Oct 7 2008 3:48PM GMT

Tips On Peforming a Successful Data Center Relocation

Posted by: Pete Sacco

Before speaking on the topic of Data Center Relocation, I would like to invite you, our prized blog readers, to share a horror story that has occurred in your own data center. American Power Conversion (APC) is hosting an exciting contest looking for the most horrific and crazy data center tale (or picture). The first place winner will recieve a Nintendo Wii Gaming System, in addition thier will be twenty second place prizes of the System Specifications and Project Manual for Data Centers (a $250 value!). For more information on how to sign up for APC’s contest, please click here.

Now, back to our topic:Do your tales from the data center sound more like “Tales from the Crypt”? If so, then we definitely want to hear from you. We’re gathering stories and photos for an amusing contest sponsored by American Power Conversion (APC). So share your data center tales of woe with us for fun and prizes.This two-month long contest (Oct-Nov) is your chance to win a great prize by sharing your data center horror stories. You may remain anonymous if you wish, so feel free to spill the beans on the wackiest kludge you’ve ever seen in a data center – it’s okay – we won’t tell on you.

Nobody ever said data center relocation was easy. Although moving mission critical computer and communications equipment from one site to another is no easy task, it needn’t be an overwhelming one. With cautious planning, any company can organize its people, manage the communications, implement a sophisticated design for the new site and move its data center equipment with confidence and simplicity.Months of planning typically go into planning the successful relocation of a data center. By placing an emphasis on pre-design and planning, data center managers and relocation consultants are able to achieve the most favorable solution to meet the demands of even the most complex relocation.If your company is contemplating a data center relocation project, the following tips will help make certain that your IT move goes off without a hitch:

- Invest in pre-planning.
Identify your operational objectives and use them as a reference point in planning. Coordinate with vendors who will be working on the project and include their representatives in your planning sessions. Consider hiring an experienced data center relocation consultant as your guide. - Develop strategies that minimize risk and maximize ROI.
Explore the backup and recovery options for your mission critical systems. Take current and future needs into consideration while designing the data center at your new site.- Take stock of data center equipment.
Data center relocations offer the perfect opportunity to replace outdated or faulty equipment with state-of-the-art hardware. Don’t spend valuable time and money moving equipment that won’t last.

- Test the network.
Run tests of your new data center on virtual models before construction and relocation begin to avoid inopportune surprises. After the move, run additional network operations and applications tests to protect your IT systems.

- Update security procedures and technology-use policies.
Address any new security issues raised by the new data center site. Establish guidelines that safeguard your facility from credible threats and existing vulnerabilities.

- Establish an appropriate relocation plan.
Integrate redundancies into your IT network. Alert business users to potential service disruptions. Review the relocation strategy with vendors, consultants, and other special participants before moving ahead.By keeping these points in mind, your company can diminish relocation-related downtime while streamlining the overall data center moving method.Pete