Important Keys For A Successful Data Center Relocation

There can be many reasons for an organization to relocate its data centre like a requirement for bigger space, improved storage capacity, enhanced security, partnership, etc. Data centre relocation is not just about moving the equipment and servers and plugging them on the new site. It requires meticulous planning to make sure the important data is not lost, and expensive IT equipment is not damaged. Mentioned below are some key points to keep in mind while relocating a data centre. 

Plan meticulously

 No activity can be carried out smoothly without correct planning. Planning is the most important step of the data relocation process, and it is advisable to spend 85% of your efforts in this. While relocating your data centre think of each step well in advance and plan accordingly. Make sure you correctly understand the positioning of every equipment and hardware. Also, make a note of which software and application run on each of them.

Keep the contingencies in mind

There are a lot of things that can go wrong while relocating your data centre like damage to equipment, network interruptions, broken inter-dependencies, shortage of time, etc. You cannot control these events; hence it is better to be prepared for them. Think about your action plan well in advance to be able to act appropriately in case something goes wrong. It is also advisable to create a data back before you start relocating.

Assign a relocation manager

Do you think it is getting too much for you to handle? You can simply appoint a relocation manager who can liaise between all the departments and ease the process. The relocation manager can be the first point of contact and designate roles and responsibilities to other employers. You can assign a highly technologically skilled person from your existing workforce as the manager or find somebody from the outside.

Cost-benefit planning

You might not want to spend a lot of money in the process of data centre relocation. Along with meticulous planning, cost benefiting planning should also be part of the strategy. Calculate the cost of relocating or migrating of all the equipment during the planning phase and then try to adjust the finances accordingly. You can also reduce latency and cost by not moving all the servers together but by how they are used. In phase 1 move all the servers which are used together and then in phase 2, plan to move the other group. This will save money and also make the process of relocation more organized.

Replace the old equipment

Not everything has to be relocated. Take advantage of the opportunity and replace the equipment which is old, broken or has stopped functioning correctly. The relocation will allow you to review the status of each equipment, server and decide accordingly. It will be easier to get new equipment shipped to the new location rather than moving the older one there.