WHAT DOES DATA CENTER RELOCATION ENTAIL, AND WHY IS IT MORE THAN JUST MOVING EQUIPMENT?
Data center relocation involves moving IT assets like servers and network equipment from one data center location to another. It may also be referred to as data center migration.
Because the collection, storage, and analysis of data and connectivity are critical to most modern organizations, data center relocation can be a finicky and complicated process. The outcome of a data center migration is often critical to the successful operation of the company, so nailing the coordination of efforts across multiple departments and vendors is key.
HOW DOES PROPER PLANNING AND STRATEGY CONTRIBUTE TO A SUCCESSFUL DATA CENTER MIGRATION?
There are many things to consider when you’re planning a data center migration. Some of those considerations are listed below.
IS THE NEW DATA CENTER UP TO PAR?
Whether your data center migration is due to the company moving, the need for more space, a reduced need for space, or simply moving to take advantage of tax breaks for data centers in states that are friendlier towards them, the new data center infrastructure must be up to par. It should have the right amount of space, the right power requirements, the right HVAC, and more.
Security is also another concern that should be considered before and during the move. Is there physical security like gates, guards, or coded doors? What will those security measures mean for the team moving equipment in? Clearance should be arranged in advance to ensure equipment can be quickly and safely delivered to the new data center. Identifying risks ahead of time will go a long way toward a successful move.
SENSITIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIRES SENSITIVE LOGISTICS
When you’re moving equipment that’s critical to operations and may be easily damaged, you can’t hire just any mover to get the job done. It’s important to hire a logistics provider with experience in data center relocation, one who understands how to handle the equipment and ensure safe delivery on time and in full.
The first step in the data center relocation logistics process involves inventorying the equipment that will be moved. It also involves ensuring any additional equipment and cabling will be ready at the new site upon delivery of the data center equipment.
BACKUP PLANS ARE AS IMPORTANT TO CONSIDER AS PLAN A
Data center migration opens a company up to a lot of risks. What if the move doesn’t go off exactly as planned? Will hindered data center operations mean company operations can’t continue? It’s important to have a backup plan and to test that backup plan before the data center relocation takes place.
Start by auditing data to get rid of anything extraneous or duplicative on the servers. Make sure you have backups for all operating systems and software systems stored on the servers. Double-check that all backup data and software are functioning before the move, as well.
HOW MUCH DOWNTIME IS THIS MOVE GOING TO COST?
It’s almost inevitable that a data center migration will cause downtime. Almost every company relies on internet connectivity and the data and software stored on their servers. When equipment is unplugged and removed from the original data center to be moved to the new site, as well as when the new equipment is being installed, will likely result in downtime to some degree. This may be minimized by holding onto critical data and software at the original location to keep operations running.
If the move has been well coordinated and goes off without a hitch, downtime minimization is certainly possible. To accomplish minimal downtime, the new data center infrastructure should already be in place before the bulk of the electronic equipment is moved. This means the wiring is already set up and the servers are ready to plug and play, so to speak.
The move itself plays a big role in downtime minimization, as well. The pickup, safe handling, and delivery of sensitive equipment can be difficult to coordinate, so many companies opt to use a logistics company that specializes in white glove handling and data center relocations.
WHAT ARE THE KEY CHALLENGES AND RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DATA CENTER RELOCATION?
Data center relocation can be a tricky process and a lot is riding on a successful relocation. Both the company itself and any vendors working on the project, like logistics partners, will face risks and challenges such as:
- Tedious and complicated prep work
- Complicated project management
- Potential downtime
- Configuration difficulties
WHAT ROLE DOES IT ASSET MANAGEMENT AND INVENTORY TRACKING PLAY IN A DATA CENTER MIGRATION PROJECT?
When equipment that is critical to operations, such as data processing equipment, is being moved from one data center to another, coordination of efforts is key. To achieve this, the IT asset management team should work together with logistics providers experienced in data center relocation to ensure a smooth transition.
An experienced logistics provider will likely use advanced inventory tracking methods to ensure equipment is getting where it needs to go, when it needs to get there, and ensure factors that might stall timely delivery are accounted for. A solid logistics partner will also help with risk management, helping find the right type of insurance to make sure all equipment and labor are accounted for in the policy. On-time IT equipment moving is critical to downtime minimization.
HOW DO SEKO LOGISTICS’ DATA CENTER RELOCATION SERVICES HELP BUSINESSES ACHIEVE A SEAMLESS AND EFFICIENT MIGRATION PROCESS?
SEKO Logistics offers white glove services for specialized technology like racks for server relocation. With customizable logistics offerings that ensure all our customers’ needs are met, we employ leading-edge tracking technology so customers can follow their shipment from one data center to the next. Thinking of hiring a logistics partner to help with your data center migration? Reach out to the team at SEKO here with inquiries.
