Low level disk cabinets
ICL Launched a low level mainframe in the 80's. Shortly after rolling out the first few machines we started receiving automated alerts of disk drives switching repeatedly from channel A to B and back repetitively.
This indicated a serious issue with the disk controller cards and the error logs being transmitted back showed large numbers of failed reads and writes but the disk controller, the disks themselves and the optical controller which managed communications between them passed all diagnostic tests. We swapped out components on several machines (a hideous job due to poor internal design) but nothing made any difference. One evening an engineer was working on site when he noticed te cleaner enter the data centre and proceed to polish everything in view. The disk interface switches were on a bevel on the edge of the desk high cabinet, the cleaners cloth was catching the stalk switches with every wipe.
The company had to design a perspex cover which covered the entire edge of the cabinet to resolve the issue. As an aside the lower level cabinets were not well liked as they took up so much floor space and a cabinet stacking system was produced to save space.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
