"The checklist is one of the most high-powered productivity tools ever discovered.”

– Brian Tracy, Leadership Coach

It holds in every business process, data center migration included. Investing time and resources in creating a data center relocation plan can help make the transition smooth and efficient.

Remember that a data center migration requires the transfer of a massive volume of data at a given time.

So, let’s begin prepping for data center migration.

If the data center is too small, it might not meet current or future business needs; too big, and capital gets wasted in the unused space. It’s important that your facility offers capacity for growth yet optimizes utilization as setting up a data center can cost millions.

Before the Move

• Develop a day-of plan that includes timelines, roles, and contact information for migration team members.

• Move in phases if needed to limit the impact on critical resources and applications.

• Figure out if you need a migration service.

• Visit the new site and get familiar with the space including the locations of entrances and doorways. And ensure that all required team members have access (including security clearance) to the site.

• Check if everything works at the new site. That means check all doorknobs and cabinets too because you don’t want to do all this after migration.

• Document installation instructions for each device, including location.

• Ensure all cabling and other equipment needed for installation is provided.

• Configure and install some of the hardware like rail kits as well as rack power distribution and environmental sensors before the move.

• Document all of the equipment for inventory before they are unplugged and taken down to the loading dock. Check on items that can have their warranty affected when transferred to a different location.

• Ensure everyone has access to the move plan or work order that depicts exactly what cabinet, network cables, power cables, rack PDU outlets, and panels will be used for each device.

On the day of the move

• Track migration progress to ensure the migration will be completed on time.

• Servers require extra care during transport as they are sensitive to electrostatic discharge and other environmental conditions such as temperature, magnetic fields, and shock, so ensure the personnel is handling the equipment with care.

• Be prepared to adapt if there are changes at the site.

• Test, test, test. Complete the system testing to ensure all devices and applications have been successfully migrated. Perform functional testing, performance testing, and other types of tests based on the type of workload.

After the Move

• Ensure the power data and systems are back online.

• Conduct a spot audit to ensure equipment is installed and connected as per the requirements.

• Dispose or decommission old equipment if necessary.

• Take a minute or two to review the migration. Did the items arrive according to schedule?

The data center migration is considered a success if everything works smoothly, nothing went misplaced, and daily operations were not disrupted. Having the right expert guide you through the migration also helps.

Is there scope for Improvement?

Hardy Racks offers services in installation, customization, and optimization of data center enclosures and accessories. Call us to consult with our data center migration experts.