(August 10) Moving a data center can be a stressful process. Not only do you have to manage a large-scale shift of equipment and software to a new location, you also have to make sure you aren’t impacting the productivity of employees at your current facility. And once everything arrives at the location, the installation and implementation of solutions is a seemingly insurmountable task in its own right. Fortunately, you can take some steps to ease the pressure of moving your data center by stressing the importance of planning, seeking help when needed, and upgrading your systems whenever necessary to ensure your new data center performs even better than your previous one.
✔Plan, Plan, Plan
For the data center move to go as smoothly as possible, it’s important to set up an in-depth plan that takes every possible facet of the move into consideration. “A data center relocation can be best described as a controlled disaster that involves high risk and requires a minute-to-minute plan for execution,” says Melanie Davy, senior research analyst for Info-Tech Research Group. “Organizations should start by assessing upgrade opportunities to de-clutter the move. Upgraded or refreshed equipment can be
installed directly in the new facility shortly before the move— instead of taking it with you—and decrease the risk of moving certain equipment.”