Seamless relocation of 250+ servers and critical systems with precision planning, zero disruption, and future-ready infrastructure.
Executive Summary
A global technology firm engaged Technimove to execute a critical data centre migration project. The objective was to relocate infrastructure between two facilities with minimal downtime and risk, ensuring business continuity and operational integrity.
This case study demonstrates Technimove’s leadership in physical data centre relocation, showcasing their ability to deliver complex migrations with precision and reliability.
Challenge
The client required a complete migration of IT infrastructure including servers, tape libraries, and ancillary equipment scheduled over a UK bank holiday to minimise operational disruption.
Technical Complexity
The project required coordinating intricate logistics for an extensive array of vendor hardware, which presented significant complexity in terms of compatibility and sequencing. This involved working with equipment from multiple major vendors including IBM, HPE, Dell, NetApp, Pure, Cisco, Fortinet, and Palo Alto devices, each with their own specific requirements and interdependencies.
The scope of the migration was substantial, encompassing the detailed documentation and careful planning required to relocate over 250 servers along with two Quantum tape libraries. Throughout this process, we had to maintain strict adherence to predetermined migration windows to prevent any unplanned downtime that could impact business operations.
Operational Constraints
We needed to maintain full COVID-19 safety compliance protocols whilst ensuring that these necessary health measures did not compromise the efficiency or timeline of the project execution. The entire migration had to be completed within the restricted timeframe of a bank holiday, which provided a limited window for execution but was essential to minimise business disruption.
This required precise coordination of multiple specialised teams working simultaneously across both the source and destination sites. Additionally, we had to ensure absolute continuity for all mission-critical infrastructure components throughout the migration process, as any interruption could have had severe business implications.
Solution
- Strategic Project Management
Technimove deployed a comprehensive project management solution that encompassed all critical aspects of the migration programme. This included thorough equipment list verification and rack layout validation to ensure accuracy from the outset. The team developed detailed migration runbooks that served as guides throughout the process, whilst maintaining key stakeholder engagement.
Risk mitigation strategies were carefully aligned to industry standards, ensuring that potential issues were identified and addressed proactively before they could impact the project timeline or outcomes.
- Detailed Physical Audit and Planning
Audit Execution
The audit process involved comprehensive mapping of all racks and U positions to create an accurate baseline of the existing infrastructure. Every device’s make, model, and serial numbers were meticulously recorded to maintain complete traceability throughout the migration. Extensive cable labelling and port mapping was undertaken for all interconnects, ensuring that the complex web of connections could be accurately recreated at the destination site. Detailed destination rack plans and patching schedules were created to provide clear guidance during the reconstruction phase.
Integration Checks
The planning phase included thorough cross-referencing of physical and logical topology to ensure complete alignment between the documented and actual infrastructure. Comprehensive verification of power and cooling capacity at the destination site was conducted to confirm that the new environment could support the migrated equipment. Detailed dependency mapping was performed to establish the correct migration order, ensuring that interdependent systems were handled in the appropriate sequence to maintain operational integrity.
- Advanced Pre-Cabling Strategy
Preparation Works
The pre-cabling approach involved installing both copper and fibre connections according to the predetermined destination rack plans, significantly reducing the complexity of on-site work during the migration window. Professional labelling systems and colour-coded cables were implemented to enhance clarity and reduce the potential for connection errors. Comprehensive pre-installation testing was conducted to provide quality assurance and verify that all connections would function correctly when systems were brought online.
Delivered Benefits
This strategic approach significantly reduced the time required on-site during the actual migration, minimising disruption to business operations. The comprehensive preparation work substantially lowered the risk of errors during the critical migration phase, whilst the organised approach improved the infrastructure layout for future maintenance activities and operational efficiency.
- Expert Decommission to Recommission Process
Migration Execution
The migration process began with graceful shutdown procedures that were carefully coordinated with the client to ensure proper system closure without data loss or corruption. Safe de-racking procedures were followed, with equipment placed in anti-static packaging to protect sensitive components during transport. High-quality foam-lined flight cases provided secure transport conditions, whilst comprehensive labelling of racks and component kits ensured seamless setup procedures at the destination site. GPS-tracked transport vehicles provided enhanced security and real-time visibility of equipment location throughout the journey.
Destination Activities
At the destination site, accurate re-racking was performed based on the detailed placement plans developed during the planning phase. Precise reconnection was executed according to the predetermined patching schedules, ensuring that all systems were connected correctly. Live system validation was conducted in collaboration with client teams to verify functionality, whilst rapid issue escalation procedures were in place to address any unexpected challenges immediately.
- Comprehensive Post-Commissioning Support
On-Site Technical Assurance
Following the migration, comprehensive on-site technical support was provided to optimise patching arrangements and conduct cable tracing where necessary. Troubleshooting services and technical assurance were available to address any post-migration issues, whilst thorough documentation handover and staff knowledge transfer ensured that the client team could effectively manage the new environment.
Quality Assurance
The final phase included comprehensive system checks to verify that all components were functioning correctly in their new environment. Baseline performance validation was conducted to establish operational benchmarks, whilst training was provided to client teams to ensure they could effectively manage the migrated infrastructure. Round-the-clock support was maintained during the critical post-migration phase to provide immediate assistance if any issues arose during the initial operational period.
