Data centers are vital components to many of today’s businesses. These facilities provide reliable resources for critical IT equipment. They also provide a safety net in case of emergency or disaster. These facilities are designed specifically for the purpose of storing critical Information Technology equipment, like servers, as well as people. Also, a data center has vast storage capabilities. Therefore, businesses are able to keep all of their data in one place. In case a disaster occurs, a firm has the option of recovering crucial data via the backup that is stored in the facility.

Moving a Data Center Facility
One constant in the IT arena is that it keeps evolving. Technology advancements are consistently made. They upgrade and augment the efficiency and performance of a particular piece of hardware or software. That is why companies sometimes need to expand their IT infrastructure. This may require them to move servers and related equipment from one data center facility to another. The problem with private data centers is that they often have a fixed capacity in regards to server space. This is why colocation facilities are becoming more popular, as they provide flexibility for IT expansion.
Whether moving out of or into private data center or a third-party data center, there are a few things to keep in mind. When decommissioning an old facility, there are things that need to be done. Businesses are advised to formulate a checklist of all of the factors that need be addressed to make sure that the entire process is smooth.
Creating a Checklist
The IT department of a company usually manages all of the data centers that are owned by the company itself. Normally, a company will only have a single data center that houses its IT requirements. However, some firms invest in a number of data centers that are located in different places. This ensures that even if a single facility is rendered useless for some reason or the other, the rest can keep functioning properly.
When creating a checklist, there are various factors to bear in mind.
First of all, data centers house IT equipment of various types. This equipment is relatively expensive and can be salvaged when shifting facilities. Therefore, a list of what inventory can be used in the new facility must be constructed.
On the other hand, at times, much of the equipment within data centers is leased. This is especially true if a company is moving out of a third-party data center. Therefore, when shifting facilities, it is important to make sure that they are returned.
Any equipment that is not going to be of any use in the new facility has to be disposed of. Disposal procedures vary for different types of equipment. Within the United States, different states have different laws that need to be followed in regards to disposal.
Last of all, service agreements also need to be terminated. Service agreements are formulated for service of specific types of equipment and data center features. Make sure to terminate these to avoid ongoing charges that could occur even after a move.
Planning out a move to a new data center by creating a checklist is a smart choice. It allows for a smooth transition with minimum hassles.
Olawale Daniel is a blogger and writer on various topic around the web and he also writes regularly on latest iphone related news on his new website, iTechWit. You can follow him on Twitter for more information.
Hi Praveen,
I think IT dept play a crucial role in IT infrastructure management and the checklist which you have suggested really comes handy for the smooth transition.
Thanks for this share.
Sapna