So you need to move your data center.
Maybe you’ve outgrown your current data center capacity. Maybe you’re consolidating data centers into a more cost-effective location or as part of a merger.
Perhaps you’re just moving to a better location.
Whatever the reason, it’s time to move — but it’s a big job! It’s not like moving desks at the office! Moving all that sensitive equipment and information can be a daunting task that requires careful planning.
If you’ve got a data center to move, here are our top ten things to consider to make the relocation seamless and successful.
Top 10 Considerations for a Successful Data Center Relocation
1. Consider Your Contingency and Redundancy Plan
You know that old saying, “Hope for the best but prepare for the worst?”
It definitely applies to a data center relocation!
When you’re moving a data center, it’s very important to have protections and a plan in place in case there are any unexpected hiccups.
- Do you have backups of your data? If not, make sure to back up everything!
- Do you have a plan to respond to problems quickly if they happen?
A solid Contingency and Redundancy Plan can minimize downtime, protect your data against equipment failures, and help keep business operations during the move seamless.
An experienced data center relocation company can help you handle the logistics, securely transport sensitive IT equipment, and implement contingency plans to deal with any curveballs. Professional moving expertise can help ensure a smooth and secure transition, reducing stress and potential risks associated with the relocation of sensitive equipment.
At Appleton, we understand the scope and challenges of moving data centers because we’ve done it (many times!).
2. Consider How to Minimize Downtime
When you’re moving a data center, it’s vital to think about how to minimize downtime. Careful planning is key to avoiding financial hits during your relocation and keeping your service smooth.
In planning your move, consider the whens, hows, and what ifs.
- Have you broken the move up into phases to maintain business continuity?
- Are there off-hours (or weekends) when the move would be less disruptive?
- Do you have tools in place for real-time data syncing?
- Does your team know what to do during the move?
A well-thought-out plan can make moving your data center successful — without having to press the pause button on your operations.
3. Be Confident in Your (And Your Mover’s!) Security Measures
When you’re moving a data center, keeping things secure is a big deal to avoid headaches like data loss — or damage to your business’s reputation. In a data center relocation, think about both the physical and digital security.
- Can you ensure only authorized people can access your equipment and information?
- Do you have cybersecurity measures in place to protect your digital data during the move?
- Do the people handling your move have the training and clearance to handle your tech equipment?
At Appleton, our moving technicians have undergone background checks and have the security clearance and training to handle sensitive information and equipment.
We’re familiar with data compliance requirements, and we’ve gone through the necessary processes and training to comply with these standards.
4. Ask About Liability
Servers and storage area networks and generators and cooling systems, oh my! Data centers use lots of valuable (and sensitive) equipment!
In a data center relocation, it’s important to make sure your liability boxes are all checked.
- Does your moving partner have valuation coverage that matches your equipment’s value?
- Do you have a detailed inventory of your equipment?
- Do the people moving your equipment have the right tools and training to transport your tech?
When you’re moving your data center you definitely want to make sure equipment is properly disconnected/reconnected, packed, loaded, transported, and handled.
And when you choose a company like Appleton, you have the peace of mind that the liability i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed.
5. Consider Your Mover’s Certifications
In a data center relocation, it’s important to think about your mover’s certifications. Do the people moving your valuable equipment have the expertise for a successful move? Is the company committed to following industry standards?
When you’re moving a data center here in Texas, find a moving partner that has credentials and association memberships. You can find out if your mover is licensed and reputable by checking the TxDMV Database.
It’s also totally acceptable (and encouraged!) to ask your mover about their certifications. Find out more about how to check your potential mover’s qualifications in this blog post!
6. Evaluate Your Equipment
If you’re about to undertake a data center relocation, it’s a great opportunity to evaluate your current equipment before the move.
- Is it time to replace some of that old equipment instead of moving it?
- Will you need it in your new location?
- Will your current equipment fit in your new space?
- Will it need to be reconfigured to fit into the new space?
When old equipment is near the end of its lifecycle, isn’t compatible with your new infrastructure, or won’t be able to meet your business’s needs in the near future, it might be more cost effective to bid it farewell before the relocation.
Thinking these things through can help you be confident that everything you bring to your new location is needed. And a data center relocation expert (like Appleton) can help you with things like layout and reconfiguration.
7. Think About Building Access
For a successful data center move, it’s also important to consider access requirements.
- Are there day/night access restrictions?
- Does the facility have a loading dock or ground-level access?
- Are there raised floors or drop ceilings? What are the doorway heights?
- What’s the parking garage clearance?
Thinking through the details of the move, asking the right questions, and identifying potential problems is vital to having a successful data center relocation.
8. Consider Availability of Tech Support
Making sure you’ve got a skilled moving pro on hand during relocation is key. They handle equipment with finesse, solve problems on the fly, and coordinate seamlessly with your team. If anything unexpected comes up, having a pro ready to jump in ensures minimal downtime and a smooth transition. From setting up workspaces to dealing with unforeseen challenges, their expertise guarantees a stress-free move.
9. Will the Equipment Manufacturer be Available for Troubleshooting?
Equipment manufacturers know their products inside out and can help you fix issues quickly. And when you’re dealing with technology, you very well might need their help. But will they be available at the time of your move?
When you’re planning your data center relocation, think about factors that might limit tech support availability:
- Time zone differences
- Holidays and weekends
- Limited support hours
For a streamlined, stress-free data center relocation, make sure to consider these factors (and have contingency plans or local support in place to address them!).
10. Think Through Cooling and Energy Management
Maintaining the right temperature and humidity are important factors at a data center. The proper environment keeps equipment from overheating and protects the integrity of data.
But with doors opening and closing during a data center relocation, it can be difficult to maintain those conditions to keep equipment and data safe. And what about the temperature of the moving truck (or storage facility) during transport?
During a data center move, it’s important to consider airflow, cooling systems, and temperature monitoring. An experienced moving partner can help you think strategically about airflow, coordinate with HVAC techs, and monitor temperature to avoid fluctuations. Moving professionals (like our team at Appleton) can help you make sure everything is (literally and metaphorically) cool.
Helping You Think of Everything
When you’re moving your data center, there’s a lot to think through. But at Appleton, we’ve had years of experience and know what to expect during a data center relocation — and can handle every detail.
Is a data center relocation in your future? We’d love to help you have a seamless, stress-free move. Call us today to find out if we’re the right moving partner for your business.
