Server relocations can be complex and require careful planning. Companies move their servers for various reasons, sometimes through choice and other times due to necessity. To name a few contract expirations, administrative decisions, company relocations and insufficient data centre space. This blog serves as an informational guide aimed at helping you avoid common server relocation mistakes no matter what stage of a server relocation you’re at.
1. Failing to hire an experienced Project Manager
At Technimove we believe that even if you are moving a couple of servers, an experienced Project Manager (PM) is needed.
A common mistake we see is that businesses either don’t allocate a dedicated project manager (PM) or assign the server relocation project to a PM who is already overloaded with other projects, leaving them with insufficient bandwidth to deliver the relocation effectively.
An experienced Project Manager in Server Relocation projects sets the right tone of the project and takes ownership. The project team will identify all stakeholders and keep them up to date through regular calls and meetings. If no internal resource is available, businesses should budget for a dedicated project manager to improve the likelihood of success.
At Technimove we provide highly skilled Level 1 to Level 7 resources that clients can seamlessly integrate into their teams and manage as required. Our flexible approach enables rapid scaling of expertise and resources, enhancing your team’s adaptability and operational agility.
2. Inadequately preparing the Organisation
At Technimove, we often find that businesses do not allocate sufficient downtime when relocating their servers. Businesses often expect to complete the project within an extremely tight timeframe, setting deadlines before conducting a thorough analysis.
After determining the outage window, the team communicates it across the organisation and, in many cases, to clients, ensuring they are prepared for any disruption. Unfortunately, by the time it becomes evident that the relocation timeframe is unrealistic and poses a risk to the project and business, the client is already committed to the agreed schedule.
At this stage, many clients insist on keeping the original window simply because they have already communicated it internally and externally. Engaging server relocation specialists such as Technimove early in the process can prevent this challenge. At Technimove, we support clients in developing a realistic and achievable project plan. With over 100 projects in progress at any given time, Technimove has successfully delivered tens of thousands of data centre migrations since our founding in 1998.
3. Using an inexperienced move company
Many businesses underestimate the complexities of a server migration, often choosing a non-technical move company to handle the relocation while relying on their own IT team for the technical aspects. While this may appear to be a cost-effective solution, it can lead to significant challenges and risks.
A server relocation is often one of the most critical IT projects a company will undertake, involving millions of pounds worth of server equipment, complex cable management, and potentially a multi-million-pound data centre contract. Without expert handling, improper server packing and inadequate use of server cases can lead to physical damage, while poor planning can compromise data security, putting sensitive business information at risk.
Ensuring the safe transport of valuable IT infrastructure requires specialist expertise. For a relatively small investment, businesses can and should engage a professional server relocation company with a proven track record. Partnering with experienced specialists ensures a seamless migration, minimising risk and disruption while safeguarding both data security and mission-critical IT assets.
At Technimove, we use our tried-and-tested methodology that adapts to the unique needs of each server relocation project. We ensure minimal disruption by freeing up your project management and IT teams, allowing them to focus on daily operations and maintain business as usual (BAU) before, during, and after the relocation.
As a specialist server relocation company, our experienced project management team has successfully delivered countless data centre migration projects. Our comprehensive services include:
- Site surveys
- Auditing the existing server room or data centre
- Developing a Method Statement and Run Book to outline key project stages
- Preparing the new data centre with structured and patch cabling installation
- Decommissioning cabling on the move day
- De-racking and professionally packing equipment in anti-static bubble wrap and foam-lined flight cases
- Secure transportation in GPS-tracked vehicles
- Re-racking and recommissioning all cables
- Powering on and configuring networking equipment
- Providing full goods-in-transit insurance
With our expertise, we ensure a seamless migration with minimal risk, safeguarding your infrastructure and data security. For organisations that depend on their data centre hardware, the value of a professional relocation service is immeasurable. Without the right expertise, businesses can face costly disruptions, data security risks, and operational downtime.
If you have a critical server migration on the horizon, speak to our data centre migration specialists today and avoid these server relocation mistakes. Get in touch with our experts now!