Data center relocation: Your guide to security,
minimal downtime, and smooth operations

Are you planning to relocate your data center? This complex process requires much more than just moving hardware. Careful planning and smooth execution are crucial to minimize downtime and ensure the security of your IT infrastructure. In this guide, we'll share proven strategies and tips to help you complete your move efficiently and safely. Read on to learn how to successfully manage the entire relocation process and ensure seamless recovery of your systems.

Why does relocating a data center feel like open-heart surgery?

Relocating data is like open-heart surgery," explains Gunter Hahn, CTO of EMC Home of Data. Data is the heart of a company—without it, operations cannot be maintained. Any disruption or loss can have serious consequences. That's why our top priority is to carry out the data center migration with the necessary care and routine to integrate the IT infrastructure securely and efficiently into a new data center. Feedback such as that from Thomas Dietz, Head of Development & Support at Fujitsu Germany GmbH, is particularly valuable to us: "EMC Home of Data responded pragmatically to all our requirements and carried out the move quickly and to our complete satisfaction.

The ideal process for relocating a data center

A structured and well-planned process is crucial for the success of a data center relocation. Below are the six most important steps to help you make the process efficient and secure in collaboration with your data center partner.

1. Assessment and Planning

• Identify all IT components: Create a detailed inventory of all hardware and software components, including their dependencies and specific requirements.
• Create a schedule: Define clear timeframes for each step of the migration process.
• Risk assessment: Identify potential risks and develop appropriate countermeasures.

2. Preparation and testing

• Set up test environments: Simulate the move in a controlled environment to identify potential problems early on.
• Premove test: Shut down hardware in a controlled manner and check its status after restarting (hard drive restart issue).
• Create backups: Back up all data multiple times and check the integrity of the backups.
• Employee training: Ensure that all parties involved are informed about their tasks and responsibilities.
• Site survey: Inspect the premises with regard to hardware removal/installation, availability of temporary workstations, and 24/7 access.

3. Transport of hardware

• Planning transport routes: Ensure that the hardware can be brought in without barriers and that the necessary aids and transport equipment are available. Check the transport route for delays such as construction sites and traffic jams.
• Secure packaging: Use specialized packaging materials to protect the hardware during transport.
• Professional transport service: Hire experienced logistics partners who specialize in transporting sensitive IT equipment, e.g., using air-suspension vehicles.
• Real-time tracking: Monitor the transport process using tracking systems to keep an eye on the location and condition of the hardware at all times.

4. Installation and Configuration

• Set up infrastructure and systems: Install the hardware at the new location according to the plan you made earlier.
• Network configuration: Set up network connections, routing, and security protocols for external data connections.
• Check system setup: Check all connections and hardware for proper functionality and documentation plan.

5. Inspection and Recommissioning

• Perform functional tests: Test all systems thoroughly to ensure that they are working properly.
• Verify data integrity: Ensure that all data has been transferred correctly and is fully available.
• Troubleshoot: Resolve any issues as quickly as possible to restore operations.

6. Follow-up and Optimization

• Analyze the relocation process: Analyze the entire process to identify success factors and areas for improvement.
• Update documentation: Update all technical documentation and inventory lists accordingly.
• Future planning: Plan possible expansions and optimizations of the IT infrastructure for future requirements.

Are you planning to relocate your data center?

Use our comprehensive EMC checklist for data center relocation to ensure that you have considered all important details. This practical checklist guides you step by step through the entire process and helps you minimize potential risks.

Download checklist

Which relocation method is right for my IT?

The first step in relocating a data center is selecting the appropriate method. Here are a few options:

1. Lift & Shift

A quick solution that allows servers and applications to be relocated without any changes. This method is suitable for companies that want to migrate quickly.

• Advantages: Quick implementation, low complexity
• Disadvantages: May not be optimal for the new environment, rework may be necessary after the move

2. Re-Hosting

A refined version of Lift & Shift, where minor adjustments are made to increase efficiency.

• Advantages: Improved performance, better adaptation to the new infrastructure
• Disadvantages: Requires slightly more time and resources than lift & shift

3. Re-Platforming

A more comprehensive conversion in which applications are migrated to a new platform – suitable for long-term optimizations.

