Data Centre Move Checklist

Now that you’ve decided that you need to perform a data centre move, you need to create a project plan. Where do you start? With a checklist.

This data centre migration checklist will provide you with a solid foundation to determine the most efficient course of action:

• Processes: Identify and document the necessary major processes involved in the data migration, including backup, system shutdown, hardware disconnection, transportation, and setup at the new location.

• Resources: Determine the resources required for the relocation, such as personnel, equipment, transportation vehicles, packaging materials, and any external assistance. Ensure that everything is accounted for and available when needed.

• Goals: Define the overarching goals and objectives of the project. This may include ensuring data integrity and security, minimising downtime, optimizing system performance, and adhering to regulatory requirements.

• Timeline: Establish a timeline for the migration process, outlining key milestones and deadlines for each phase. Consider dependencies and contingencies, and allow for sufficient time to mitigate any hidden challenges. The key word here is contingency. Always plan for worst case scenarios.

At this stage it’s essential to identify these key roles in your team. Ideally, these should be four different individuals:

• Project manager – A PM needs to develop a comprehensive plan for creating an optimal environment, taking into account factors such as connectivity, physical space, power allocation, cooling, and location. They’re responsible for identifying and determining the requirements for contingency measures, including spare parts, and compiling a comprehensive list of all necessary components. They also must ensure that the team is granted complete access past the security measures of the new data centre to carry out their tasks effectively. The PM will plan how and when the physical servers will be transferred to the new location and collaborate with the new provider to review the initial plan and make necessary adjustments.

• Storage administrator – The storage admin needs to verify the storage requirements and confirm that there is sufficient space available in the new data centre to accommodate the storage arrays.

• Operating administrator – The Op admin should conduct a thorough examination of accessibility factors and verify the availability of remote console access at the new facility.

• Backup administrator – They are responsible for confirming the availability of backups and ensuring that full backups for any critical data can be successfully completed before the scheduled move date.

What’s the plan?

A data centre migration can seem like a daunting exercise at the outset, but needn’t be. Many enterprises employ third party migration service providers to help formulate and execute a bespoke data relocation strategy. Employing a specialist service provider can help you ensure a smooth transition.