Organization

Reasons for Organizing

• Ease of finding information for yourself and others
• Organization that makes logical sense
• Remember K.I.S.S (Keep it Simple Stupid)
• Eliminates un-needed duplication of files

– Why reinvent the wheel when it has already been invented.


At DCS we believe in keeping things simple for every user level
sales@duncanrealm.ca