Data center migration is the process of transferring a large amount of data from one location to another, often in a short period of time. Whether you’re moving from an on-premise data storage facility, another colocation data center, or moving from the cloud, this is a process you won’t want to take lightly. 

Moving the physical storage of your most important data can be a highly tedious process, but with the right preparation and planning, it can be a smooth and successful transition. 

Here are some key steps to take before moving your data to a colocation data center:

Evaluate your needs

Before you begin the process of moving your data, it’s important to assess your current and future needs. This includes determining how much space and bandwidth you will require, as well as any specific requirements for power, cooling, and security. 

This will inform not only your needs in a data center but also will help you determine what you should be planning for as far as any equipment that will need to be purchased in the coming months or years as your data storage needs expand. 

Choose a reputable provider

Not all colocation data centers are created equal, so it’s important to do your research and choose a provider that has a proven track record of reliability and security. Look for a provider that offers a wide range of services, including on-site technicians, redundant power and cooling systems, and multiple connectivity options.

Not sure where to begin with selecting a reputable and reliable colocation data center that meets your organization’s unique needs and requirements? Please read our guide to finding the right colocation data center on our blog.

Prepare your equipment

Before moving your servers and other equipment to the data center, it’s essential to make sure they are properly prepared. This includes backing up all data, testing and configuring your servers, and packing them securely for transport. If you fail to complete this step, you may find that you have major problems or errors to deal with on the other side of the move to a colocation data center. It’s much easier to take some additional time and effort to prep beforehand than to troubleshoot problems on the back end. 

Plan your move carefully

Moving your data to a colocation data center can be a complex process, so it’s important to plan every step carefully. This includes coordinating with the data center staff, scheduling downtime, and ensuring that all necessary personnel is available to assist with the move.

Every element should be thought out with regard to the safety of your team, the availability of the data to those who may need it during the transition, and the schedule and availability of your colocation data center of choice. If there will be downtime, how much downtime is acceptable based on the kind of data you’re working with? These are all elements that should be considered when building a solid data migration plan. 

Test and validate the move

Once your data has been moved to the colocation data center, testing and validating the move is essential to ensure that everything is working properly. This includes testing connectivity, running stress tests, and verifying that all data has been transferred successfully.

By following these steps and working with a reputable colocation provider, like our team at Rack59 here in Oklahoma, you can ensure that your data is moved smoothly and efficiently to your new data center.