Key Choices when moving a Data Center

 

Moving a business computer infrastructure to a new location can be a stressful and dangerous event. The risk of having extended outages of your computer systems or servers that don’t come back online, can cause a company a huge loss of time and revenue. There are certain key choices that can minimize the risk and ease the angst of moving an office.


The first key choice for a business is to decide if they are going to do the move using internal resources or by utilizing external assistance. Moving is a time that internal IT resources are going to be pushed to the limit. While no one knows your infrastructure better than your own staff, these people are going to be required to assist with your key systems if there are unforeseen issues. By seeking a third party to assist, you can minimize the extra workload on your key personal. This results in more timely resolution of issues and a smoother migration.


The second choice is who you get to assist you in your migration. Some companies hire some extra hands to physically assist on the moving day or expect their removalists to provide technical assistance. Others might get assistance from their regular IT reseller. The problem with these approaches is that there is much more to be done than throwing extra people in the mix on movement day. Also resellers have at most only done a handful of office moves and are ill equipped to truly understand the complexities and planning required to successfully move a company’s computer infrastructure while minimizing downtime and reducing risk. A better option is to engage a company that specializes in business IT relocations.


Once an external organization that specializes in technology relocations has been chosen, a decision has to be made on what services the external company will provide and what services will be done internally. The key grouping of tasks that need to be resourced include

  1. Assessment of the requirements
  2. Project Management and task supervision
  3. Auditing and information gathering of existing infrastructure
  4. New site setup
  5. moving day assistance
  6. Post Move Support (commonly forgotten but essential)

 

Good technology relocation companies should be able handle relocations of a small computer room to a complete datacenter. The size and scope of a move depends on many factors and only a good technology relocation company will have the experience to plan the move so as to minimize downtime and reduce risk. Thankfully companies only move every 5 years on average. Engaging professionals will allow managers to sleep better at night and result in an exceptional moving experience.

 

E-mail: info@arrivaltech.com