Has the moment finally arrived for your organization’s data center relocation? Whether driven by a merger, organizational expansion, regulatory requirements, or a physical move from one location to another, the need to relocate a data center can be a daunting prospect. It is a process that requires systematic planning and careful execution. The best place to start is with a comprehensive review of the most effective data center migration strategies.
A data center migration, or relocation, is the process of moving or transferring an existing data center environment to a new site, facility, or IT infrastructure. The move can involve select assets or an entire data center. Whatever scope or format data center migrations take, successful transition begins with a discovery and planning phase. Assemble a team of cross-departmental stakeholders and consider:
Throughout this early phase, caution and scrutiny are essential. The most common, and costly, mistake is to inaccurately evaluate data devices and their associated applications, resulting in system downtimes and business disruptions that can derail budgets and operations well beyond the relocation process.
As with any physical move, the most successful relocating data center process will be the result of careful preparation: a detailed project plan, clear communication of requirements, and the right resources to complete each step. If the migration requires transporting fragile hardware, or is particularly complex in its scope, it may be most effective to utilize an experienced and skilled external team.
The select team, whether internal or external, should be well-versed in the particulars of a data center move, including a firm understanding of the need for each device to be tested for points of failure and data backed up before any equipment is moved or handled. It must have the ability to secure all devices and data while in transit, with steps taken to minimize the risk of damage, loss, or theft. And it should ensure the unpacking and reinstallation of all equipment at the new location will support a quick and efficient restart of system setups to minimize disruptions.
Review this checklist to determine your organization’s readiness and begin crafting the data center migration strategy that’s right for you:
Data center migration is a critical phase for any organization. It is also an exciting one, as it indicates a new threshold of growth through improved productivity, efficiency, agility, and scalability. The right planning and the right partnership for achieving an efficient, effective transition make for an empowering step forward in infrastructure and opportunity.
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