8/7/2019 Data Center Relocation Methodology
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Know where you're starting from. Begin preparations with a
comprehensive review and survey of the current data center
environment. This assessment should identify and document the
organization's technical and business requirements and priorities.
Ultimately, you want to determine the key services the data center
provides, establish business priorities and identify any planning
and budgeting constraints for the data center relocation.Design the
move strategy. Prioritize business services, establish acceptable
down
time parameters, and determine the hardware, application, and
technology requirements for a non-disruptive move. During this
stage the organization also shouldassess potential risks and
prepare contingency plans to mitigate possible problems. Advanced
Systems Group, a relocation service provider, prefers to identify
at least three migration options, just in case. Additionally, the
relocation teamshould alert the power and telecom utilities of the
pending move and bring theminto the planning process.Plan the data
center migration. Translate the relocation design into an action
plan. This includes a complete in-depth risk analysis, detailed
floor layouts andrack diagrams. It also specifies the exact tasks
to complete and assigns responsibility for each. Finally, you
should chart a matrix of the migration prioritiesand map
interdependencies between business-critical applications and
assets. Al
so, incorporate the input from the telecom and power providers,
the various technology vendors, and outside specialists, such as
equipment movers, electricians,and HVAC.
Perform risk mitigation. Pull together all previously identified
risks and then assess, classify, and prioritize them for the
purposes of mitigation. You may deem some risks minor or not worth
the cost of mitigation. Other risks will requirea full mitigation
program with contingency planning. Some risks may even raise
insurance considerations.
Execute the relocation plan. People need to take charge of the
tasks they have been assigned. Technical experts and professional
systems movers should be broughtin. Coordinate the efforts of the
IT team, vendors, outside experts and utiliti
es.
