The document discusses key considerations for planning a successful data center migration. It identifies three main areas to focus on: 1) Deciding whether to replicate the existing infrastructure or create something new, noting the tradeoffs of each approach. 2) Carefully planning the logistics of moving equipment and finding experienced help. 3) Anticipating challenges and having contingency plans, and getting buy-in from management and other stakeholders. Thorough preparation from multiple angles can help ensure a smoother transition.

1. Copyright © 2015 Data Cave, Inc. All rights reserved.
Moving Your Data Center
Keys to planning a successful
data center migration.

2. You’ve decided to relocate your data
center. You’re now on your way to:
More More Less
Stability and
Security
Uptime and
Availability
Operating
costs

3. But
The migration itself is a
huge challenge, requiring
time, planning, and
many questions to
answer.

4. Here are some areas that can
have a huge impact on the
direction of your planning
efforts, and ultimately how
successful and pain-free
your migration is.

5. Are you cloning what you
already have, or creating
something new?
#1.

6. Original vs. modified infrastructure
makes a huge difference
Option 1
Option 2
Fully replicating your existing IT
infrastructure at a new data
center location
Revamping/upgrading your
infrastructure as part of the
migration project

7. Every situation is different, but
opting to overhaul your existing
infrastructure can bring:
• Lower overall maintenance and power costs
(thanks to switching to newer equipment)
• Better ability for the infrastructure to scale
with your growing business demands

8. Don’t underestimate the
logistics of the migration.
#2.

9. A lack of experience in moving
a data center can have
disastrous consequences.
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10. The logistics of physically moving the
equipment is often overlooked during
the migration planning process.
In addition to making the logistics a part
of the planning, having (or finding)
experience in physically moving your
servers will go a long way.

11. To ensure the logistics of your
data center move are sound:
Use proper securing methods while in transit.
Never move server racks when fully loaded.
Ensure that all cables are properly labeled.
Be mindful of any big temperature differences
between the data center and outside.

12. If you think you have
planned enough, then
plan some more.
#3.

13. Unforeseen challenges aren’t
just something to be expected
with a data center migration.
They’re a
guarantee.

14. When you begin to feel
comfortable with your migration
plan, ask yourself:
Have I thought of every possible issue that
could arise? Nothing is too big or too small; it
should all be considered.
Do I have a contingency plan in place in the
event that an issue comes up?
Do I have buy-in from my upper management?
Is the entire company “all in” with the
migration?

15. Putting the time in to evaluate
your migration plan from many
different angles will only make it
stronger, and your data center
move more successful.
“Failing to plan is
planning to fail.”
The bottom line:

16. For even more tips
on planning a data
center move:
Our ‘Data Center Relocation
101’ whitepaper is a useful
resource with many insights
that will help with your
migration planning process.
You can download it below:
Download Whitepaper

17. Copyright © 2015 Data Cave, Inc. All rights reserved.
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