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Author: Alex MacColl

Project Manager - EMEA - DataMove
Posted on | by Alex MacColl

A Guide to Hidden Risks of Improper Data Disposal

A Guide to Hidden Risks of Improper Data Disposal

In the digital age, where data reigns supreme, the importance of proper data disposal cannot be overstated. Just as you meticulously plan a data centre migration, ensuring every step is taken to mitigate risks, the process of disposing of data demands equal attention. Yet, many businesses overlook the gravity of improper data disposal, unwittingly exposing themselves to a myriad of risks, from regulatory non-compliance to reputational damage. So, what can possibly go wrong? Let’s delve into the potential pitfalls:

  1. Regulatory Compliance: In an era where data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA loom large, improper data disposal can land your business in hot water. Failing to adhere to regulatory requirements regarding data erasure can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions. It’s essential to understand the specific regulations pertinent to your industry and region and ensure your data disposal practices align with them.

  2. Data Breach: Data breaches are not always the result of malicious hackers penetrating your network defences. Improperly disposed of hardware containing sensitive information can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Even seemingly innocuous devices like old hard drives or printers can harbour valuable data if not adequately wiped or destroyed. A single oversight in data disposal could lead to a catastrophic breach, tarnishing your organisation’s reputation irreparably.

  3. Reputational Damage: Trust is paramount in today’s business landscape, and a data breach resulting from improper data disposal can erode it swiftly. News of a breach due to negligent data disposal practices can spread like wildfire, damaging your brand’s reputation and causing customers to lose faith in your ability to protect their information. Rebuilding trust post-breach is an uphill battle that no business wants to face.

  4. Environmental Impact: Improper data disposal doesn’t just pose risks to your organisation; it also has environmental consequences. E-waste generated from discarded electronic devices contributes to pollution and environmental degradation. From toxic chemicals leaching into soil and water to the energy expended in manufacturing new devices to replace those improperly disposed of, the environmental footprint of irresponsible data disposal is significant.

  5. Legal Liability: Beyond regulatory fines, improper data disposal can open the floodgates to lawsuits and litigation. If data that should have been securely erased falls into the wrong hands and results in harm, whether financial or reputational, your business could find itself embroiled in costly legal battles. Proving due diligence in data disposal practices is crucial in mitigating legal liability.

To navigate these risks effectively, businesses must adopt a comprehensive approach to data disposal:

  • Establish Clear Policies: Develop and enforce clear policies and procedures governing data disposal, ensuring all employees understand their responsibilities and the consequences of non-compliance.

  • Invest in Secure Data Destruction: Utilise certified data destruction methods such as data wiping, degaussing, or physical destruction to ensure sensitive information is rendered irretrievable.

  • Train Employees: Provide regular training to employees on proper data disposal practices, emphasising the importance of data security and regulatory compliance.

  • Partner with Reliable Providers: When outsourcing data disposal services, choose reputable providers with a track record of compliance and security. Verify their certifications and processes to ensure your data is in safe hands.

  • Audit and Monitor: Conduct regular audits of data disposal practices to identify any gaps or vulnerabilities. Monitor compliance with established policies and address any issues promptly.

The risks associated with improper data disposal are too significant to ignore. By prioritising data security, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility, businesses can safeguard themselves against the pitfalls of negligent data disposal and protect their most valuable asset—their reputation. 


Remember, just as in a data centre migration, thorough planning and meticulous execution are key to success in data disposal.

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Posted on | by Alex MacColl

How Smart Hands Revolutionise Data Centers

How Smart Hands Revolutionize Data Centers

In the fast-paced world of data management, efficiency is the name of the game. Every second counts, and downtime can spell disaster for businesses relying on their data centers to keep operations running smoothly. That’s where the concept of “smart hands” comes into play, revolutionizing the way data centers operate and ensuring optimal performance around the clock. Let’s take a closer look at how smart hands can transform data center management.

What Are Smart Hands?

First things first, let’s define smart hands. Essentially, smart hands refer to on-site technical support personnel who are equipped with the skills and expertise to handle various tasks within a data center remotely. These individuals act as an extension of the IT team, providing assistance with routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and other operational tasks without the need for physical presence.

