There is no doubt that moving your servers to a data center is costly and high-risk. There is nothing more frustrating than high server relocation costs, data loss, security risks, and employee downtime. I’ve included 5 expert tips for moving your server(s) to a data center.
Key factors to a successful data center relocation are preparation and experience. You will need to coordinate proper shutdown, de-racking, server packing, shipping preparation, re-racking, and create a thorough testing plan. If you don’t have the internal personnel to execute these tasks properly, find a trained certified partner who can help. In the meantime, here are 5 tips from our expert IT Project Managers to help with a stress-free server-moving experience:
Expert Tip #1 – Create a Server Room Inventory List
Perform a thorough audit/review of the equipment in your server room(s). This helps you recognize critical machines that will need to be moved first and understand the rest of the equipment that is dependent on those machines. This will also let you decide which machines need to be upgraded, decommissioned, or replaced during your server relocation.
Expert Tip #2 – Prioritize Data Backups and Testing
Data backups are crucial, but don’t stop at mere backups. Test them rigorously to ensure data integrity. Having a mirror backup a few weeks before the move provides a safety net. Be sure to back up all data shortly before the actual move for extra security.
Expert Tip #3 – Utilize Proper Server Packing and Labeling Materials
Accurate labeling is paramount to prevent installation errors. Safeguard your equipment and cables with anti-static bubble-wrapped pouches and clear, detailed labeling for each server blade or rack.
Expert Tip #4 – Strategize Equipment Movement
Minimize employee downtime by scheduling the IT/server relocation during off-hours or weekends. Prioritize the order in which IT equipment should be moved, ensuring a swift transition. Consider a “Hot Truck” service to expedite the transportation of mission-critical equipment.
Expert Tip #5 – Prepare Your Mover
To ensure a smooth move, assess whether your current equipment fits in the new space and secure an exclusive elevator and path from the loading dock to the data center cage. Power down servers early to allow for cooling and movement. Consider factors such as rack or de-rack relocation, server room complexity, load/unload plans, device location tracking, and on-site PC technician assistance.
For further guidance and assistance with your server relocation project, fill out the form to speak to one of our experts. Don’t let the challenges of server relocation overwhelm you—make your move to a data center stress-free and efficient with these expert tips.
Key items to consider:
- Are your servers being moved in the rack or de-racked?
- If the rack is being moved full (servers intact), has the travel path been verified to ensure the items fit in and out of the buildings without tilting the rack?
- How long will it take you to power down the servers and related components? This process can take minutes to hours depending on your server room complexity.
- What’s your server relocation load and unload plan?
- Can you immediately find any device on the truck or in the staging areas at any time during the move?
- Is your mover providing Disconnect/Reconnect services for your desktop units?
- Do you want the mover PC Technicians on-site to assist you with this process?
For further guidance and assistance with your server relocation project, fill out this form to speak to an expert. Don’t let the challenges of server relocation overwhelm you—make your move to a data center stress-free and efficient with these expert tips.