Moving servers to a new data center can be a costly and high-risk endeavor. The potential for high relocation costs, data loss, security risks, and employee downtime can be incredibly frustrating. However, with careful planning and execution, you can mitigate these risks. Here are five expert tips to help you move your servers with minimal stress and disruption.
Key factor for a successful server relocation
Preparation and experience are critical to a successful data center relocation. Coordinating the proper shutdown, de-racking, server packing, shipping preparation, re-racking, and creating a thorough testing plan are essential steps. If you don’t have the internal personnel to execute these tasks properly, consider hiring server relocation specialists. Here are five tips from our expert IT Project Managers to ensure a smooth server move.
Expert tip #1 – Create a server room inventory list
Perform a thorough audit of the equipment in your server room. This helps identify critical machines that need to be moved first and understand the dependencies of other equipment. Additionally, it allows you to determine 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 and prevent data loss. Having a mirror backup a few weeks before the move provides an additional safety net. Ensure all data is backed up 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 labels for each server blade or rack. Proper packing materials ensure the safety of your equipment during transport.
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 to ensure a swift transition. Consider using 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.
Additional considerations for server relocation
- Move data center servers: Decide if servers will be moved in the rack or de-racked. Ensure the travel path accommodates the rack dimensions without tilting.
- Power down process: Plan the time required to power down servers and related components. This process can take minutes to hours depending on your server room complexity.
- Load and unload plan: Develop a detailed server relocation load and unload plan.
- Device tracking: Ensure you can immediately locate any device on the truck or in the staging areas during the move.
- Disconnect/reconnect services: Confirm if your mover provides Disconnect/Reconnect services for your desktop units.
- On-Site PC technicians: Consider having mover PC Technicians on-site to assist with the process.
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.