Remote Assistance at Your Fingertips

Imagine a scenario where a critical issue arises in your data center outside of regular business hours. With smart hands, help is just a phone call away. Whether it’s rebooting servers, replacing hardware components, or conducting routine checks, smart hands can remotely access the data center infrastructure and address issues promptly, minimizing downtime and ensuring continuity of operations.

Maximizing Efficiency and Productivity

By leveraging smart hands, data center operators can optimize their resources and focus on more strategic initiatives. Instead of allocating valuable time and manpower to routine maintenance tasks, IT teams can offload these responsibilities to smart hands, freeing up their time to concentrate on innovation, optimization, and enhancing the overall performance of the data center.

Flexible Support Anytime, Anywhere

One of the most significant advantages of smart hands is their ability to provide support regardless of location or time zone. Whether your data center is located across the globe or in a remote area with limited accessibility, smart hands can remotely access the infrastructure and perform necessary tasks with ease. This flexibility ensures uninterrupted support and peace of mind for data center operators.

Cost-Effective Solution

In addition to improving efficiency and productivity, smart hands offer a cost-effective solution for data center management. By outsourcing routine tasks to smart hands providers, companies can avoid the overhead costs associated with hiring and training in-house personnel. This pay-as-you-go model allows businesses to scale their support services based on their specific needs, reducing overall expenses and maximizing ROI.

Embracing the Future of Data Center Management

As the demand for data center services continues to grow, the role of smart hands in data center management will become increasingly vital. By embracing this innovative approach to technical support, businesses can streamline operations, minimize downtime, and ensure the seamless functioning of their data centers. With smart hands at the helm, the future of data center management looks brighter than ever.

In conclusion, smart hands represent a game-changing solution for data center operators seeking to optimize efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness. By harnessing the power of remote assistance, businesses can navigate the complexities of data center management with ease, unlocking new levels of performance and reliability. It’s time to embrace the future of data center management with smart hands leading the way.

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Posted on | by Alex MacColl

Top 8 Reasons Companies Move Data Centres

Top 8 Reasons Companies Move Data Centres

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, the movement of data centres has become a strategic decision for many businesses. Whether driven by technological advancements, cost efficiencies, or regulatory compliance, the relocation of data centres can profoundly impact an organization’s operations and bottom line. Let’s explore the top eight reasons why companies embark on the journey of moving their data centres.

1. Performance Optimization

One of the primary motivations for relocating data centres is to enhance performance. Newer facilities often offer advanced infrastructure and technologies, such as high-speed networking and optimized cooling systems, which can significantly improve data processing speeds and reduce latency. By moving to a more efficient data centre, companies can deliver better service to their customers and stakeholders.

2. Scalability and Flexibility

As businesses grow and evolve, their data storage and processing needs inevitably expand. Relocating to a new data centre allows companies to scale their infrastructure more effectively, whether by increasing server capacity, adopting cloud services, or implementing virtualization solutions. This scalability and flexibility enable organizations to adapt to changing demands and future-proof their operations.

3. Cost Savings

Cost considerations play a crucial role in the decision to move data centres. Older facilities may incur higher maintenance and energy expenses due to outdated equipment and inefficient infrastructure. By migrating to more energy-efficient data centres or leveraging cloud-based solutions, companies can reduce operational costs and allocate resources more efficiently, ultimately improving their bottom line.

4. Enhanced Security and Compliance

Data security and compliance requirements continue to evolve, prompting companies to seek out data centres with robust security measures and regulatory certifications. Relocating to facilities equipped with state-of-the-art security protocols, such as biometric access controls and data encryption technologies, helps organizations mitigate risks and ensure compliance with industry regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA.

5. Geographic Diversity and Disaster Recovery

Geographic diversity is essential for ensuring business continuity and disaster recovery preparedness. By diversifying their data centre locations, companies can mitigate the risk of single points of failure and minimize the impact of natural disasters, such as earthquakes or hurricanes. Additionally, relocating data centres to regions with favourable environmental conditions or political stability enhances resilience and safeguards critical operations.

6. Legacy Infrastructure Modernization

Legacy data centres often suffer from outdated infrastructure and hardware, hindering performance and scalability. Moving to modern data centres equipped with cutting-edge technologies enables companies to modernize their IT infrastructure, leverage virtualization and automation capabilities, and stay ahead of technological advancements. This modernization effort enhances efficiency, agility, and innovation within the organisation.

