7 Tips for Data Center Relocation

7 Tips for Data Center Relocation
By Shannon F

Moving the contents of a data center-the building dedicated to storing and protecting your servers, and effectively all of your business's information-can be a daunting task. Luckily, there are some simple steps that can keep you on track as you prepare for to relocate your data center and avoid a disastrous network failure.

Create a budget estimate. Meet with upper management and IT experts to estimate the cost of data center relocation. Before you finalize this figure, make sure that your IT service providers or movers agree that this is a realistic budget for the timeframe allotted. If the budget is too small, it will limit the amount of resources the movers and IT specialists have to complete the job and will likely lead to delays and mistakes. Save yourself the stress with a realistic budget first and foremost.

Form a data recovery plan. In case a disaster does occur, such as a backup failure or power outage, make sure the appropriate data recovery plans are in place. Prioritize which type of disaster would be the most damaging, and create a strategy for each as you prepare for your data center move. If servers are down, what data will your company need to stay operational? If the business is shut down from a data center failure, how long can it afford to remain closed? Asking yourself these types of questions will help you organize what threats are greatest to your servers and allow your IT staff to create the most effective data recovery plan.

Inform staff and service providers. Make sure your staff knows about the move and any responsibilities they may have to assist in that move. Service providers should also be informed as well if the relocation affects their services.

Create an inventory. Note the serial number's of all hardware and software and label them for moving. It is important to note equipment condition, weight, and size as well as this information will help guide the movers.

Make sure your equipment is covered. Check with the movers or manufacturers of your equipment that any and all warranties or insurance are in place. You want to ensure that in the event of an accident, your equipment will be replaced in full.

Backup data. This is perhaps the most critical step of the relocation. Data must be backed up to ensure that, in the case of data recovery failure, there is a repository where that same data has been stored. Test these backups repeatedly before the move to ensure that they are working.

Review new data center. As you evaluate the new data center, you want to make sure the cabling, power, cooling, and security are adequate. Make sure all the requirements of your equipment are met, and correct any discrepancies before the move.

These are the major considerations and prep you need to cover before you relocate your data center. They key thing is to consult with an expert and always test and retest your data backup and recovery plan. With this guide, you can begin to prepare for all major and minor mishaps and avoid a data center move disaster!

If you have more questions about data center moving, check out MoveMyBiz.com's free IT resources at http://www.movemybiz.com/it/it-relocation.

Or check out our comprehensive eLibrary, filled with absolutely free articles, guides, and checklists to help make your office move easy and stress-free!

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