Logic, then physics

Data Center Relocation (DCR)

Consolidation, mergers & acquisitions, and space demands necessitate the need for companies to assess their current IT infrastructure and consider relocating their data center. But to move a data center requires advanced project management skills, experienced staff, and a strong constitution to handle the high operational and financial risks involved.

Crosspoint Solutions has completed numerous data center relocations with incident-free execution. we have a lot of experience building, managing, and supporting data center environments combined with outstanding project management capabilities offer end-to-end data center relocation services that save time, money, and risk exposure. Our time-tested, straightforward process brings order to the complex planning, documentation, and testing that occurs with any data center relocation.

75% Planning, 25% Execution

Regardless of the business motivation, a data center relocation involves risks, both operational and financial. Thorough planning is key to ensuring an incident-free move. At Crosspoint Solutions, we are process driven, which allows us to work on similar projects with predictable results. In the area of data center relocations, our process is clear-cut:

1. Gather the requirements
2. Develop a Design Plan
3. Develop an Implementation Plan
4. Execute the Plan
5. Supply Project Management to ensure success

The first three steps represent the planning portion of the process while the fourth one is the execution phase. Project Management spans all and is required for success. It has been said that running a project without a project manager is like playing a basketball game without a point guard! In no other type of project is this as true as it is with planning a data center relocation.

However, for most complex IT projects, no one size fits all! Some clients have the ability to do much of the planning required to successfully move a data center (Steps 1-3) in house. In these cases, they may only need a partner to physically execute the move. In other cases, they do not have resources with either the time or the skills and knowledge required. Here, they need a partner to manage the planning process and then execute the plan. Most of the time, it is somewhere in between those two extremes. At Crosspoint Solutions our first step in any data center relocation is to establish a dialog with you and your team so we can better understand your specific needs in the planning space.

Five Critical Considerations for a Successful Data Center Move

Before the first server is ever uninstalled and moved to the new location, there are 5 critical areas that you must address in order to make your data center relocation a success.

1. Project Management
   Many companies have project managers on staff. However, because data center relocations do not happen often, they may lack the DCR experience needed. The PM role is vital to ensuring your data center relocation is a success. If this is the first data center move your project manager has managed, make sure they get help from an experienced PM.
2. Planning
   The more comprehensive the planning process and the better the quality of documentation, the more successful the execution of the move. For a typical data center relocation, planning is 75% of the effort.
3. Logistics
   Logistics plays a significant role in any successful data center relocation. Having the right people with the right skill set, at the right place, at the right time, with the right equipment, are all contributing factors. This is not the time to hire a furniture moving company.
4. Resources
   To be successful, there needs to be the proper mix of resources—those who know the environment and those who know how to plan and execute a data center relocation. Because your team of “experts” have a “day job,” it is normally difficult for them to put in the time required to plan the move. It is, however, usually possible to find time to provide specific information in response to focused questions from experts in the field of data center relocation.
5. Management Support
   Management support may seem fairly obvious, but unfortunately, it is often overlooked. Management needs to be kept in the loop at all times and trusted to remove hurdles that may be encountered.

How to Achieve an Incident-Free Data Center Relocation

Crosspoint Solutions offers end-to-end DCR capabilities to achieve incident-free data center relocations. From professional services that include project planning and management, to the actual move, plus everything in between, we can meet your requirements, satisfy your needs, and exceed your expectations.

Whether you have or lack internal resources to plan and execute a data center relocation, Crosspoint Solutions offers the data center services that address your continuum of needs:

• Basic Rack to Rack Box move
• Transportation
• Cable Management
• Turnkey Relocation Service
• OEM Certification
• Project Management and Consulting
• Disaster Recovery

More than just a data center relocation partner, Crosspoint Solutions has over 5 years of data center experience including hosting, data center infrastructure management (DCIM), capacity planning, IT consulting and more.

Data Center Relocation Made Easier, In Less Time

Relocating a data center — whether to save money, support corporate expansion, or for some other business condition — is not trivial. There are many hours dedicated to planning, paperwork, and the move itself to ensure accurate information and precision timing.

Using a DCIM tool and methodology can effectively cut your relocation planning time by up to 45%. With data center modeling that represents space, power, heating, and cooling, a DCIM tool can drastically reduce risk by showing, in advance, the impact changes will have on each of these elements in your data center.

In addition, DCIM supports faster, more coordinated physical moves with the ability to plan network connections and make changes on-the-fly, improving efficiency while significantly reducing the risk of human error.