7. Strategic Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions frequently necessitate the consolidation or relocation of data centres to streamline operations and optimize resources. Integrating disparate IT infrastructures into a unified, centralized data centre environment enables companies to realize synergies, improve collaboration, and eliminate redundancies. This strategic realignment aligns with broader business objectives and drives operational efficiency.

8. Sustainability Initiatives

With increasing concerns about environmental sustainability, many companies are prioritising eco-friendly practices in their operations, including data centre operations. Relocating to energy-efficient data centres powered by renewable energy sources or adopting cloud computing solutions with lower carbon footprints aligns with sustainability goals and enhances corporate social responsibility efforts. By reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions, companies contribute to a greener future while optimising their IT infrastructure.

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Data erasure engineers.
Posted on | by Alex MacColl

Safeguarding Your Data

Safeguarding Your Data - The Importance of Proper Data Erasure and Disposal

In an era where data is king, safeguarding sensitive information has become a top priority for businesses of all sizes. From financial records to customer data, the implications of a data breach can be severe, resulting in financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal consequences. Therefore, implementing a robust data erasure and disposal process is paramount. In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of proper data erasure and disposal and outline key steps to ensure the secure handling of sensitive information.

Why Proper Data Erasure Matters

Data erasure, also known as data wiping or data sanitization, refers to the process of securely removing all data from storage devices such as hard drives, SSDs, and mobile devices. Simply deleting files or formatting a drive is not sufficient to prevent data recovery, as residual data can still be retrieved using specialized software. Proper data erasure ensures that sensitive information is irreversibly removed, mitigating the risk of unauthorized access or data leakage.

The Risks of Improper Data Disposal

Failure to implement a proper data erasure and disposal process can expose businesses to various risks:

  1. Data Breaches: Improperly disposed of hardware containing sensitive data can be a goldmine for cybercriminals looking to steal valuable information.

  2. Regulatory Non-Compliance: Many industries are subject to strict data protection regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines and legal penalties.

  3. Reputational Damage: A data breach can erode customer trust and tarnish a company’s reputation, leading to loss of business and credibility in the market.

Best Practices for Data Erasure and Disposal

To mitigate the risks associated with data disposal, businesses should adhere to the following best practices:

  1. Inventory and Classification: Conduct a thorough inventory of all data-bearing assets within your organization and classify them based on sensitivity and regulatory requirements.

  2. Data Erasure: Utilize certified data erasure software or services to securely wipe all data from decommissioned devices. Ensure that the chosen method complies with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

  3. Physical Destruction: For hardware that cannot be effectively erased (e.g., damaged drives), employ physical destruction methods such as shredding or degaussing to render the data irrecoverable.

  4. Documentation and Auditing: Maintain detailed records of the data erasure and disposal process, including certificates of erasure and destruction. Regularly audit the process to ensure compliance with internal policies and external regulations.

  5. Secure Disposal: Dispose of decommissioned hardware through reputable vendors that specialize in secure data disposal. Ensure that the disposal process adheres to industry best practices and environmental regulations.

Conclusion

In an age of increasing data breaches and regulatory scrutiny, proper data erasure and disposal have never been more critical. By implementing robust data management practices and adhering to industry standards, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with data disposal and safeguard sensitive information. Remember, the cost of a data breach far outweighs the investment required to implement a secure data erasure and disposal process. So, prioritize data security and protect your business from potential threats.



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Inside datacentre featured image.
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Optimal Data Center Selection

Inside of datacentre.

A Comprehensive Guide to the Optimal Data Center Selection

In today’s digital landscape, businesses are increasingly reliant on secure and reliable data storage solutions. Whether it’s for customer information or critical operational data, selecting the optimal data center is paramount. This decision becomes even more critical when considering migrating your existing datacentre. Whether you’re a burgeoning startup or an established enterprise, the choice of data center significantly impacts operational efficiency, security, and scalability.