Key Infrastructure Successfully Migrated
Server Infrastructure
- Over 250 servers, across varied form factors
- Enterprise-grade hardware from multiple vendors
- Sequenced according to interdependencies
Storage Systems
- Two Quantum tape libraries, including a 42U i6000 model
- Secure, specialised handling for critical backup systems
Supporting Infrastructure
- Full structured cabling and power systems
- Rack kits, network components, and environmental monitoring
Results
Zero Downtime Success
The migration achieved the critical objective of zero unplanned downtime throughout the entire process, demonstrating exceptional planning and execution capabilities. All systems were successfully brought online within the predetermined migration window, ensuring that business operations continued without interruption. This achievement maintained complete continuity of business operations, protecting both revenue streams and customer service delivery throughout the transition period.
Compliance and Safety Excellence
Throughout the project, COVID-19 safety measures were strictly observed, ensuring the wellbeing of all personnel whilst maintaining project momentum. All applicable regulatory requirements were fully met, with comprehensive documentation maintained to demonstrate compliance. The project was delivered without any health, safety, or compliance issues, reflecting the rigorous standards maintained throughout the execution phase.
Infrastructure Integrity
The migration achieved 100% functionality restoration in the post-migration environment, with all systems operating at full capacity in their new location. No data loss or corruption occurred during the transition, protecting valuable business information and maintaining data integrity. Complete network connectivity was successfully re-established, ensuring that all interconnected systems could communicate effectively within the new infrastructure layout.
Risk Mitigation Excellence
This project exemplifies Technimove’s effectiveness in comprehensive risk control through multiple strategic approaches. Our comprehensive audit and planning processes ensured that potential issues were identified and addressed before they could impact the migration. Time-saving strategies such as the advanced pre-cabling approach reduced exposure to risk during the critical migration window. Methodical logistics management ensured that all components arrived safely and were available when needed, whilst our expert-led project management team provided oversight and decision-making capability throughout the process.
Scalability and Methodology
The successful migration of over 250 servers with zero disruption demonstrates Technimove’s exceptional scalability and precision in execution. These capabilities embody the core strengths of a global leader in physical data centre migration, demonstrating our expertise in managing complex, large-scale projects while upholding the highest standards of service delivery.
Technology Vendor Neutrality
The project encompassed multiple leading hardware platforms from various manufacturers, effectively validating Technimove’s comprehensive capability in managing complex multi-vendor environments. This vendor-agnostic approach ensures that our clients can rely on consistent service quality regardless of their technology choices or infrastructure complexity.
Business Continuity
The zero-downtime execution successfully maintained complete operational integrity throughout the migration process, ensuring that business functions continued uninterrupted. This approach prevented any disruption to revenue generation or customer service delivery, protecting both immediate business interests and long-term customer relationships.
Cost Optimisation
The shortened migration timeline achieved through efficient planning and execution significantly reduced cost exposure for the client. Efficient resource utilisation enhanced the return on investment for the migration project, whilst the future-ready setup has been optimised for ongoing operational efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements.
Future-Proof Infrastructure
Comprehensive documentation created during the migration process provides robust support for future upgrades and modifications to the infrastructure. The scalable architecture established during the migration is ready for future expansion requirements, whilst enhanced visibility and infrastructure control capabilities provide improved operational oversight for ongoing management activities.
Conclusion
This case study underscores Technimove’s ability to deliver high-stakes, complex data centre migrations with surgical precision and zero disruption. With over 26 years of experience, our rigorous methodologies, global scale, and unmatched expertise solidify their reputation as the go-to provider for organisations where business continuity is non-negotiable.
For organisations planning a data centre migration, we offer a reliable, risk-free path led by proven experts committed to delivering the highest standards in planning, execution, and service delivery.
Why Global Technology Firms Trust Technimove
Technimove is the trusted partner for global technology leaders thanks to a proven track record across banking, finance, gaming, pharmaceuticals, government, and more.
What Sets Us Apart:
- Unrivalled Experience & Scale:
25+ years of operations, tens of thousands of successful migrations, and 100+ live projects across a global footprint.
- Comprehensive Risk Management:
A zero-downtime record, robust security protocols, full insurance cover, and compliance expertise across industries.
- Vendor-Neutral Expertise:
Deep knowledge across all major vendors with platform-agnostic, future-ready solutions including hybrid and cloud.
- Complete Service Delivery:
From discovery to post-migration optimisation—ensuring seamless, 24/7 support every step of the way.
- Sector-Specific Insight:
Deep understanding of sector-specific needs including finance regulation, retail scalability, and pharmaceutical compliance.
- Innovation & Leadership:
Leading-edge methodologies, continuous improvement, and strategic consulting to future-proof client infrastructure.
These strengths make Technimove the go-to provider for complex, high-stakes data centre migrations where failure is not an option
About Technimove
Founded in 1998, Technimove has grown from a small IT relocation and data centre migration business into a global transformation services provider, offering a comprehensive range of services from cloud migrations and data centre relocations to enterprise security and managed IT services. As the market leader in professional services and data centre migration, Technimove has successfully completed tens of thousands of migration projects over the past 25 years.
Global Reach and Scale
With offices in the UK, USA, Germany, and South Africa, Technimove delivers services across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. Managing over 100 projects at any one time, Technimove has evolved from a small operation into a global presence, relied upon to deliver core transformation services for many of the world’s leading IT service providers.
Service Portfolio
Technimove delivers comprehensive solutions across multiple disciplines:
- Professional Services: Networking, Data Centre, Storage, Data Protection, Compute – Servers
- Migration Services: Data Centre Migration, Data Centre Consolidation, Cloud Migration, Structured Cabling
For more information about Technimove’s Data Centre Migration services, visit technimove.com or contact their expert team on 020 8686 8800.