Preparing for the Data Center Migration
As with any venture in life, it is always best to come prepared. Coming up with a sound plan allows businesses to track their progress and manage their expectations. Before the data center migration, enterprises should have everything planned. They should be able to grasp the idea of the things that are involved in the move. It would be best to prepare an inventory of all of the data center migration activities that are necessary in order to get a full picture of what’s needed. Most businesses prioritize the IT equipment that provides the most value to the organization. To help with your decision, make sure that you get answers to the following questions right up front:
It is important to note that every application and piece of equipment in the data center has a different purpose and use. For this reason, it is imperative to have everything labeled and segregated accordingly. After documenting all of the things within the data center to be migrated, you can take the next steps. You’ll want to list all the factors that can help your business determine the relevance of specific applications and equipment in the data center. These factors include identifying the following:
Besides the physical aspect of any data center, it is integral that you evaluate other factors before the migration. Prioritizing the workforce, business objectives, and risk assessments can help you accelerate the migration process. To help you create a sound data center migration plan, make sure to consider the following questions as well:
Review the Data Center Environment by Creating a Comprehensive Inventory
Before preparing everything for the move, make sure to document all of the equipment for inventory. Get all machinery pieces logged onto the list before they are unplugged and taken down to the loading dock. Before you pull out the system logs, jot down the active workloads, scheduled backups, and utilize software applications to avoid being behind essential tasks. Creating a comprehensive inventory allows you to discover the items that you need to discard and keep. Check up on items that can have their warranty affected when transferred to a different location.Organizations must inform their customers of the migration that would take place. They should know where the new location is to determine where to go when necessary. Plus, products and services that require licensing need to get settled before proceeding with the operations to the new location.
Form a Team to Facilitate the Data Center Migration
The team involved in data center migration comprises physical movers, digital teams, and managers that oversee the entire process. They will be the ones who will settle the date for when the migration takes place. Ideally, it is imperative to schedule the transfer on days that will not affect pivotal business decisions. For instance, it is integral to set aside this venture during product launches, crucial projects, and peak business seasons. The team should look for the ideal time when the business can still operate as usual. Once the date is all set, they can determine the plans for the data center migration. The migrations should not have a significant impact on the business from the backup plans, installation, and IT equipment testing.They should also organize all of the items needed to move. To keep things organized, make sure that all of the containers are labeled accordingly. You must keep cables and cords near the devices they connect to all the time. Labeling them according to the room they are designated for prevents any confusion during installation. Most data centers divide across different floors, so it is imperative to systematically arrange all of the items.Moreover, the team should establish a trusted security team that can be of assistance throughout the process. This team inspires confidence that the business will get all the equipment and confidential data transmitted safely and soundly. Keeping an eye on security logs can help the unit monitor the migration to ensure that none of the items are compromised. It would also be vital to carry out excessive security parameters to prevent unauthorized access to data.