Ensuring Reliability and Minimizing Downtime:

Reliability stands as a cornerstone when it comes to choosing a data centre. Downtime can result in not just financial losses but also significant damage to the reputation of a business. It is imperative to opt for data centres with a proven track record of reliability. Certifications such as those provided by the Uptime Institute can serve as indicators of reliability levels. Additionally, inquire about redundancy measures, backup power systems, and maintenance procedures to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Prioritizing Security Measures:

Security breaches pose a considerable threat to businesses, leading to financial losses and legal ramifications. Therefore, security should be given utmost priority when selecting a data centre. Evaluate physical security measures such as access controls, surveillance systems, and on-site security personnel. Additionally, inquire about cybersecurity protocols, including firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems, to fortify your data against cyber threats.

Assessing Scalability and Flexibility:

Business requirements evolve over time, underscoring the importance of choosing a data centre capable of scaling alongside your growth. Factors such as available space, power capacity, and network bandwidth should be taken into account to accommodate future expansion. Furthermore, assess the flexibility of the data centre’s services and contracts. Opt for providers offering scalable solutions and customizable service agreements to cater to your evolving needs.

Considering Location and Connectivity:

The geographical location of a data centre can impact latency, accessibility, and compliance with data regulations. Evaluate the proximity of the data centre to your primary business operations and target markets. Additionally, consider connectivity options, including network carriers, internet exchanges, and cloud service providers. A well-connected data centre ensures high-speed data transfer and network redundancy.

Ensuring Compliance with Regulations:

Data regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS impose stringent requirements on data handling and storage. It is crucial to ensure that the selected data centre complies with relevant industry regulations and standards. Inquire about compliance certifications and audit reports to verify adherence to regulatory requirements. Moreover, assess the data centre’s commitment to data privacy and compliance management practices.

Prioritizing Support and Service Level Agreements (SLAs):

Responsive support and clear SLAs are essential for prompt issue resolution and minimizing downtime. Evaluate the data centre’s support offerings, including technical support availability, response times, and escalation procedures. Review SLAs to understand guaranteed uptime, performance metrics, and compensation policies in case of service disruptions. Choose a data centre provider prioritizing customer satisfaction and offering robust support services.

Embracing Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility:

As environmental concerns gain prominence, sustainability considerations should be factored into the decision-making process. Assess the data centre’s energy efficiency initiatives, renewable energy usage, and environmental certifications. Opt for providers committed to minimizing their carbon footprint and operating in an environmentally responsible manner.

Considering Cost Implications:

While cost should not be the sole determinant, it is essential to consider the pricing structure and total cost of ownership (TCO) when selecting a data centre. Evaluate upfront costs, recurring fees, and additional charges for services such as bandwidth and storage. Conduct a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to determine the best value proposition for your business while ensuring that cost savings do not compromise essential features and security measures.

In conclusion, choosing the right data centre is a critical decision with far-reaching implications for business operations. By carefully evaluating factors such as reliability, security, scalability, compliance, support, sustainability, and cost, businesses can make informed choices aligned with their objectives and growth plans. Investing time and resources into selecting the right data centre now can yield significant long-term benefits, ensuring seamless operations and data protection.

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Posted on | by Alex MacColl

The risks of not having a proper data backup and recovery plan during data centre migration

The risks of not having a proper data backup and recovery plan during data centre migration

1. Introduction: Understanding the Importance of a Proper Data Backup and Recovery Plan

In today’s digital age, data is the lifeblood of businesses. It drives decision-making, enables operations, and helps companies gain a competitive edge. As organisations grow, they often face the need to migrate their data centres to more efficient and scalable environments. However, data centre migration poses significant risks, including the potential for data loss.

2. Risks of Data Loss during Data Centre Migration: Why It Matters

During the process of data centre migration, data can be exposed to various risks, such as hardware failures, human errors, power outages, or even natural disasters. Without a proper data backup and recovery plan in place, businesses face the danger of losing critical information that is essential for their day-to-day operations. The consequences of data loss can be severe, leading to financial losses, reputation damage, and even legal implications.

3. The Consequences of Inadequate Data Backup and Recovery Strategies

Without a robust data backup and recovery plan, businesses risk extended periods of downtime in the event of data loss. This can result in lost productivity, missed opportunities, and dissatisfied customers. Moreover, the cost of data recovery can be exorbitant, especially if specialized services and expertise are required. In some cases, data loss can be irreversible, leading to permanent damage to the business.

