Business relocation is never a simple thing. It is complex, and the larger your company is, the more complicated it becomes. For companies with their own in-house data center, IT relocation poses a significant challenge. It goes well beyond just disconnecting workstations and servers, packing them on a truck and moving them to the new location. The wrong plans and procedures for a data center move can have disastrous results for your business. Here are 10 tips for moving your data center from pros who do it every day.
Know Downtime Limitations
Moving your data center means that the information contained on those workstations and servers will not be available during the relocation. Know your limitations here. How long can you go without access to that information? If this is a problem, you should consider relocating in stages to minimize the amount of downtime.
Prepare for the Power Load
Data center equipment is energy-intensive to operate. Make sure your new location has ample capacity for the load. You will need to measure and log each cabinet for space considerations, but you also need to know the number and amp draw for each element of the system.
Back It Up
This should be common sense, but it is surprising how many businesses fail to protect their key data assets, even before a move. Any information should be backed up and secured, generally in the cloud.
Map Dependencies
Dependency mapping is a vital element of any data center move. Know what can move when, what should not be moved before something else and what must be moved at the same time.
Develop App Move Plans
While servers can only be moved in a couple of different ways, your apps should move in ways specific to the teams using them. Devise a plan that ensures that if you turn off an app at “X” time, it will be available again by “Y” time. This kind of planning should be followed for all the apps in your business.
Plan Well Ahead
Moving your data center means that new installations and app development within your company must stop well before the move. Know when this should occur, leave plenty of time in the schedule for moving prep and the actual move itself.
Know the Cost per Server
Know how much the move will cost per server and have this information ahead of time. If you need to consolidate, do it before the move.
Replace Outdated Equipment
Moving is the ideal time to replace outdated equipment. Not only will you have newer, better performing equipment in the new location, but that is one more thing that does not have to be moved.
Work with the Right Company
Data center moves are complex and require a great deal of expertise. Do not leave it to chance. Work with a company with considerable experience in this area.
With these tips, you should find that your data center move is less daunting, and goes off without a hitch.