How we relocate data centers
Do a quick search online and you'll find a variety of ways to relocate or consolidate your IT infrastructure. But there is only one way to do it right.
Quick answer
How does MIGRA relocate a data center?
MIGRA Systems relocates data centers in four phases, scripting move day in 15-minute increments so every task has an owner and a time:
- Requirements gathering
- Design planning
- Implementation planning
- Execution
Last updated
At MIGRA, we offer a unique approach to relocating your devices. Using our experience from hundreds of relocation projects, we have designed a way to keep your devices safe and your data secure at every step of the relocation process.
Our proven process, methodology, experience, team members, and our commitment to working with each client as a part of your team and not just a vendor have made MIGRA a leader in our industry.
Our focus is getting your devices relocated safely, securely, and intact. Data center relocations are mission-critical projects. Don't leave this task in the hands of just anyone.
Your focus is keeping your business in motion. Let MIGRA focus on putting your Technology In Motion.
Our four phase methodology
Every project follows the same repeatable framework. Each phase builds on the documents produced by the one before it.
-
Requirements gathering
We document the Present Method of Operation (PMO): a detailed inventory, Visio drawings, the entire physical network infrastructure, and the logical application linkages for all devices. Our subject matter experts work alongside your core team.
-
Design planning
From the PMO we develop recommendations for the Desired Future State (DFS), then the roadmap to get there: net new equipment needs, changes to the telecommunications architecture, and the network within the building.
-
Implementation planning
Rack layouts, data center cable plans, a list of tasks to complete before move day, and the Day of Move (DOM) plan with tasks, owners and prerequisites, organized into move groups to reduce downtime and limit risk.
-
Execution
Our teams de-install, pack, transport and re-install every device, following the DOM plan line by line and adjusting quickly when the move runs ahead of schedule.
What move day looks like
From validating the inventory of every component slated to move, to identifying software dependencies and mapping all network connectivity, everything is broken down in a detailed day-of-move plan, every 15 minutes, showing each task, whether it's for the client, a vendor, MIGRA or a third party.
Weeks before
Site walk-throughs
We cross-check the inventory sheet against the physical location of each device, review the plan with you, map the path for moving devices, and order floor covering to protect the data center floor.
2 hours early
Team meeting and walk-through
MIGRA personnel arrive early. Two-person teams are formed and assigned to areas and racks of the data center.
De-install
Inventory in, double-checked
As you release blocks of devices, technicians remove devices, cables, power cords and rails, check the counts, and pack each device with a Device Spec Sheet: server name, serial number, number of cables, cords and rails, and its destination rack and U location.
Transport
Loaded by priority
Devices are loaded by destination rack or move group. Critical devices travel first. Every device is tracked by inventory number at de-installation, relocation and re-installation.
Re-install
Installed, cabled, checked twice
Installation teams work assigned racks and aisles. A second team double-checks the cabling, then turns the devices over to your team for testing.
Risk assessment at every stage
At every stage of your project, risk assessment and a contingency plan are at the forefront of our process. We know how vital your devices are to your company's success.
Know what's happening at every stage of this mission-critical project with MIGRA on your side. To make sure no vital step is missed, we also break every project into ten steps.
MIGRA services
We have all your data center relocation and migration needs covered.
Questions about our methodology
What are the phases of a data center relocation?
MIGRA runs every data center relocation in four phases: requirements gathering, design planning, implementation planning and execution. Each phase builds on the documents produced by the one before it, from the first inventory to the final device test.
What is a day-of-move plan?
A day-of-move (DOM) plan is the minute-by-minute script for the move itself. MIGRA breaks it down every 15 minutes, listing each task, its owner (the client, a vendor, MIGRA or a third party) and its prerequisites, with devices organized into move groups to reduce downtime and limit risk.
What do PMO and DFS mean in a data center move?
PMO is the Present Method of Operation: a documented picture of how the current data center is built, cabled and connected. DFS is the Desired Future State: how the new environment should look. The move plan is the roadmap from PMO to DFS.
How long does it take to plan a data center relocation?
Planning time depends on the size of the move. In one MIGRA project for a bank, planning began twelve months before the move date, with an eight-month intensive planning process. The last two months were spent scripting and adjusting the day-of-move plan.
See all data center relocation questions · Glossary of relocation terms
Interested in learning more about MIGRA?
Download our white paper for additional insight into successful data center relocations.