4. Key Steps to Implementing a Successful Data Backup and Recovery Plan

To mitigate the risks associated with data centre migration, organisations must develop and implement a comprehensive data backup and recovery plan. This plan should include regular backups of critical data, secure storage solutions, and well-defined recovery procedures. It is crucial to test the plan regularly to ensure its effectiveness and make necessary adjustments as the business evolves.

5. Ensuring a Smooth Data Centre Migration: Best Practices for Data Backup and Recovery

To ensure a smooth data centre migration, businesses should follow best practices for data backup and recovery. This includes conducting a thorough assessment of data requirements, selecting appropriate backup methods, and establishing clear recovery time objectives. Additionally, implementing redundancy measures, such as off-site backups or cloud storage, can provide an extra layer of protection against data loss during migration.

 

By understanding the risks of not having a proper data backup and recovery plan during data centre migration, businesses can take proactive steps to safeguard their valuable data. Investing in a robust data backup and recovery strategy is not only a smart business move but also a crucial element in ensuring the continuity and success of the organisation.

 

Don’t leave your data at risk during data centre migration. Contact us today to learn how our expert team can help you develop a comprehensive data backup and recovery plan to safeguard your valuable information. Protect your business, minimize downtime, and ensure a smooth data centre migration.

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Posted on | by Alex MacColl

Challenges and considerations when implementing virtualisation in server migration initiatives

Challenges and considerations when implementing virtualisation in server migration initiatives

Introduction to Server Migration and Virtualisation

Server migration refers to the process of transferring data, applications, and other resources from one server to another. This can be done for various reasons, such as upgrading hardware, consolidating servers, or moving to a new data centre. Virtualisation, on the other hand, involves creating virtual versions of physical servers, allowing multiple virtual machines to run on a single physical server.

 

Virtualisation has become increasingly popular in server migration initiatives due to its ability to optimize resources, improve scalability, and reduce costs. By consolidating servers and utilizing virtual machines, businesses can achieve higher efficiency and flexibility in their IT infrastructure.

Challenges in Implementing Virtualisation in Server Migration

While virtualisation offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges during server migration. One of the main challenges is ensuring compatibility between the physical and virtual environments. This includes verifying that the applications and data can seamlessly transition to the virtual machines without any compatibility issues.

 

Another challenge is the potential for performance degradation. Virtualisation introduces an additional layer of abstraction, which can impact the performance of certain applications, especially those that require high computing power or low latency. It is crucial to carefully assess the performance requirements of the applications and allocate resources accordingly.

Considerations for Successful Data Centre Migration

Data centre migration involves moving the entire IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, and networking equipment, to a new location. To ensure a successful migration, several considerations must be taken into account.

 

Firstly, a comprehensive inventory and assessment of the existing infrastructure is essential. This includes documenting all hardware, software, and dependencies to accurately plan and execute the migration process.

 

Secondly, a detailed migration plan should be developed, outlining the sequence of tasks, timelines, and resource allocation. It is crucial to minimize downtime and disruptions during the migration process to avoid any negative impact on business operations.

Choosing the Right Server Relocation Company

When undertaking server migration or data centre relocation, it is vital to partner with a reliable and experienced server relocation company. The chosen company should have a proven track record in handling complex migrations and possess the necessary expertise in virtualisation and data centre management.

 

Key factors to consider when selecting a server relocation company include their experience in similar projects, their ability to handle the specific requirements of the migration, and their commitment to minimizing downtime and ensuring data security during the process.

The Role of Virtualisation in Data Centre Relocation

Virtualisation plays a crucial role in data centre relocation initiatives. By virtualising servers, businesses can significantly reduce the physical footprint of their IT infrastructure, leading to cost savings in terms of space, power, and cooling requirements.

 

Virtualisation also enables greater flexibility and scalability, allowing businesses to easily adjust their resources based on changing needs. This is particularly beneficial during the data centre relocation process, as it allows for a smoother transition and minimizes disruptions to business operations.

 

In conclusion, implementing virtualisation in server migration initiatives offers numerous benefits but also presents challenges that need to be carefully addressed. By considering the challenges and following best practices, businesses can ensure a successful data centre migration and reap the advantages of virtualisation. Partnering with the right server relocation company is crucial to navigate through the complexities of the migration process and achieve a seamless transition.

