5 Best Practices to Avoid Data Center Relocation Disaster
Many CEOs and business owners think data center relocation involves the simple process of unplugging of a few servers, some careful packaging, and a secure shipment to the next location. IT professionals know that it’s actually a lot more complicated than that.
Successful data center migrations involve detailed documentation, well-planned logistics, and sufficient resources to allow everything to move forward without a hitch. If unexpected problems arise that can’t be solved quickly and efficiently, a business’s productivity, profitability, and data security—and sometimes the entire business operation—is at risk.
In this article, Chris Alberding of Fair Point Communications discusses the risks that accompany data center relocation, and the best practices that businesses can use to mitigate those risks.
Read the complete article here: http://blog.fairpoint.com/data-center-services/best-practices-for-data-center-relocation/ and follow these best practices for a seamless migration experience:
Best Practices for Mitigating Risk During Data Center Relocation
1. Form a Competent Team for Every Step
Building a reliable team with the right expertise is your foundational step towards a successful data center relocation. Each phase of the process, from planning to execution, demands specific skills. Include network specialists, hardware experts, project managers, and facilities personnel. Their collective skills ensure that no aspect is overlooked, preventing potential pitfalls.
2. Document Every Detail, No Matter How Small
During a data center relocation, documentation is your guiding light. Create an extensive inventory of all hardware, software, applications, and configurations before dismantling anything. This documentation should include detailed information about interconnections, dependencies, and specific settings. This practice ensures that nothing gets lost in transition and that you have a clear blueprint to recreate your infrastructure at the new location.
3. Establish Logistics Well in Advance:
Relocating a data center is like orchestrating a symphony. Plan your move meticulously by considering every logistical aspect. This includes factors like transportation, power requirements, cabling, cooling, and physical security at the new location. Lack of proper logistics planning can lead to delays, hiccups, or even potential disasters.
4. Allocate Sufficient Resources:
A data center relocation is resource-intensive. Trying to cut corners here can lead to major setbacks. Assign ample budget, time, and personnel to the project. Make sure your team has the necessary skills and isn’t stretched thin, jeopardizing both the relocation and day-to-day operations.
5. Keep Lines of Communication Open:
In a data center relocation, communication is more than just ensuring everybody’s on the same page. It's about transparency, especially with executive management. Regularly update stakeholders on progress, setbacks, and potential challenges. Open lines of communication ensure that decisions are informed and, if needed, course corrections can be made in a timely manner.
A thorough, well-planned data center relocation plan will consider the nuances of application migration on app performance—before and after the relocation—by incorporating network emulation and testing into the process.
Organizations that want to get a better idea of how their network will perform in a new data center location should consider evaluating their critical applications with a network emulation tool—before investing in a complicated move with its associated relocation, setup, and optimization costs—and after the relocation is complete.
If you’re looking for a way to test your business’ critical apps and functionality to streamline and secure your data center migration, check out the Maxwell family of network emulators for simulating variable network conditions right from the comfort of your own office. Download our whitepaper to understand how apps perform on the network, even under adverse network conditions.