• Advantages: Future-proof solutions, improved scalability and flexibility
• Disadvantages: Greater effort and longer duration, requires extensive testing and adjustments

4. Re-Factoring

A complete overhaul of the applications to optimally adapt them to a new infrastructure.

• Advantages: Maximum efficiency and performance, use of state-of-the-art technologies and architectures
• Disadvantages: Very time-consuming and resource-intensive, requires in-depth technical expertise

How long will the relocation take, and how can I avoid downtime?

Downtime can significantly impact business operations. Therefore, the data center relocation should be as quick and smooth as possible. Methods such as “lift & shift” often result in the shortest downtime. It also makes sense to plan for buffer times and to run the old and new systems in parallel temporarily to ensure a seamless transition.

• Lift & Shift: This method often allows for the fastest migration, but further optimizations should be considered after migration.
• Re-Factoring: This approach requires thorough preparation and can cause longer downtimes, but is ideal when strict security standards need to be integrated.

Tips for minimizing downtime:

• Detailed scheduling: Set precise time frames for each step and allow for buffer times.
• Parallel operation: Run old and new systems in parallel for a transitional period to ensure a seamless transition.
• Communication: Inform all stakeholders early on about planned downtimes and progress.

How can I protect my data during the relocation?

Data protection is a top priority. The following measures should be taken during the relocation:

• Data migration: All data should be backed up multiple times, and the integrity of the backups should be verified before and after migration.
• Encryption: Sensitive data should be encrypted during the entire migration process.
• Access controls: Ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the data.
• Compliance considerations: Ensure that all legal and industry-specific data protection requirements are met.

What are the risks involved in transporting my hardware, and how can I minimize them?

Transporting the hardware is a critical issue. It is essential that the systems arrive safely at their new location:

• Professional transport: It is advisable to use specialized transport services that have experience in the safe transport of IT hardware.
• Insurance: Ensure that all devices and data are fully insured during transport.
• Environmental control: Ensure suitable transport conditions in terms of temperature and humidity to prevent damage to hardware.
• Security protocols: Implement security measures to prevent theft and damage during transport.

Do I have all the permits and insurance policies I need for the relocation?

Permits:

• Regulatory approval: Ensure that all necessary regulatory approvals for the move and operation at the new location have been obtained.
• Building and location approvals: Check that the new location has all the necessary certifications and approvals.

Insurance coverage:

• Transport insurance: Cover potential damage or loss during transport.
• Liability insurance: Protect yourself against potential liability claims in the event of downtime or data loss.
• Business interruption insurance: Cover financial losses that could arise from potential downtime.

Is my hardware ready for the relocation, or should I purchase new hardware right away?

Sometimes it makes sense to upgrade your hardware before moving to ensure long-term efficiency:

• Tech refresh: Check the age, performance, and condition of your existing systems.
• Cost-benefit analysis: Compare the cost of moving old hardware with the investment in new technologies.
• Future-proofing: Consider whether the current hardware will meet future requirements.

Upgrade-Options:

• Cloud migration: Consider switching to cloud-based solutions to increase flexibility and scalability.
• Virtualization: Use virtualization technologies to utilize hardware resources more efficiently.
• Energy efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient hardware to reduce operating costs and achieve sustainability goals.

What should I do if something goes wrong during the relocation?

As in any critical situation, preparations should be made to respond to unexpected challenges. A well-developed emergency plan specifically aimed at minimizing downtime is essential.

Emergency plans:

• Disaster recovery strategies: Develop plans for data loss, hardware failure, or other unexpected events.
• Communication plans: Determine how and when employees, customers, and partners will be informed in an emergency.
• Roles and responsibilities: Clearly define who will take on which tasks in an emergency.

Trial runs:

• Simulations: Conduct trial runs to check and improve the effectiveness of your emergency plans.
• Lessons learned: Analyze the results of the tests and adjust your strategies accordingly.
• Training: Train your team regularly in emergency scenarios so that they can respond quickly and effectively in a real emergency.

Conclusion

A successful data center relocation requires careful planning and clear decisions. By taking the above aspects into account and following a structured process, risks can be minimized and the relocation can be carried out smoothly.

Do you have any further questions or need assistance with your data center relocation? Our expert Andy Wurzinger will be happy to assist you as your personal contact.