Not that it takes only 20 tasks to move a Data Center (DC), in fact, it is going to take 14 months and a lot of people-hours to complete as depicted in the picture below. But here’s a comical step-by-step description that might shed some light and laughter!
- Step 1 Discover they are selling your building, take a deep breath, and move to Step 2.
- Step 2 Realize you have two data centers to move, take another deep breath, and move to Step 3.
- Step 3 Find new locations. (Luckily UMass Amherst has two active data centers that are VERY reasonably priced)
- Step 4 Complete asset inventory – because it’s important to know what you have. Verify network cable mapping – because it’s even more important to know how it’s connected!
- Step 5 Review existing hardware for EOSL (End of Service “Life”) … and order new stuff if it’s “dead”.
- Step 6 Set up “Lights Out Management” – for full remote support… we like remote!
- Step 7 Decommission any hardware we won’t be able to use since it’s counterproductive to move trash.
- Step 8 Limit new functionality IE: Move it first; make it better later.
- Step 9 Work closely with UMassNet, our network service provider – they’re like Verizon or Comcast to the rest of us civillians.
- Step 10 Inform hardware vendors about the move so they can find their equipment – and recertify it!
- Step 11 Discover they are NOT selling your building and decide to move regardless – proceed to next steps.
- Step 12 Design, install and configure Rack and Slot Destination. (Where you physically put the hardware)
- Step 13 Design, install and configure Cable Run and Port Configuration. (How it physically plugs in – yes, we use plugs and a boatload of electricity)
- Step 14 Test Remote Management, and Outage Durations so we don’t accidentally shutdown about a million apps and several thousand users.
- Step 15 Final prep for the move… shutdown plan, startup checklist, asset handling, network assessment, firewall assessment – check, check, check.
- Step 16 Shutdown existing DC, power off, and Goodnight Irene
- Step 17 MOVE OUT
- Step 18 MOVE IN
- Step 19 Test and sleep for 2 weeks
- Step 20 Move back to Step 4 for Data Center #2
Timeline to Move our Data Center
