Data center relocations are common occurrences when moving applications from one data center to another or into the cloud. Relocations are often due to limited storage on an old platform, keeping up with regulatory requirements, acquisitions, mergers, or cost savings.
While data center relocations are common, they’re also somewhat complex. It involves moving application software, infrastructure software, hardware, and important interdependencies. It’s crucial to make sure data isn’t lost or unplanned downtime occurs. Data center relocation services help ensure all dependencies between applications and infrastructure are moved to the new location and work correctly.
To enjoy the benefits of a successful data migration, follow these five rules.
Many IT departments don’t have full knowledge of the data center setup, especially if their assets are older. To improve your chances of a smooth data migration, review your current data centerand find out as much as you can about the setup.
Each application may have multiple relationships and dependencies with other applications and infrastructure. It’s common for some to be several years old and involve legacy technology. If staff with knowledge of older systems have left the company, it’s important to fill these gaps.
Network tracing tools can help detect which components are communicating with others. Use tracing tools farbefore your scheduled data migration as some applications may only communicate every few months or once a year. Over time, create a complete picture of how your data center works before launching into migration.
Each application may have several migration methods. Choosing the best method depends on which technology the application is using. Applications using current technology typically run on virtual machines and are easily copied to a new data center. “Lift and shift” methods are best for applications using older technology.
Once you decide the migration method, decide how many trials or testsneed to happen for critical applications. These applications, such as banking or air traffic control, may require a trial migration followed by testing to ensure success.
It’s critical to avoid downtime for important applications involving sensitive information. To avoid data loss, involve backups at each major stage with a roll-back plan if problems occur.
With trial migrations, you test the migration method and work through any problems in advance. Only after testing the migration and solving any problems are you safe to try the live migration.
Since the infrastructure needs to be sized correctly, it’s important to know where each application will go in the new network. Consider the requirements of each app before the migration occurs.
This process takes time and work. You must consider the complete infrastructure including servers, local network design, external connectivity, virtualization, monitoring, and more. Also, plan for older applications which may not be compatible with new data center security.
Migrating data could cause network latency which affects app performance. Legacy systems are more at risk for latency issues. The most cost-effective way to fix the problem is by modeling. If it shows latency will be an issue for a certain app, you can take steps to correct it.
You may address temporary latency by scheduling the migration of interdependent applications closely together. Other solutions would be necessary if latency is predicted to affect app performance in its permanent end state. It may require rewriting or reconfiguring parts of the app, or replacing it altogether.
At Advanced Systems Group, we help companies migrate data successfully with professional data center relocation services. Contact us today for more information about data center relocation services to make sure your data is secure.
While data center relocations are common, they’re also somewhat complex. It involves moving application software, infrastructure software, hardware, and important interdependencies. It’s crucial to make sure data isn’t lost or unplanned downtime occurs. Data center relocation services help ensure all dependencies between applications and infrastructure are moved to the new location and work correctly.
To enjoy the benefits of a successful data migration, follow these five rules.
- Understand the Current Setup
Many IT departments don’t have full knowledge of the data center setup, especially if their assets are older. To improve your chances of a smooth data migration, review your current data centerand find out as much as you can about the setup.
Each application may have multiple relationships and dependencies with other applications and infrastructure. It’s common for some to be several years old and involve legacy technology. If staff with knowledge of older systems have left the company, it’s important to fill these gaps.
Network tracing tools can help detect which components are communicating with others. Use tracing tools farbefore your scheduled data migration as some applications may only communicate every few months or once a year. Over time, create a complete picture of how your data center works before launching into migration.
- Choose the Right Method for Each Application
Each application may have several migration methods. Choosing the best method depends on which technology the application is using. Applications using current technology typically run on virtual machines and are easily copied to a new data center. “Lift and shift” methods are best for applications using older technology.
Once you decide the migration method, decide how many trials or testsneed to happen for critical applications. These applications, such as banking or air traffic control, may require a trial migration followed by testing to ensure success.
- Test Migration for Important Applications
It’s critical to avoid downtime for important applications involving sensitive information. To avoid data loss, involve backups at each major stage with a roll-back plan if problems occur.
With trial migrations, you test the migration method and work through any problems in advance. Only after testing the migration and solving any problems are you safe to try the live migration.
- Decide Where Applications Will Go in the New Network
Since the infrastructure needs to be sized correctly, it’s important to know where each application will go in the new network. Consider the requirements of each app before the migration occurs.
This process takes time and work. You must consider the complete infrastructure including servers, local network design, external connectivity, virtualization, monitoring, and more. Also, plan for older applications which may not be compatible with new data center security.
- Expect Latency
Migrating data could cause network latency which affects app performance. Legacy systems are more at risk for latency issues. The most cost-effective way to fix the problem is by modeling. If it shows latency will be an issue for a certain app, you can take steps to correct it.
You may address temporary latency by scheduling the migration of interdependent applications closely together. Other solutions would be necessary if latency is predicted to affect app performance in its permanent end state. It may require rewriting or reconfiguring parts of the app, or replacing it altogether.
At Advanced Systems Group, we help companies migrate data successfully with professional data center relocation services. Contact us today for more information about data center relocation services to make sure your data is secure.
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