What is Data Center Relocation? Evernex explains

A data center relocation is a critical and complex task, which is often unavoidable when a business outgrows its current IT infrastructure or changes location. Simply put, a data center relocation refers to moving data center assets and operations from one location to another.

Motives driving businesses to move their infrastructure to a new data center can include cost reduction, scaling, and security. Whatever the reason, a successful relocation project always requires meticulous planning and execution.

In this article, find out what a data center relocation is, why it matters for your business, and how Evernex can help you perform a smooth, hassle-free relocation.

What is Data Center Relocation?

Data center relocation is the practice of transferring IT assets and systems from one data center facility to another. Key infrastructure components moved in a relocation include:

• Servers
• Storage devices
• Network infrastructure (routers, switches, etc.)
• Racks

A data center relocation can be complete (moving the entire infrastructure) or partial (moving only some assets). It can also take place:

• between floors or rooms of the same data center
• between buildings
• internationally
• from a physical infrastructure to the cloud

Such a project requires careful planning, preparation and execution. An effective project plan minimizes downtime and avoids the risks of damage and data loss in the move.

 

What does a data center relocation project plan include?

A well-structured relocation plan is essential to ensure a successful migration, whether it is between floors or countries. It covers all critical aspects of migration planning and reduces the risk of unexpected issues transferring applications and data.

At a high level, key steps to consider include:

1. Planning and scoping the migration
2. Assigning clear ownership and resources
3. Conducting a full audit and creating an updated inventory of assets
4. Reviewing and organizing all documentation
5. Ensuring your business has effective backup systems and assets readily available
6. Prepare for the possibility of downtime
7. Using the opportunity to perform replacements or upgrades
8. Securely transporting physical hardware and migrating virtual applications
9. Reconfiguration, implementation and testing

For our full checklist to guide you through the data center migration process, check out our step-by-step Data Center Migration Plan.

Is there a difference between data center relocation and data center migration?

Data center migration and relocation are often used interchangably. However, there is a subtle difference between the two terms:

Term	Meaning
Data center relocations	Relocations focus on the movement of physical infrastructure from one space to another. This covers servers, networking equipment, storage, etc.
Data center migrations	A more general term, data center migration refers to the transfer of physical and virtual assets, including data, applications, and systems. Migrations can also refer to a change of format or to virtualization, not just a change of physical environment.

Why do businesses perform data center relocations?

Enterprises can choose to relocate their data center infrastructure for several reasons. Two of the most common are:

Business expansion

As businesses grow, their IT systems need to scale with them. This may mean needing more IT equipment, and therefore more space to store it. It can also imply higher power, cooling and connectivity requirements than their current data center can provide.

Cost savings

Data center relocations can save businesses capital in several ways. A business may choose a smaller facility or a less in-demand data center location, which costs less than a large or centrally-located space.

Migrating to a colocation facility can also save money. Instead of owning and operating an entire data center, a business rents space within a shared, professionally managed facility. The colo provides power, cooling, security, and connectivity infrastructure and services.

In fact, moving to a small or shared facility is not the only way businesses can save costs. Migrating to a new location can offer access to more energy-efficient systems, better building designs and environmental controls, and improved resource utilisation. This ultimately reduces the total cost of ownership.

Improved latency

A business may choose to relocate its IT infrastructure to be closer to new customer bases or international branches. Closer geographic proximity can reduce latency, improving connectivity and response times.

Shift to edge computing

Edge computing is experiencing considerable growth recently. This style of data center supplies low latency, relative geographic flexibility and reduced outgoings. As a result, an increasing amount of businesses are choosing to migrate to smaller, edge data center facilities.

Why is data center relocation important for your business?

Data center relocation can have significant implications for companies and their business operations. The results of a successful data center relocation or migration can include:

• cost reduction
• improved operational efficiency
• increased flexibility
• enhanced performance
• more robust security measures

Data center migrations and relocations, when performed well, allow businesses to scale their operations, optimize their IT infrastructure, reduce outgoings and even embrace virtualization.

What are the key challenges and advantages of data center relocation?

Before undertaking a data center relocation, a business should carefully consider both the benefits and potential risks. Here are some of the key considerations to take into account:

Advantages	Disadvantages
✅ Scaling opportunities	❌ High initial cost
✅ Enhanced security measures	❌ Potential for data loss
✅ Increased geographic flexibility	❌ Downtime during migration
✅ Access to advanced technology	❌ Risk of project overruns
✅ Lower CapEx and OpEx due to saved space or more efficient resource use	❌ Complexity of planning and execution
✅ Opportunity to dispose of unwanted assets	❌ Risk of infrastructure damage during transport

Key considerations from IT teams

Relocating data center hardware and software is more than just moving the equipment. IT teams point out some of the most critical points to bear in mind when considering or planning your data center relocation strategy:

Key consideration	Explanation
Shutdown and start-up planning	Clearly defined shutdown and restart strategies protect systems, preserve data integrity, and minimize downtime.
Backup verification	Team should test and validate all backups prior to migration, ensuring recoverability.
Power and cooling	Teams recommend installing and testing power, cooling, and rack infrastructure onsite before equipment arrives.
Weight	Assessing equipment weight and floor load capacity can avoid structural or safety issues.
IP addressing	Changes to IP ranges or network configurations should be planned to avoid connectivity disruptions.
Specialist support	Relocation service providers often have insurance in case of issues, access to replacement hardware and certified engineers to reduce operational risk.

IMPORTANT: Always have a complete, up-to-date data center recovery plan in place in case of issues before, during or after your migration. This helps your business respond quickly and reduce the risk of extended downtime, security breaches and data loss.

How can Evernex help you relocate your data center?

Evernex is a global leader of IT infrastructure maintenance and support. Our comprehensive, expert data center relocation services ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption, with end-to-end support that includes:

• Consultation and project management
• Risk assessment
• Equipment packaging
• Secure transport
• Post-relocation testing

Leveraging our extensive experience, Evernex helps businesses plan and execute their data center moves efficiently and securely. Our certified data center relocation services guarantee absolute regulatory compliance and data security, as well as ensuring minimal downtime for your business.

Our comprehensive IMACD (Install, Move, Add, Change, Dispose) services also effectively manage and maintain your enterprise IT infrastructure at every stage of its lifecycle. Whether you need to scale up, relocate or consolidate your hardware, Evernex is here to offer expert support.

We manage the entire process, creating a smooth transition that allows your business to continue its operations with as little disruption as possible.

 

Frequently asked questions on data center relocation