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 

Currently in progress activities: Network Gear Design/Order, Springfield Data Center Move for Disaster Recovery, Out of Band Management Project, Equipment Ordering, Springfield Prep and Setup, Amherst Data Center Move, Asset Inventory & Cable Mapping. Future activities include Network, Amherst Prep, Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity Plan Review, and Network Prep for Amherst. All other activities are cut off and unable to be read on the image.