A data centre relocation is often mistaken for data centre migration. Although relocation is technically a type of migration, a data centre relocation involves the process of physically moving the data infrastructure to a new location. Considered one of the most challenging forms of migration, relocating a data centre can be daunting and costly due to the fact that extensive planning and identifying requirements are critical for a relocation to be successful.
In this blog, we will explore the challenges faced by companies trying to relocate their data centres and outline six important steps people should take to avoid disaster in this process.
The Key Challenges Involved In Data Centre Relocations
Data centre relocations present distinct challenges that are inherently tied to their specific infrastructure and the geographical location involved. A number of issues tend to arise for businesses in such scenarios:
Hidden Intricacies
Despite having a large IT team, an organisation’s staff may lack substantial knowledge in dealing with the complexities of setting up and maintaining back-end technology within data centres. Data centre infrastructure equipment is extremely fragile, and any mishandling during a breakdown, transportation, offloading, positioning, or storage can have a significant impact on its future functionality. Besides, inadequate inventory management can also pose a massive challenge during the migration process.
Planning
The intricate process of planning can be a hurdle during a data centre relocation. The need for precise preparation cannot be overlooked since it entails accommodating the significant workload and enormous strain that a data centre relocation imposes on equipment and system operation. A well-executed shift is dependent on thorough preparation that considers every facet of the transition.
Downtime & Uptime
Because data centre infrastructure is a complex network of interconnected servers and systems, planning for server or application downtime is critical to minimising the impact on employees and customers alike. Furthermore, relocation planning and post-relocation testing might take longer. To minimise downtime, it is critical to account for the additional demand on workers and internal systems.
6 Important Steps To Avoiding Disaster
1. Build Your Team
A data centre relocation involves multiple distinct departments working together, each focusing on a different aspect of the project. That is why it is critical to form a project management team with individuals accountable for significant tasks and an overall project lead who can assure accountability from the initial site audit to the final cable installation.
2. Conduct a Comprehensive Assessment
Conducting a thorough assessment of the current infrastructure and requirements is a critical part of the data centre relocation project plan. This entails evaluating the existing hardware, software, networking components, and storage systems to identify potential challenges and risks. By building a solid initial plan, you will gain a clear understanding of the current state of the data centre, allowing you to coordinate your goals and resources and develop effective strategies for the relocation process.
3. Ensure Data Integrity and Security
Backups should be routinely performed, but before the relocation, they should be done and tested to ensure that the last good mirror in your volume group is good. Only after testing can you ensure your backup and build servers are ready to go in the new data centre. Additionally, stringent security measures must be in place to protect sensitive information during the physical relocation, including encryption, access controls, and monitoring mechanisms.
4. Inventory is Essential
Understand your current environment as well as the one you’re relocating to before developing a data centre relocation plan. To obtain such a comprehensive picture, create a full inventory of your assets, which should include, but is not limited to, the following:
• Infrastructure and architecture for data.
• Unstructured, structured, critical, sensitive, and raw data are all preserved.
• Every piece of hardware and software.
• Every application.
• All workloads and users combined.
• Maps of networks.
• Configurations and interdependence.
• Endpoints and peripheral data devices are included in the security environment and perimeter.
5. Execute the Offloading and Positioning with Care and Precision
The execution phase of the data centre relocation demands careful coordination and precision. Logistics, such as equipment transportation, storage, offloading, and positioning, should be meticulously planned to minimise potential risks and disruptions. Therefore, working with a specialist in this type of relocation service, such as the Cronin Mover’s Group, is critical to the project’s success.
6. Test and Validate the New Data Centre Environment
Once you have your data centre relocated to the new facilities, after all the planning and careful and precise work that has been done, it’s time to test and validate the environment. At this point, if all the previous steps were followed, this last step should be the conclusion of a successful project.
Ensure Coordination & Precision in the Last Mile of Your Data Centre Relocation
Cronin Mover’s Group experienced high-tech team are experts in operating to the strictest protocols to maintain the security and integrity of data centre equipment. In a scenario where collaboration with stakeholders is key to managing the delivery, offloading, assembly and positioning of IT server racks, battery cabinets and supporting equipment onsite, we do just that.
Learn more about our data centre offloading and positioning services.