Managing Data Center Relocations to Minimize Disruption and Risk

Relocating a data center is no small task. Mid-size and large companies often depend on technical infrastructure for day-to-day business operations. Moving such a critical component can profoundly impact operations and introduce significant risks if not managed properly. This article offers practical guidance for minimizing disruption and risk during a data center relocation.

Plan Meticulously from the Outset

Before a single piece of hardware is unplugged, meticulous planning is crucial. Ownership of migrating the data center should reside with the IT leadership. The process begins with a comprehensive audit of your current data center resources, including hardware, software applications, connectivity requirements, and dependencies. As part of the plan, identify the key personnel and their roles in the relocation. One key role for every IT relocation is that of a dedicated project manager or relocation specialist who oversees it. Establish a timeline detailing each phase from initial planning through to post-move verification.

Evaluate and Plan the Right Site

Selecting the appropriate location for your new data center is a critical decision that will affect your business for years to come. During this evaluation phase, consider factors such as geographic location, power and cooling capabilities, physical security, and proximity to existing corporate offices. Regulatory compliance and potential environmental threats also need to be considered.

As with any business relocation, you must configure the site before installing the equipment. Pre-move changes must be made to everything from flooring and cooling to electrical and security. The timeline for these changes will impact a location’s suitability.

Develop a Detailed Relocation Strategy

Your relocation strategy should include an inventory of all equipment, a floor plan of the new facility, and a systems recovery plan. Creating a configuration map showing server arrangements and cabling plans is also essential. Develop contingency plans to address potential unexpected issues to reduce time lost during unforeseen interruptions.

Engage All Stakeholders

Communication is key to a successful relocation. The project manager plays a critical role in keeping all stakeholders alerted and informed throughout the planning and execution phases. This includes IT staff, departmental heads, vendors, and executive leadership. Their involvement can provide valuable insights, especially regarding mission-critical applications that must remain operational during the transition.

Test for Continuity and Reliability

To minimize risk, test the new site’s infrastructure and operational reliability in advance. Execute rigorous testing procedures to verify power supply stability, server performance, and data connectivity. Conduct preliminary systems tests to ensure they can withstand anticipated workloads. This includes checking disaster recovery plans and conducting drills to predict potential failures.

Plan the Execution

On the day(s) of the move, the project manager will maintain and share a checklist of tasks and communicate with the assigned personnel to ensure the plan is executed. The plan should coordinate equipment shutdowns and transfers in stages to minimize downtime. Devices should be prioritized based on their impact on operations, with the most vital systems brought online first. Post-move, definitive system checks will confirm full functionality.

The final steps involve user testing. A plan must be developed to work through processes with the live system, ensuring performance meets expectations or making adjustments quickly if it does not. The data center relocation project can be considered complete once all systems have passed their respective tests.

Review and Optimize Post-Relocation

Once the move is complete, a thorough review of the relocation process is necessary. Identify any areas for improvement and document lessons learned for future moves. Post-relocation also presents an opportunity to optimize the new system layout for greater efficiency and scalability.

Any organization’s data center relocation is a significant undertaking. However, with careful planning, stakeholder engagement, and methodical execution, minimizing disruption and mitigating risks is possible. By approaching each step strategically, companies can transition smoothly and ensure their operations remain robust and resilient in their new location.