 

Contact our experienced server relocation team today to discuss your data centre migration needs and ensure a smooth and successful transition.

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Posted on | by Alex MacColl

Data migration strategies and contingency – a case study

Data migration strategies and contingency - a case study

Someone (everyone?) once said ‘whatever can go wrong, will go wrong’. For that reason, in our experience, you can never build enough contingency into your data centre migration strategy.

The best laid plans….

You’ve planned your data move. You’ve ticked off everything on your checklist, the dates are set and your data migration service provider is ready to go. Everyone involved is clear about their jobs, so this is going to be executed safely, efficiently and quickly. The departing and receiving data centres are communicating with you and your provider, your in-house team is placed and ready to minimise any disruption and downtime, and any necessary third party logistics are nailed down. What can possibly go wrong?

As a data move service provider, our primary goal is to work with clients to ensure that every detail is in place, and 99% of jobs run like clockwork. However, when things do go awry, it’s inevitably third parties at fault – logistics providers, data centres, airlines, unforseen travel complications etc. It doesn’t take much to make things feel like an out-take from ‘Planes, trains and automobiles’. Third parties aren’t necessarily as invested in this project as much as we and our clients are. Left hands don’t always work with right hands, so it’s our job to build plenty of contingency a coherent data migration plan. And then add some more.

Here’s an example from a recent data centre relocation we undertook. In the best traditions, names and places have been changed to protect anonymity – but the amount of aggravation and travel time hasn’t!

The German Job

Initially, this particular migration was as straightforward as it gets. Our Canadian client, with whom we’ve already undertaken several projects, wanted to relocate 15 server racks from the departing data centre (DC) in Dortmund to the receiving one in Hanover. A simple de-rack and re-rack operation. We had cleared time slots with both DCs and calculated that in an ideal world, this would involve two of our staff driving over the night before, de-racking and re-racking on day two, driving home on day three. As always, we added day four as contingency.

Several days before the migration, our client was informed by the receiving DC that their rental price had dramatically increased making the migration economically unfeasible. As a result, the client decided that the most pragmatic solution was to de-rack then fly the precious cargo back to Toronto. This would involve an audit from a client representative at the departing DC – then we would de-rack, pallet and package the servers ready for their flight. A specialist logistics company based in Leipzig would then collect the pallet from the Dortmund DC under our and the clients supervision. This made our job even simpler – day one drive to Dortmund, day two execute the job and drive home. We added a day three. Just in case – expect the unexpected.

On the day

Our team met the client at 7:30am sharp at the Dortmund DC. After the usual security, we were auditing and de-racking by 8:15. We had all the kit in the loading bay palleted and securely packaged for freighting by 9:15, ready for the arranged 10:15 pickup. Time for a coffee. Then another coffee. And another. By 10:45, still no haulier in sight, we were all getting twitchy (all that coffee probably didn’t help).

A dozen phone calls later, it transpired that the logistics company had the wrong day in the diary. The next available slot that they had was 24 hours later. Perfect. Our pallet was booked on the red eye from Berlin to Toronto the next morning, and here we were stuck on an industrial estate on the edge of Dortmund with a deadline to meet.

The only solution was for us to be logistics on the first leg of the journey, so we decided to drive the pallet to the Leipzig HQ ourselves. The logistics company would then truck it on to Berlin from there.

Leipzig is 417km (or 4-5 hours) from Dortmund, pretty much due east. Home for us was pretty much due west, but it was the only way to keep the migration on track. The client was understandably jittery, so decided to follow us in their hire car and fly to their next meeting in Amsterdam from Leipzig. Maybe not ‘the trains’, but certainly ‘the planes and automobiles’.

After a few traffic jams and going to a wrong address that we were given for the Leipzig HQ (by Leipzig HQ), we safely delivered and signed off our precious cargo at 5:30pm. The client made their meeting, the servers reached Toronto on time and were up and running smoothly 24 hours after that. Our team arrived home on the evening of day three. Contingency (and improvisation) won the day.

