Tips for Migrating to a Tier 4 Data Center
Tips for Migrating to a Tier 4 Data Center
Reliable and safe data are not only crucial for building client trust but are the very livelihood of your business.
Tier 4 data centers are the best options for businesses that rely on their data to function. Considering that
the average cost of a power outage is over $740,000, investing in the best data center to prevent outage should be a priority.
However, many leaders and executives are intimidated by the prospect of migrating their data to a Tier 4 facility. With the right planning and testing, you can move your data with minimal headaches. It can even be a great opportunity to update your computer systems and
computer hardware equipment to save you time and money in the future.
Here is why you should consider a Tier 4 data center and some tips for migrating your data as smoothly as possible.
Why Choose a Tier 4 Data Center?
When data centers came onto the scene in the 90s, it quickly became evident that there needed to be a ranking system to signify their quality and reliability. They were ranked on a standardized scale from 1-4 with 4 indicating the highest quality.
Tier 4 isn't for every business. It's ideal for larger companies that require the highest level of data reliability. Tier 4 is made primarily for businesses that:
● Are e-commerce
● Have multi-million revenues
● Downtime is detrimental
● Have business models that are built only for IT
What Makes a Tier 4 Data Center?
Tier 4 has the highest level of uptime, sometimes called availability. The uptime is the percentage of the year that the center is operational without any problems. Lower level Tier centers will usually try to sell you more uptime, or annual maintenance. However, Tier 4 already has the maximum amount of uptime, and as close to no downtime as possible (23 minutes a year at the most).
In addition, Tier 4 facilities are fully redundant and equipped with cooling, networking, and electrical circuits. They also have the best architecture ensuring almost all technical incidents won’t affect availability. They typically have contracts with disaster management companies as well to make any interference as minimal as possible in case of a natural disaster.
Tips for Migrating Your Data to a Tier 4 Center
Once you have decided to migrate your data to increase reliability and security, though, how do you get started? With the right plan in place and diligence, your company can migrate with minimal downtime.
Start Early
To make sure that everything is in place, you need to do your homework. It typically takes six months to ensure a smooth transition. It takes time to plan and execute a major movement of your data with minimal downtime.
Use this time to make sure everything is up-to-date, and your equipment can adapt to the new space. If you have older
computer hardware or rentals, this would be the time to phase them out for newer desktops and laptops models.
Also, take time to look through your contracts. Are there any which are difficult to manage or ones where you think you might be paying too much? Before the migration process is the best stage to let them go or renegotiate for a better deal.
Plan out your team for the move as well. It might be necessary to hire a professional IT company dedicated to data center work if you don't have a dedicated IT team for the move. Schedule and coordinate your team to make sure it runs smoothly.
Also, consider what you will do with your data while the equipment is in transit. If you cannot have any downtime at all, you may need to rent temporary equipment to have in place while your hardware is moved.
Take a thorough inventory of your equipment before the moving process starts as well. Pull inventory documentation and system logs to reference after everything is moved. A list will help you confirm that none of the equipment is lost in the migration.
Execute a Smooth Transition
Aim to move during a time that is least busy for your business. Avoid holidays or product launches, for example. Choose slow hours as well, such as at night, but make sure that you have access to every building you need.
Organization is key. A comprehensive plan with contingencies and back-up plans will make sure you’re ready for any possible scenario. It should thoroughly discuss what will move and how to do it, as well as how everything will be installed and tested.
Separate your group into teams based on the job they need to perform, such as physical movers, digital teams, etc. Packing should be thorough as well. Everything needs to be labeled, down to the cable types and lengths. Also, note on the box exactly where it should be placed at the facility to simplify reinstallation.
Your equipment is particularly vulnerable during this time, so security is paramount. Keep a security log and track all equipment. Also, you should know every worker in each team. Take or destroy any security keys, documents, and access systems afterward.
Document and Test Your Equipment
Once you have made the move, test everything thoroughly. Check the equipment in the new center against the original audit to make sure that nothing was misplaced during the move. Make a note of anything that might need to be replaced.
Ensure each system and application is running smoothly at the very end. A thorough test right after the move will help prevent any surprises later.
Smooth Migration for Better Data Reliability
As businesses require more of their data to function, its reliability and security are paramount. Migrating to a Tier 4 center will give you the ultimate amount of uptime and dependability. The process of moving your equipment and information to a data center can be smooth and require almost no downtime with the right plan. Learn more about our
virtual private server hosting options and see if migrating could be the right move for your business.
Create an almost seamless transition by getting your plan in place today.
Recommended Reading:
|