Successful data migration – a case study

That could have been the title of this, because it was. Aside from the original DC deciding to hike its prices at the eleventh hour, there was zero unanticipated downtime. Job done, the client was happy, worse things happen at sea etc. Our team are mighty sick of German daytime radio though, and the logistics company got a roasting.

So in the end, it goes to show that contingency is one of the most important tick boxes on your data relocation checklist.

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Minimising downtime.
Posted on | by Alex MacColl

How to minimise downtime during a data centre move

Minimising downtime.

How to minimise downtime during a data centre move

Once the decision has been taken to perform a data centre relocation or cloud migration, there is often considerable pressure from stakeholders to complete the process as quickly as possible, but this is an operation that cannot and should not be rushed. Everyone dreads downtime, and by its nature a data centre move is going to disrupt your operations to some extent. Here are 6 key ways to minimise downtime.

 

1. Create an asset inventory

In order to perform a successful move, everyone involved has to have thorough knowledge of both your current and future data environment. This inventory should be as detailed as possible and include –

• All data architecture and infrastructure
• All software and hardware assets
• All applications
• All users and workloads
• Comprehensive network maps, including configurations and interdependencies
• All stored data. Sub-group where necessary to include unstructured, structured, sensitive and raw.
• Security environment considerations, including peripheral devices and endpoints

2. Create a migration plan

The need to formulate a cohesive data centre move strategy is paramount. Planning at this stage should be comprehensive and realistic with a solid phased timeline. A well devised project plan will keep the complexities of this move clear and under control. It should be constantly consulted, reviewed and where necessary, updated.

• The first step in creating a plan is to define your objectives: – what exactly you are migrating in terms of hardware and software? Your migration strategy must reference both your current and future environment. Everything should be cross referenced with the asset inventory you’ve just created.

• Detail the resources you’ll need;- personnel, capital, technology, third parties.• Create a timeline considering all of these factors, with every step clearly annotated and defined into phases. Above all, be realistic and factor in contingency for each phase.

• By now, you should be able to recognise and annotate your most business reliant assets, so you can start to plan which assets need to be back online first. Every hardware and software asset detailed in your inventory will need its own migration map in order to do this.

3. Teams, delegation and resource provisioning

A data centre move may be a technical process, but it always affects more than your tech team, so everyone in your organisation needs to be kept informed (and involved where relevant). You may need to perform an internal skills audit in order to assign clearly defined roles within your organisation. Create a personnel leader for each team and/or phase. This is a good point at which to make doubly sure that you and your relevant team(s) have a complete understanding of the new data environment you’re moving into.

4. Review your data migration plan and create a checklist

Listen to the feedback from your teams and review and update your migration plan. Be realistic, update contingency times and always prepare for worst case scenarios. Now is the time to formulate a master checklist:- this may seem like marking your own homework, but a good checklist will take the shape of a short form version of your plan, and should be at hand at all times.

5. Create a data backup and recovery plan

It may be surprising, but data backup and recovery is often overlooked. This is a big transition, and it always pays to the unforeseen. Everything from unexpected networking issues, communication breakage, incompatibility, new data centre problems to plain old bad weather and power outages can (and does) happen – which is why data loss is the single biggest risk involved in any migration. If possible, run a test recovery plan and as ever, keep cloud and offsite backups.

6. Consider using a third party data move specialist

Data migration specialists don’t run your company – that’s what you do best. This is what they do best, day in day out. Your creation of a migration strategy, checklist, teams are all designed to make sure that you’ve thought this through from every possible angle. A third party specialist is one more set of eyes to run your plan past, as well as bringing their experience from countless migrations to help you with a smooth and successful move.

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Future trends.
Posted on | by Alex MacColl

Data centre migration –  current and future trends to consider

Future trends.

Data centre migration - current and future trends to consider

A data centre migration or relocation can be a big upheaval for any organisation, and everyone involved will want to future-proof it as much as possible. No-one wants to do this twice!

If your business is considering a data centre move, it’s advisable to take a look at where the rapidly changing data centre market appears to be heading.

The current market

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly boosted all digital sectors, dramatically increasing remote working and e-commerce, leading to an increased demand for data centres. With the growing volume of data, the indispensability of artificial intelligence and machine learning for effective data interpretation is rapidly becoming more pronounced. Notably, around 70% of data centres are leased from third-party operators, underscoring the critical role of data centre services.

Additionally, rising fuel costs and inflation are impacting various sectors, prompting a heightened focus on data centre energy efficiency. Projections indicate that by 2025, a substantial 75% of enterprise-generated data will undergo processing outside the realms of traditional cloud services or data centres.

All change

This sector is undergoing rapid transformation, fuelled by escalating data demands, advancements in technology, and an ever increasing need for sustainability. Here, we’ll examine the current trends that are shaping the future of the data centre industry, and look at the emergence of hyperscale data centres, significant advancements in secondary markets, the role of small to medium scale data centres, and the expansion of the data centre market in the UK. This industry is developing and transforming at lightning speed.

Here are the major trends to consider when planning a data centre move.

1. Hyperscale Data Centres

The data centre landscape is being reshaped by hyperscale facilities, specifically crafted to manage extensive server loads through modular components and advanced automation. Major players such as Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, Alphabet, Alibaba etc. exert considerable influence in this domain, and projections indicate sustained growth despite economic hurdles.
There’s also a noticeable shift towards companies owning and operating their own bespoke data centres. This is driven by the desire to minimize reliance on third party vendors, tailor solutions to specific needs, and tap into renewable energy sources. The adoption of prefabricated, modular data centre design is on the rise, heralding a new era of efficiency. Colocation providers are emerging as key players, contributing to standardisation and facilitating swift deployments in this rapidly evolving landscape.

2. Secondary market growth

The exponential surge in data creation and consumption, driven by the proliferation of personal and household devices, has prompted the expansion of data centres into secondary markets. Primary regions are grappling with challenges like power shortages, limited space and high real estate prices, prompting the big hyperscale players to invest in secondary markets.

Geographical areas sited beyond the conventional data centre hubs are enticing tech giants by offering incentives at local and national levels to establish their presence, potentially fostering additional infrastructure projects.

In Europe, secondary markets, especially in the Nordic and Mediterranean regions, are witnessing notable growth. The appeal lies in factors like the abundance of renewable power, cost-effective land options, and close proximity to cable landing stations linking Europe with other markets. In response, cloud providers are broadening their availability zones and establishing fresh data centre clusters in these geographically attractive regions.

3. Low latency and small to medium data centres

The rapid growth of big data, IoT (internet of things), VR (virtual reality), and other emerging technologies underscores the significance of low latency in managing any data centre. Smaller, regional data centres, strategically located near data sources or end-users, are becoming increasingly important. In the current year, these more compact data centres have proven pivotal in advancing the development of 5G services.

4. UK data centre investment and growth

The growth of businesses, adapting to changing technology trends, is significantly propelled by IT infrastructure, encompassing servers and storage. Physical and economic real estate constraints in the South East of the UK are steering investors towards more budget-friendly regions.

Where next?

If your business is considering a data centre move, it’s also worth considering the drivers behind the likely future market trends in this industry.

1. Sustainability

Data centres are progressively steering away from fossil fuels and leaning towards renewable alternatives. Driven by energy security concerns (as well as cost), this transition is fostering self-sustainability through hybrid models and decentralized power sources such as solar, wind, nuclear, and hydropower.

2. Data volume increase

The exponential growth of data usage is fuelling the rise of multi-cloud deployments. To efficiently access and manage their data, businesses are seeking highly connected and secure geographically diverse platforms.

3. Artificial intelligence

The widespread adoption of data-intensive technologies like AI are already transforming this industry, spurring the development of innovative cooling methods. Liquid cooling and phase-change cooling are emerging as effective solutions to handle the heat generated by high-power density racks.

The data centre industry is a growing driving force in all digital economies, and will continue to shape our technological landscape for years to come. It’s in the midst of a significant transformation fuelled by heightened data demands, technological progress, and an increasing focus on sustainability. Secondary markets are gaining prominence, hyperscale data centres are taking the lead, but smaller-scale data centres are crucial for delivering low-latency services. In Europe, secondary markets are experiencing growth, and the UK data centre market continues to flourish.

As technology advances, data centres are poised to adapt and innovate while addressing sustainability challenges. The future trajectory involves a shift toward renewable energy, adoption of inventive cooling solutions, increasing development and deployment of AI

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